§ 13.42 Autism spectrum disorders advisory board.

(a) There is hereby established within the office the autism spectrum
disorders advisory board. Such board shall consist of twenty-four
members, fifteen of whom shall be appointed and nine of whom shall serve
ex officio. Of the appointed members, three shall be appointed by the
governor, three shall be appointed by the temporary president of the
senate, three shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly, three
shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate and three shall
be appointed by the minority leader of the assembly. Of the three
members appointed by each appointing authority, one member shall have
expertise of work as a professional in the field of autism, one member
shall be a family advocate and one member shall be a self-advocate in
the community that such advocate resides. A representative from each of
the following state agencies shall serve ex officio: the office for
people with developmental disabilities; the department of education; the
office of mental health; the office of children and family services; the
department of health; the developmental disabilities planning council;
the council on children and families; and the office of vocational and
educational services for individuals with disabilities. The chair of the
board shall be selected by the governor.

(b) Members of the board shall serve for a term of three years, at
which point such membership position shall be subject to reappointment.
Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment once a member's term has expired, or if a member
resigns before his or her term has expired. Members of the board shall
receive no compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary
expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within amounts
appropriated therefor. As of the effective date of the chapter of the
laws of two thousand twenty-three which amended this subdivision, all
appointees who are currently serving on the board shall be subject to
the term limit set forth pursuant to this section.

(c) The board shall have the following tasks and duties:

(1) Study and review the effectiveness of supports and services
currently being provided to people diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorders;

(2) Identify legislative and regulatory activity which may be required
to improve existing service systems that support people diagnosed with
autism spectrum disorders;

(3) Identify methods of improving interagency coordination of services
and maximize the impact and effectiveness of services and agency
functions;

(4) Identify strategies and methods of improving outreach and
coordination of services associated with autism spectrum disorders for
minority group members including, but not limited to, African American,
Latino and Asian children; and

(5) Such other matters as may be deemed appropriate by the members of
the board.

At the discretion of the chair, the board may consult with
stakeholders for the purpose of carrying out its tasks and duties in
accordance with this subdivision.

(d) Such board shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be
called by the chair. The agenda and meeting place of all regular or
special meetings shall be made available to the public in advance of
such meetings.

(e) The advisory board shall submit a written report to the governor,
the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly by
no later than October first of the year next succeeding the effective
date of this section and annually thereafter, setting forth the
recommendations and activities of the council on matters within the
scope of its duties as set forth in this section.