Senate Bill S6862

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S6862

SPONSOR: MANNION
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to the term limit of
members of the autism spectrum disorders advisory board

 
PURPOSE:

To establish a three year term for the appointment of members of the
Autism Spectrum Disorders advisory board

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Establishes term limits for members of the autism spectrum
disorders advisory board to three years, at which point the membership
position must be subject to reappointment. Clarifies that any vacancies
on the board must be filled in the same manner as the original appoint-
ment once a member's term has expired or if such member resigns before
their term has expired. Establishes that all appointees who are current-
              

ly serving on the board will have a limit of 3 years, before needing a
reappointment.

Section 2. Effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board was established in 2016 to
provide guidance and information to New York policymakers, individuals
diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and families across
the State who may be seeking reliable information regarding available
services and supports. Since 2016 there have been no changes in member-
ship to the ASD advisory board.

Under current law, members of the autism spectrum disorders advisory
board may serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and any
vacancies on the board must be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment. This legislation seeks to establish a three year term limit
for members of the board, clarifies that any vacancies on the board must
be filled in the same manner as the original appointment once a member's
term has expired or if such member resigns before their term has expired
and all appointees who are currently serving on the board be subject to
the term limit of three years.

Currently, when members no longer wish to serve, that individual will
need to formally resign. This would ease the transition of new member-
ship by ensuring engaged participants remain as members on the board.
This legislation in no way prevents a board member from seeking a reap-
pointment to the board. By creating a defined term for board membership,
the board will increase its diversity and allow for new ideas to be
voiced on this important advisory board.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
On the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.