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SCR 149

Relative to World Autism Awareness Day.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marie Alvarado-Gil and 28 co-sponsors

Designates April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day in California to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion across schools, workplaces, and communities.

Read. Adopted. Ordered to the Senate.
#worldautismawarenessday
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Bill Summary · SCR 149

Summary of California Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 149 (2025-2026)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • SCR 149 designates April 2, 2026, as World Autism Awareness Day in California.
  • The measure fosters awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and encourages broader public participation in related efforts in schools, workplaces, and communities.
  • It situates the observance within a broader context of recognizing the rights, contributions, and needs of people with ASD, including calls for expanded services and supports across life stages.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official Designation:

    • The California Legislature designates April 2, 2026, as World Autism Awareness Day.

  • Observance and Public Education:

    • Encourages Californians to participate in activities and efforts to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.
    • Emphasizes the importance of understanding ASD and supporting individuals across settings such as schools, workplaces, and communities.

  • Policy Emphasis and Scope:

    • Reiterates several themes relevant to ASD policy, including:
    • Early intervention and timely access to services.
    • Inclusive education and opportunities for employment.
    • Community-based supports and adult-life supports to improve long-term outcomes.
    • Training and awareness for educators, healthcare professionals, employers, law enforcement, and first responders to better support autistic individuals.
    • Highlights the broader social and economic context of ASD, including the lifelong nature of the condition, common co-occurring conditions, and the value of neurodiversity.

  • Recognition of Contributions and Rights:

    • Acknowledges the contributions of autistic individuals to arts, sciences, technology, culture, and civic life.
    • Aligns with international norms such as the UN rights framework and the recognition of autism within the broader disability rights conversation.

  • Communications and Dissemination:

    • Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for distribution (a procedural step to publicize the proclamation).

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Statewide Audience:
    • All Californians are encouraged to recognize World Autism Awareness Day and engage in activities that promote awareness and inclusion.
  • Public Institutions and Sectors:
    • Schools, healthcare providers, employers, law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations are highlighted as targets for awareness and training initiatives.
  • Policy and Service Context:
    • Reinforces ongoing California commitments to ASD-related services (e.g., regional center services, Department of Rehabilitation programs, inclusive education, and community-based supports) without creating new statutory mandates or funding commitments within SCR 149 itself.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative History:
    • Introduced in March 2026 by Senator Valladares, with a broad list of co-sponsors.
    • Passed the Senate with a unanimous vote (Ayes 38, Noes 0) on April 16, 2026, and moved to the Assembly.
    • As of the latest action, it was referred to the Committee on Rules, Labor, or similar procedural committee (exact committee name reflected in action history), and subsequently advanced to third reading before the Assembly.
  • Effective Date:
    • The designation applies specifically to April 2, 2026, World Autism Awareness Day in California.

Notes

  • SCR 149 is a commemorative, symbolic measure rather than a policy or appropriations bill. It aims to raise public awareness and signal legislative support for ASD-related inclusion and supports.
  • The bill includes extensive background material on ASD in its preamble, underscoring the rationale for awareness and the value of neurodiversity, while not mandating new programs or funding via the resolution itself.

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

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