Important Autism Bills and Others we are Following
Autism Commission HB231 / SB280
Establish Autism Commission- Membership will be 9 Legislators and 3 public members (1-self avocate or parent; 1 clinician in the field of autism, and 1 representative of autism advocacy organization). A staff member for the commission.
Criminal Justice Reform Bills
Affirmative Defense-HB246/ SB335 The bill provides an affirmative defense for individuals charged with assault or assault and battery in certain situations when their actions were influenced by their disability.
Deferred Prosecution -HB247 Allows the court to consider a deferred prosecution for a defendant with ID/DD earlier in the court process and before a plea is entered. The defendant's criminal conduct must be caused by or have a direct and substantial relationship to their disability.
Interrogation Protections- SB198 Prohibits admission of any evidence from an individual with DD/ID, in certain criminal prosecutions unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that such individual's decision to speak to law enforcement was not caused by and did not have a direct and substantial relationship to such individual's disability.
Pay Attendants for Hospital Care HB823
Pay Attendant caregivers who provide care when the individual is hospitalized.
Protect EVV Exemption for Live-in Caregivers
Current budget language includes a budget proposal with language that would require live-in caregivers to use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV). We oppose requirment for live-in caregivers to use EVV and are working to keep the current exemption for live-in caregivers.
Allow People with Guardianships to retain the Right to Vote HB1014
Allows an individual under guardianship to retain their right to vote unless the Court makes a finding by clear and convincing evidence that such person lacks the capacity to understand the act of voting. See HB1014 debated on the Floor of the House of Delegates on February 2, 2026
Autism Advocates Working together to prepare for 2026 Legislative Session
The Virginia Autism Project and our advocacy partners are committed to advocating for policies that support autistics in Virginia. Our mission is to provide in-depth education about legislation and bills that the General Assembly in Richmond is considering. Register for our updates which are crucial for understanding how new laws and policies could impact autism therapies and support for families across Virginia.
Addressing the White House announcement about acetaminophen and ASD
- On September 22, 2025 the White House and Health and Human Services announced that evidence suggests acetaminophen use in pregnant women, especially late in pregnancy, may cause long-term neurological effects in their children.
- It is important to note that while an association between acetaminophen and neurological conditions has been described in many studies, a causal relationship has not been established and there are contrary studies in the scientific literature.
- Watch video of comments by Teresa Champion to WTVR regarding the announcement.
Get Involved with the Virginia Autism Project and their partners and Make a Difference
Your voice matters in shaping the future of policies that impact autistic Virginians. If you have questions, need more information, or want to help influence positive change, reach out to us today. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic individuals and their families in Virginia.