BILL NUMBER: SB 682INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Padilla FEBRUARY 27, 2009 An act to add Section 52377.5 to the Education Code, relating to individuals with exceptional needs. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 682, as introduced, Padilla. Individuals with exceptional needs: employment training. Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish the capacity to provide transition services such as employment and academic training, strategic planning, interagency coordination, and parent training for a broad range of individuals with exceptional needs, including autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. This bill would authorize each county office of education to create an educational program to provide employment-related services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities or special needs. The bill would require that each program include an advisory board, and would authorize each program to perform specified functions, including collaborating with a multipurpose community designed to offer housing, employment, and recreational opportunities. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 52377.5 is added to the Education Code, to read: 52377.5. Each county office of education may create an educational program to provide employment-related services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities or special needs. A program established pursuant to this section shall include an advisory board and may do any or all of the following: (a) Include mentoring and internship programs with a focus on employment training and opportunities. (b) Provide participants with both the work skills necessary to exhibit competence on the job and career technical training necessary for securing employment. (c) Collaborate with a multipurpose community designed to offer housing, employment, and recreational opportunities.