It appears that the 2026 legislature failed to take any action concerning the future of the Autism Advisory Council. There were two different versions of proposals to change the Council, with neither the Senate nor the House willing to accept the idea of the other chamber. The competing bills were sent to a “committee of conference,” but the conference committee did not reach a compromise. A bill to make the Council a permanent “commission” was offered in 2025, as well, but did not pass.
As it currently exists, the Autism Advisory Council has the mandate to promote coordination of services and resources among agencies involved in the delivery of services to Virginians with autism spectrum disorders and to increase public awareness of such services and resources. It consists of 25 members, from specific agencies and from the House and the Senate, but has no specifically-dedicated staff support.
The Autism Advisory Council is set to expire on July 1, 2027.
HB 231 (Cohen) would have reestablished the Council as a permanent legislative “commission,” with more limited membership but with dedicated staff to support its efforts. The mandate of the Commission would have been to promote coordination of services and resources among agencies involved in the delivery of services to Virginians with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, to improve the quality of and access to such services and resources, to address gaps in services and resources needed, and to increase public awareness of such services and resources. It would have reduced membership from 25 to 12, but would include paid staff support. It was anticipated to have a minor budget impact. The Senate rejected this approach.
SB 280 (Aird) would have moved the Council from the legislative branch to the executive branch and would have established it as an “Advisory Board.” The mandate of the Board would have been to advise the Governor, cabinet members, and the General Assembly on strategies to promote coordination of services and resources among agencies involved in the delivery of services to Virginians with autism spectrum disorders and to increase public awareness of such services and resources. Staffing would have been provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, with no budget impact. The House rejected this approach.
We anticipate proposals in the 2027 legislature to address the future of the Council, if only to extend the “sunset” clause.
Our mission, at the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, is to advance independence, choice and self-determination; protect legal, human and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation.