January 30, 2018 – Legislative Highlights

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2018 Virginia General Assembly
Legislative Highlights
January 30, 2018

The Virginia legislature is considering several bills that could impact adults and children with autism.

HB 1311 (Collins) and HB 1369 (Plum) would have required insurance to offer coverage for persons with autism of any age.  Current law requires coverage until age 10.  Both bills were defeated in a House subcommittee on Commerce and Law.

SB 593 (Vogel) is the Senate companion to the house bills above, requiring insurance coverage for persons with autism of any age. This bill was approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor, but referred to the committee on Finance due to a possible fiscal impact.  The possible fiscal impact on the Commonwealth’s budget relates to health insurance coverage for state employees.

SB 234 (Hanger) extends the operation of the Autism Advisory Council beyond its sunset date of July 1, 2018 until July 1, 2020.  This bill is before the Senate Committee on Rules.

SB 337 (Stuart) creates an Autism Commission within state government to evaluate services for people with autism and make recommendations for future services.  This bill is before the Senate Committee on Rules.

The mission of 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.

The disAbility law Center of Virginia is monitoring developments in the legislature that may be of interest to people with disabilities.  We are available to educate policymakers about the potential impact of legislative proposals.  Please let us know of any legislative proposals or budget issues that you think we should be following.  Contact us at info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or 804-225-2042.