_____________ bill NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MONTANA AUTISM FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM; CREATING AN AUTISM FACILITIES ACCOUNT IN THE STATE SPECIAL REVENUE FUND; PROVIDING A TRANSFER OF FUNDS; PROVIDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; and PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."

WHEREAS, during the past decade, the prevalence of autism in the United States has increased;

WHEREAS, approximately half a million children with autism will legally become adults within the next decade; and

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that adults with autism living in Montana have access to supportive services and housing options to meet their needs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

NEW SECTION. Section 1. Autism facilities grant -- purpose -- eligibility -- rulemaking. (1) (a) There is an autism facilities grant program administered by the department of public health and human services for the purpose of providing grants for the construction of autism facilities designed and equipped to provide services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

(b) For purposes of this section, "autism facility" is a facility in Montana that provides services to children or adults, or both, with autism spectrum disorder, including but not limited to therapy, housing, and other support services.

(2) To be eligible for a grant from the department, a nonprofit or government entity:

(a) shall match each $1 of the grant with $1 raised from public or private sources; and

(b) shall provide the department with plans for the construction and development of autism facilities in the state.

(3) The department shall develop rules and policies necessary to administer the grant program in accordance with the purpose established in subsection (1).

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Autism facilities special revenue account. (1) There is an account in the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102 for the autism facilities grant program.

(2) The purpose of the account is to provide funding for autism facilities grants awarded in accordance with [sections 1].

(3) There must be deposited in the account:

(a) any funds available through and identified by the department of public health and human services for the autism facilities grant program;

(b) any legislative appropriations; and

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Transfer of funds. By August 1, 2023, the state treasurer shall transfer $200,000 from the general fund to the account established in [section 2].

NEW SECTION. Section 4. Notification to tribal governments. The secretary of state shall send a copy of [this act] to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana.

NEW SECTION. Section 5. Codification instruction. [Sections 1 and 2] are intended to be codified as a new part of Title 53, chapter 20, and the provisions of Title 53, chapter 20, apply to [sections 1 and 2].

NEW SECTION. Section 6. Effective date. [This act] is effective July 1, 2023.