BILL NUMBER: SB 1050INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Alquist FEBRUARY 8, 2012 An act relating to autism and autism spectrum disorders. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 1050, as introduced, Alquist. Autism screening: pilot program. Existing law requires the State Department of Developmental Services to develop evaluation and diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism disorder and other autistic spectrum disorders, as specified. Existing law also requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to convene, with input from the University of California, the California State University, the department, and other appropriate entities, an advisory committee to develop recommendations identifying the means by which public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, can better serve pupils with autism spectrum disorders and their parents. This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish a pilot program to promote the use of technology and telehealth systems for the screening, diagnosis, and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. The pilot program would be established by an academic institution, in collaboration with school districts and regional centers, and would be funded through private-public partnerships, as specified. 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. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish a pilot program to promote the use of technology and telehealth systems for the screening, diagnosis, and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The pilot program would also focus on providing services, through the use of technology and telehealth, to underserved populations. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the pilot program be established by an academic institution, in collaboration with one or more regional centers, one or more school districts, or a combination of one or more regional centers and one or more school districts. (c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the pilot program be funded through public-private partnerships with entities such as foundations and high-tech companies.