1     
AUTISM LICENSE PLATE AMENDMENTS

2     
2018 GENERAL SESSION

3     
STATE OF UTAH

4     
Chief Sponsor: Rebecca P. Edwards

5     
Senate Sponsor: Todd Weiler

6     

7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This bill amends provisions related to the Autism Awareness Restricted Account and
10     Autism Awareness Support special group license plate.
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This bill:
13          ▸     requires the superintendent of the State Board of Education to ensure funds are
14     allocated to pay for license plates and decals as needed;
15          ▸     amends provisions related to the qualifications of an organization requesting a
16     disbursement from the account; and
17          ▸     makes technical changes.
18     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
19          None
20     Other Special Clauses:
21          None
22     Utah Code Sections Affected:
23     AMENDS:
24          53F-9-401, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 2
25     

26     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
27          Section 1. Section 53F-9-401 is amended to read:
28          53F-9-401. Autism Awareness Restricted Account.
29          (1) There is created in the General Fund a restricted account known as the "Autism
30     Awareness Restricted Account."
31          (2) The account shall be funded by:
32          (a) contributions deposited into the account in accordance with Section 41-1a-422;
33          (b) private contributions; and
34          (c) donations or grants from public or private entities.
35          (3) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the superintendent shall [distribute funds in
36     the account to one or more charitable organizations that]:
37          (a) (i) ensure the inventory of Autism Awareness Support special group license plate
38     decals are in stock; and
39          (ii) transfer money to the Tax Commission to pay for the group license plate as needed;
40          (b) distribute funds in the account to one or more charitable organizations that:
41          [(a)] (i) qualify as being tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
42     Code;
43          [(b)] (ii) has as the organization's sole mission to promote access to resources and
44     responsible information for individuals of all ages who have, or are affected by, autism or
45     autism spectrum related conditions;
46          [(c)] (iii) is an independent organization that has representation from state agencies and
47     private providers serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families in the
48     state;
49          [(d)] (iv) includes representation of:
50          [(i)] (A) national and local autism advocacy groups, as available; and
51          [(ii)] (B) interested parents and professionals; and
52          [(e)] (v) does not endorse any specific treatment, therapy, or intervention used for
53     autism.
54          (4) (a) An organization described in Subsection (3) may apply to the superintendent to
55     receive a distribution in accordance with Subsection (3).
56          (b) An organization that receives a distribution from the superintendent in accordance
57     with Subsection (3) shall expend the distribution only to:
58          (i) pay for autism education and public awareness of programs and related services in
59     the state;
60          (ii) enhance programs designed to serve individuals with autism;
61          (iii) provide support to caregivers providing services for individuals with autism;
62          (iv) pay administrative costs of the organization; and
63          [(iv)] (v) pay for academic scholarships and research efforts in the area of autism
64     spectrum disorder[; and].
65          [(v) pay the costs of issuing or reordering Autism Awareness Support special group
66     license plate decals.]
67          (c) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
68     State Board of Education may make rules providing procedures for an organization to apply to
69     the superintendent to receive a distribution under Subsection (3).