BILL NUMBER: SB 383INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Liu FEBRUARY 26, 2009 An act to add Section 4643.4 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to autism. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 383, as introduced, Liu. Autism: screening. Under existing law, the State Department of Developmental Services contracts with private nonprofit entities, known as regional centers, to provide or purchase services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Existing law requires the department to develop and publish evaluation and diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and to train regional center clinical staff in the utilization of those procedures. This bill would require the department, not later than October 1, 2011, to provide recommendations for a system of universal screening for infants, and rescreening of children at 2 years of age, as specified, and would require the department to seek existing or new federal funding for this purpose. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 4643.4 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read: 4643.4. (a) The department shall provide recommendations for a system of universal screening for infants, and rescreening of children at two years of age, the age at which some conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, begin to manifest. These screenings shall be safe, secure, and available to every Californian who wants them. (b) The department shall seek existing and new federal funds to accomplish the goal descibed in subdivision (a), to the extent that this goal can be achieved without statutory changes. (c) Not later than October 1, 2011, the department shall submit the recommendations required pursuant to subdivision (a) to the Legislature and the Governor.