SENATE BILL 221

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Cynthia Nava

AN ACT

RELATING TO AUTISM; PROVIDING FOR A SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS CENTER IN DONA ANA COUNTY; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS CENTER--PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS.--The Las Cruces school public district may establish the "southern New Mexico autism spectrum disorders center" in Dona Ana county to provide student academic and behavior support through classroom observation and assistance to educators in developing behavior intervention plans; teacher and instructional support provider training; other service provider training; technical assistance; research assistance; parent or caregiver support; and an autism spectrum disorders information clearinghouse for educators and other service providers in southern New Mexico. The training, technical assistance, research assistance and information dissemination shall also be available to other persons and community agencies that are directly involved in providing services to children and adolescents identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. The center and the Las Cruces public school district shall prepare an annual report to the governor and the legislature detailing its programs and the number of educators and other persons served.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--Two hundred twenty thousand dollars ($220,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for expenditure in fiscal year 2013 for distribution to the Las Cruces public school district for operating expenses of the southern New Mexico autism spectrum disorders center. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2013 shall revert to the general fund.

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