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Bill

A 999

Relates to adding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to the definition of developmental disability

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Bendett and 14 co-sponsors

Adds FASD to the definition of developmental disability, expanding eligibility for state developmental disability programs and services for people with FASD.

PRINT NUMBER 999A
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Bill Summary · A 999

Bill A 999 — Summary

Relates to adding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to the definition of developmental disability

What the bill aims to do

  • The bill would add fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) to the definition of “developmental disability” used by state programs and services.
  • By explicitly including FASD, individuals with FASD could become eligible for programs, supports, and services currently available to those with developmental disabilities.

Key provisions and changes (as described)

  • Add FASD to the statutory definition of developmental disability.
    • This change would likely affect eligibility criteria used by state agencies, funding streams, waivers, and service-planning processes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Administrative and programmatic implications would flow from the broadened definition, including how eligibility determinations are made, and how services are allocated and administered under relevant programs.

Note: The text provided does not include the bill’s full statutory language, so the summary focuses on the core definitional change and its likely programmatic consequences.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders who seek developmental disability services.
  • State and local agencies administering developmental disability programs and funding.
  • Service providers who administer supports, therapies, and accommodations under developmental disability programs.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Referral: January 8, 2025 — referred to People with Disabilities (twice listed)
  • Referral: March 25, 2025 — referred to Ways and Means (twice listed)
  • Reported to Ways and Means: March 25, 2025
  • Amendments and action: November 24, 2025 — amended and recommitted to Ways and Means
  • Status: Print Number 999A (as of November 24, 2025)

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Sarah Clark
  • cosponsors: Angelo Santabarbara, Scott H. Bendett, Jo Anne Simon, Andrew Hevesi, Demond Meeks, Chris Burdick, Deborah Glick, Josh Jensen, Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Donna Lupardo, Anna Kelles, Jen Lunsford
  • Notes: A broad slate of sponsors suggests cross-party or broad support for expanding recognition of developmental disabilities.

Related bills

  • A 9096 (prior-session)
  • A 2297 (prior-session)
  • S 382 (companion)

Potential impact and considerations

  • Eligibility: Expanded eligibility for developmental disability services and supports to individuals with FASD.
  • Fiscal implications: Placement with Ways and Means indicates potential budgetary impact; exact costs would be analyzed during committee review and any fiscal note process.
  • Implementation: Agencies would need to adjust eligibility criteria, intake processes, and data reporting to include FASD in the developmental disability category.
  • Timetable: Any enacted version would require administrative rule updates and funding authorization, with implementation timelines determined during the legislative and agency processes.

This summary presents the essential information available from the bill’s current status and actions. For a fuller understanding, review the bill’s statutory language, fiscal note (once issued), and committee memos.

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

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