WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJ 560

Commending the Faison Center.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carrie Coyner and 3 co-sponsors

Commends the Faison Center on its 25th anniversary for leadership in autism education, early education, and adult services; ceremonial recognition by Virginia General Assembly.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ560ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 560

Summary of House Joint Resolution 560 (HJ560ER)

Purpose and Intent

  • HJ560ER is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution that commends the Faison Center on the occasion of its 25th anniversary of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s admiration for the Center’s work in education, early education, and adult services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, and for its leadership in the field.

Background and Achievements Highlighted

  • The Faison Center traces its origins to the Faison School for Autism, founded in 1999 with an inaugural class of four students.
  • By 2015, the organization had expanded into the Faison Center, adding:
    • Early Education Center for children as young as 16 months.
    • Faison Residence, an apartment complex housing adults with autism in a community-integrated setting.
  • In 2018, the Peninsula School opened in Newport News to better serve children on the Virginia Peninsula.
  • In 2020, both the Faison School and the Peninsula School were among the first in the Commonwealth to reopen for in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Center is described as a leader in applied research in behavior analysis and as a partner in community efforts to raise awareness of autism and advocate for services.
  • The resolution notes the Center’s commitment to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across all life stages and recognizes the contributions of its faculty and staff.
  • It also acknowledges the passing of co-founder Alan Kirshner in 2024.

Key Provisions

  • The General Assembly “hereby commends the Faison Center on the occasion of its 25th anniversary of service to the Commonwealth.”
  • The Clerk of the House of Delegates is directed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to W. Brian McCann, president and CEO of the Faison Center, recognizing the organization’s efforts in education, early education, and adult services for autism and related disabilities.

Who/What is Affected

  • The resolution affects the Faison Center, its leadership (notably CEO W. Brian McCann), staff, and the broader community served by the Center.
  • It publicly recognizes the Center within the Commonwealth but does not enact policy changes or provide funding.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025.
  • Engrossed by the House and agreed to by the House: February 3, 2025.
  • Received by the Clerk and laid on Clerk’s desk: February 4, 2025.
  • Agreed to by the Senate (voice vote): February 6, 2025.
  • Enrolled as HJ560ER: February 2025 (text indicates status as enrolled after both chambers’ concurrence).
  • Legislative actions reference bill number 25101486D and indicate the enrolled version (HJ560ER) after passage.

Overall Impact

  • The bill has purely ceremonial impact, affirming statewide recognition of the Faison Center’s 25 years of service and achievements.
  • It highlights the Center’s ongoing mission and historical milestones, celebrating its role in education, early childhood services, adult services, and autism research and advocacy.

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

Sign in to ask a question.