This bill amends the structure and responsibilities of the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NHCASD). It repeals the existing statute RSA 171-A:32 and reenacts it to establish a council that includes a diverse membership comprising state officials, representatives from various organizations, individuals diagnosed with autism, and their family members. The council's primary duties include providing leadership in education and healthcare for individuals with autism, collaborating with relevant organizations, making recommendations for best practices, and maintaining an online resource listing for families. Additionally, the council is required to report annually to key state officials and committees.
The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the council's meeting format, allowing for hybrid in-person and electronic participation to accommodate members who cannot attend in person. It specifies that a quorum consists of a majority of the appointed members and mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services provide administrative support to the council. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.