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SR 514

Autism Acceptance Month; recognize April 2025

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Albers and 23 co-sponsors

Designates April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day to promote understanding and inclusion of autistic people; ceremonial only.

Senate Read and Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 514

SR 514 — Summary: Recognizing Autism Acceptance Month (April 2025)

What the resolution does (purpose)

Senate Resolution 514 officially recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution affirms the State Senate’s support for greater understanding, inclusion, and affirmation of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and commends organizations, advocates, and families who work toward more inclusive communities.

Key provisions and text highlights

  • Formally recognizes:
    • April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month, and
    • April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day.
  • Summarizes information about autism spectrum disorder: lifelong developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing.
  • Emphasizes the importance of early screening and intervention (noting better outcomes for children diagnosed by age 4).
  • Cites evidence-based interventions (examples listed): applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training.
  • Notes complementary therapies that may help (art, music, animal-assisted programs).
  • Commends organizations, advocates, and families supporting autistic individuals.
  • Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make appropriate copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

Who or what is affected

  • Primarily ceremonial and declarative: recognizes and promotes public awareness and acceptance.
  • Intended beneficiaries: individuals with autism, their families, caregivers, advocacy organizations, and communities encouraged to be more inclusive.
  • No regulatory, funding, or programmatic changes are created by the resolution.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Bill number: SR 514 (resolution)
  • Introduced / Received by Secretary of the Senate: May 8, 2025
  • Senate Read and Adopted / Vote recorded in Journal: May 12, 2025 (also listed as read and adopted April 2, 2025 in the record)
  • Reported enrolled: May 12, 2025
  • Official status: Senate — Read and Adopted (ceremonial resolution)

Sponsors

Multiple primary sponsors from across the Senate (bipartisan list), including RaShaun Kemp, Chuck Payne, Sally Harrell, Nabilah Islam Parkes, Sonya Halpern, Kim Jackson, Brian Strickland, Nikki Merritt, and others.

Impact and limitations

  • Impact: Raises public awareness, signals legislative support for acceptance and inclusion, and may bolster advocacy and community activities during April 2025.
  • Limitations: This is a nonbinding, symbolic resolution—does not allocate funds, change law, or create mandated programs.

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

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