Bill Full Text
Home
-
Bills
-
Bill
-
Authors
-
Dates
-
Locations
-
Analyses
-
Organizations
<?xml version="1.0" ?>
<ns0:MeasureDoc xmlns:html="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:ns0="http://lc.ca.gov/legalservices/schemas/caml.1#" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" version="1.0" xsi:schemaLocation="http://lc.ca.gov/legalservices/schemas/caml.1# xca.1.xsd">
<ns0:Description>
<ns0:Id>20250SCR_014999INT</ns0:Id>
<ns0:VersionNum>99</ns0:VersionNum>
<ns0:History>
<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-03-23</ns0:ActionDate>
</ns0:Action>
</ns0:History>
<ns0:LegislativeInfo>
<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
<ns0:SessionNum>0</ns0:SessionNum>
<ns0:MeasureType>SCR</ns0:MeasureType>
<ns0:MeasureNum>149</ns0:MeasureNum>
<ns0:MeasureState>INT</ns0:MeasureState>
</ns0:LegislativeInfo>
<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Senator Valladares</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:AuthorText authorType="COAUTHOR_ORIGINATING">(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil, Ashby, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Jones, Laird, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Reyes, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, and Weber Pierson)</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Valladares</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Alvarado-Gil</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Ashby</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Blakespear</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Cabaldon</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Caballero</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Cervantes</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Choi</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Cortese</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Dahle</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Durazo</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Gonzalez</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Grayson</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Grove</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Jones</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Laird</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>McNerney</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Menjivar</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Niello</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Ochoa Bogh</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Padilla</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Pérez</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Reyes</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Richardson</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Rubio</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Seyarto</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Smallwood-Cuevas</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Stern</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Strickland</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Umberg</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Weber Pierson</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
</ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Title> Relative to World Autism Awareness Day. </ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>World Autism Awareness Day</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>World Autism Awareness Day.</ns0:Subject>
</ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:DigestText>
<html:p>This measure would designate April 2, 2026, as World Autism Awareness Day in California.</html:p>
</ns0:DigestText>
<ns0:DigestKey>
<ns0:FiscalCommittee>NO</ns0:FiscalCommittee>
</ns0:DigestKey>
</ns0:Description>
<ns0:Resolution id="resolution">
<ns0:Whereas id="id_F820FDFD-46C8-40BB-9754-78FBDB8CF72E">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reports that approximately 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the urgent need for continued awareness, research, and support; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_0B5B0C18-4ED5-48CB-A6D4-5A27659C8734">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, ASD is a lifelong developmental condition resulting from neurological differences that affect brain function, impacting individuals in diverse ways across all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_3251687D-5E65-4150-AD66-03DD9BE9F3E3">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD experience a wide range of strengths and challenges, often including differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior or interest, which require individualized support and understanding from their communities; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_43C0EA1E-E805-4927-9CD5-B7B4404C8362">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Many individuals with ASD also experience co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mental health challenges, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive medical, therapeutic, and educational services to improve quality of life; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_00FDE504-7A0F-4A21-960D-F4001796E82E">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and intervention are key to ensuring individuals with ASD have access to critical resources, therapies, and educational opportunities that foster development, independence, and well-being; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_E01B306C-C2A6-4B05-BACB-FE6373C0232F">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, ASD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls, with research indicating ASD is 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (approximately 4.9 out of 100 boys) than girls (1.4 out of 100 girls), though many girls and women with ASD remain underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in presentation; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_F682CCB6-E933-4C97-8E0D-54399D8246C1">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Raising a child with ASD comes with significant financial and emotional challenges for families, with annual costs estimated at $60,000 per child and lifetime support for individuals with severe autism potentially exceeding $3 million, reinforcing the need for accessible healthcare, education, and community support systems; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_6138785B-BB26-41E2-BE03-A3EDB3BE7FE2">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Employment opportunities for individuals with ASD remain disproportionately limited, with only 22.7 percent of individuals with disabilities, including those with ASD, securing employment. However, vocational rehabilitation programs have demonstrated success, with 60 percent of individuals with ASD gaining employment after receiving such services, highlighting the importance of workforce inclusion and job training programs; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_34B7BE80-E806-47D9-8CD2-4B1C45697AE7">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD are at increased risk of adverse encounters with the criminal justice system due to differences in communication, emotional regulation, and behavior, with studies showing that 19.5 percent of autistic youth and 18 percent of autistic adults have been stopped or arrested by police, reinforcing the need for improved training, awareness, and accommodations within law enforcement and the legal system; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_740124A1-A708-40D3-A01B-08562BCEB633">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, ASD advocacy has increasingly emphasized not only awareness but also acceptance, inclusion, and meaningful participation, recognizing that individuals with ASD deserve full opportunities to live, learn, work, and contribute within their communities; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_0A904557-C9E5-4A26-A35D-4D7869B71C65">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, The concept of neurodiversity recognizes neurological differences, including ASD, as natural variations of the human experience, and acknowledges that individuals with ASD bring unique talents, perspectives, creativity, and strengths that enrich society; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_2B326401-89D6-4344-98A1-73A4A1BB3EB2">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Families, caregivers, educators, therapists, and support professionals play a critical role in supporting individuals with ASD, often dedicating extraordinary time, resources, advocacy, and emotional commitment to ensure their loved ones can access opportunities and lead fulfilling lives; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_6E3B6FB0-521D-4FB0-B500-455090646191">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Many individuals with ASD experience a significant gap in services and opportunities as they transition from school-based supports into adulthood, underscoring the need to expand adult day programs, vocational training initiatives, employment pathways, and independent living supports that promote long-term stability and community participation; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_915C55E0-BF77-45F1-ACD3-4FEC99A61A98">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Inclusive employment initiatives have demonstrated that individuals with ASD possess valuable skills including attention to detail, creativity, persistence, and innovative thinking, and businesses that embrace neurodiverse hiring practices benefit from stronger, more dynamic, and more productive workforces; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_8EE78752-84A1-46A1-8E36-A88A02B21D86">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Community-based organizations, nonprofit programs, and local initiatives across California play an essential role in providing vocational training, creative arts opportunities, social engagement programs, and family support services that empower individuals with ASD to build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_B5498F72-70F4-4641-9C7E-B9FE9CF2FF13">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Arts-based programs, creative expression, and cultural engagement have proven to be especially powerful tools in supporting communication, emotional development, job readiness, and community participation for individuals with ASD; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_ECF33ED6-BCAE-4B0B-A969-B153866150C0">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Autistic self-advocates have become powerful voices in shaping public understanding of ASD and advancing policies that promote dignity, autonomy, and full participation in society; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_154A8836-A885-4F5F-8C64-8994CA329BA6">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Expanding ASD awareness and training among educators, healthcare professionals, employers, law enforcement officers, and first responders can help ensure that individuals with ASD are understood, supported, and treated with appropriate care and respect in schools, workplaces, and community interactions; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_23425882-604B-47B5-B92D-085577FB316A">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD have made meaningful contributions to the arts, sciences, technology, culture, and civic life, demonstrating that neurodiversity strengthens communities and fosters innovation across society; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_5CC0DA38-26C3-433F-86D6-F7CE4EB7E6EC">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, California’s continued commitment to expanding access to regional center services, Department of Rehabilitation programs, inclusive education initiatives, and community-based support systems is essential to ensuring that individuals with ASD and their families have the resources necessary to thrive throughout their lives; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_B20EDF9E-1A27-41F6-B485-3495F61F2195">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, Through the advocacy of Suzanne and Bob Wright, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 on December 18, 2007, establishing April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, a momentous occasion to increase understanding and promote acceptance of autism worldwide; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_63F2DFD4-6001-4275-BCC7-FBA4E6E88C60">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirm the right of individuals with ASD and other disabilities to live with dignity, enjoy full participation in society, and access the same fundamental freedoms and opportunities as all individuals; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_77044218-F675-43E8-87C7-B1D8FBF84283">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, The observance of World Autism Awareness Day serves as a call to action for communities, educators, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to foster inclusivity, expand resources, and create pathways for individuals with ASD to thrive; and</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Whereas id="id_1644D33D-7861-488E-A3D1-5D76A5BE7A56">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>WHEREAS, April 2, 2026, marks the 19th anniversary of the first World Autism Awareness Day, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of individuals with ASD and their families while advocating for policies that promote lifelong support and acceptance; now, therefore, be it</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Whereas>
<ns0:Resolved id="id_E9918CBE-D761-49A6-B757-91C1696B0199">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
<html:i>Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring,</html:i>
That the Legislature designates April 2, 2026, as World Autism Awareness Day and encourages all Californians to participate in efforts to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities; and be it further
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Resolved>
<ns0:Resolved id="id_B1083A79-7D87-41D7-A876-F36D520D1D64">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
<html:i>Resolved,</html:i>
That the Legislature recognizes the importance of expanding access to early intervention services, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and community-based supports to empower individuals with ASD and their families; and be it further
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Resolved>
<ns0:Resolved id="id_463D9A55-0FA7-4EFF-99A3-8588E9B870FB">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
<html:i>Resolved,</html:i>
That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:Resolved>
</ns0:Resolution>
</ns0:MeasureDoc>