Bill

HR 54

A RESOLUTION recognizing March 16 to 20, 2026, as Neurodiversity Celebration Week in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Bojanowski and 1 co-sponsor

Designate March 16–20, 2026 as Neurodiversity Celebration Week to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage inclusive practices for neurodivergent Kentuckians.

adopted by voice vote

#commendationsandrecognitions #mentalhealth

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Bill Summary · HR 54

Summary of Bill HR 54 (2026RS) — Kentucky

Title

A RESOLUTION recognizing March 16 to 20, 2026, as Neurodiversity Celebration Week in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Purpose and Intent

Officially designate a week in March 2026 to recognize and celebrate neurodiversity within Kentucky.
Promote awareness, inclusion, and understanding of neurodivergent individuals (including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and related experiences).
Challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma and discrimination by highlighting the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent people to workplaces, schools, and communities.

Key Provisions

Section 1: The Kentucky House of Representatives recognizes March 16–20, 2026, as Neurodiversity Celebration Week in Kentucky.
Section 2: The Clerk of the House is directed to transmit a copy of the resolution to Representative Daniel Grossberg.
The resolution notes the scope of neurodiversity, cites statistics on prevalence (e.g., about one in seven Americans; roughly 83,000 Kentuckians on the autism spectrum), and emphasizes the negative impact of outdated language and stigma.
Background information highlights:
- Neurodiversity encompasses a range of conditions and experiences, including but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Stereotypes and discrimination can impede opportunities in employment and education.
- Neurodivergent individuals possess unique talents and potential that can benefit communities when supported.

Who Is Affected

Broad public awareness impact across Kentucky, including:
- Neurodivergent individuals and their families.
- Employers, educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- General public, policymakers, and state and local institutions engaged in diversity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and Referral: February 3, 2026 (House); referred to Committee on Committees (H).
Floor Action: February 3–March 12, 2026 (committee and floor processes).
Adoption: March 16, 2026, by voice vote in the House.
Effective date: The resolution becomes official upon passage and publication as part of the Commonwealth’s records, recognizing the designated week in March 2026.
Administrative action: The Clerk of the House is tasked with notifying Representative Daniel Grossberg of the passage.

Impact and Implications

Non-binding symbolic measure: Does not create new mandates, funding, or regulatory changes.
Serves to:
- Elevate public awareness of neurodiversity and its positive contributions.
- Encourage inclusive practices and reduce stigma across state agencies, schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Potentially inform future policy discussions related to accessibility, education, and employment support for neurodivergent individuals.

Notes

The resolution explicitly references Neurodiversity Celebration Week, an international initiative established in 2018 by Siena Castellon, and aligns Kentucky with global efforts to foster inclusive cultures.
While affirming the value of neurodivergent individuals, the text also emphasizes combating outdated views that mischaracterize neurodiversity as a disease or epidemic.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.