Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund

This is a bill about Kentucky’s autism spectrum disorder trust fund and states an emergency.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund: An amount of money to specifically support autism research and services in Kentucky.

•  If this bill passes:

  • People who turn in paperwork to pay taxes and get money back from the state can choose to donate any or all of that money to the autism spectrum disorder trust fund.  

    • This donation won't change the amount of money they owe in taxes. 

      • It will cut into the money they get back by the donated amount.  

    • The Kentucky income tax paperwork will have a line where you can put that you want to donate 

    • Instructions on the paperwork will explain the trust fund and what it does.  

  • The state government office in charge of taxes will move the money to the trust fund by July 1 every year, starting in 2027.  

  • The program will get money from people making these donations, grants, and other places. 

    • Any leftover money at the end of the year will carry over to the next year.   

  • It creates the Advisory Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders, related to the Office of Autism, the state government office on health.

    • The council’s members will be leaders from various state offices, universities, advocacy groups, one person with autism, professionals who work with autistic people, and regular citizens.  

    • Leaders of the council will be chosen from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.  

    • The council can invite non-members to join smaller groups that work on specific areas.  

      • Members are not paid but can get money back for things they have to buy.  

      • At the start, members will be on the council for different amounts of time, and then for four-year afterward.  

  • The council will: 

    • Advocate for services like early checks for autism

    • Use the money on things like: 

      • Collecting data

      • Making important rules

      • Training workers

      • Finding more money

    • Make sure things happen honestly and with integrity

    • Be in charge of and give out money

    • Create a written plan on how to use the money every year

      • Send them to the leader of the state and the group that focuses on policy research

    • Set up a grant program so that money goes to research and services. 

  • The bill says the need for research on autism and services for autistic people in Kentucky is a health and safety emergency 

• The law takes effect once it’s passed and signed by the Governor, or as otherwise provided.