New law creates autism commission

Posted on Feb 18 2009

Despite concerns raised by officials within the Public School System, acting governor Timothy Villagomez signed a bill into law yesterday that creates a Commonwealth Autism Commission.

Public Law 16-28 will establish the Commonwealth Commission on Autism to study and investigate issues, including the early identification and intervention of autism spectrum disorders.

Rep. Heinz Hofschneider who introduced the measure, stated in the bill that autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States and the Commonwealth.

But PSS Education Commissioner Rita Sablan and Board of Education chair Lucy Blanco-Maratita both opposed the legislation, saying that, although the intent to create a commission is commendable, the Public School System couldn’t support the bill because it seems to circumvent certain local and federal regulations of both education and governmental entities.

Villagomez also signed into law a bill that amends the terms of members of the Election Commission.

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