CO SB121

Creates a 6-member legislative oversight committee on developmental disabilities and autism, with members appointed by Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, House Speaker, and House Minority Leader (2-2-1-1 split).

Establishes a 25-member task force with 16 members appointed by committee chair/vice-chair representing self-advocates, parents, advocacy organizations, service providers, and professionals, plus 9 members appointed by state agency executive directors.

Committee will annually report to the General Assembly on findings and recommendations from the task force and may recommend legislation with exemption from introduction deadlines and bill limitations.

Task force will develop strategies to implement 2008 autism commission recommendations, increase service access, reduce administrative duplication, and coordinate services across systems for persons with developmental disabilities.

Committee and task force are repealed effective July 1, 2016; all funding depends on gifts, grants, and donations credited to the legislative department cash fund.