2026 Regular Session - Day 52 - SB 69 | Rep. Stephanie Dietz

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every one of us here today has either been directly affected or knows someone who has been directly affected by an autism spectrum disorder. There is no denying that the need for additional services, supports, and research is necessary to better identify, prevent, and serve individuals and families who are affected by autism. As many of you are aware, the General Assembly receives multiple funding requests from around the state each session to support autism services. Senate Bill 69 acknowledges each one of these very worthy requests by establishing an Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, which is modeled after our Pediatric Cancer Trust Fund and provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute toward autism services, supports, and research. Mr. Speaker, could you please have the clerk report House Committee Substitute 1? Clerk, please report. House Committee Substitute 1 to Senate Bill 69. Lady Mckinnon. House Committee Substitute 1 simply removes Section 1 of this bill, which allowed individuals to contribute directly on their tax refunds to the Trust Fund through their Kentucky Individual Income Tax Form. I would move passage of House Committee Substitute 1. Motion is for the adoption of House Committee Substitute 1. Is there any discussion of the Committee Substitute? Seeing none, those in favor signify by voting aye. Those opposed, nay. House Committee Substitute 1 is adopted. Lady Mckinnon. Mr. Speaker, I move passage of Senate Bill 69 with House Committee Substitute 1. Question before the body is passage of Senate Bill 69 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, clerk will say on the chimes. Those in favor vote aye. Those opposed, nay. Roll call is open for your vote. Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change or explain their vote? The motion goes through Senate Bill 69 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1. Clerk will take the roll. There being 93 members voting aye, no members voting nay, Senate Bill 69 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 is passed. Lady McKinnon. Move to clinch it. Mr. Speaker, I move passage of Senate Bill 69 with House Committee Substitute 1.