(a) Statutory authority. The Texas Autism Council is established in accordance with HHSC's general authority to establish committees under Texas Government Code §531.012(a).
(b) Purpose. The Texas Autism Council advises and make recommendations to HHSC and the Executive Commissioner to ensure that the needs of persons of all ages with autism spectrum disorder and their families are addressed and that all available resources are coordinated to meet those needs.
(c) Tasks. The Texas Autism Council performs the following activities:
  (1) makes recommendations to HHSC through regularly scheduled meetings and HHSC staff assigned to the committee; and
  (2) other tasks consistent with its purpose that are requested by the Executive Commissioner.
(d) Reporting requirements. The Texas Autism Council performs reporting activities assigned by Texas Human Resources Code §114.008.
(e) Abolition. The Texas Autism Council is abolished, and this section expires, on December 31, 2020.
(f) Membership.
  (1) The Texas Autism Council consists of no more than 24 members.
    (A) Each public member is appointed by the Executive Commissioner.
    (B) Each ex officio member is appointed by the commissioner or executive head of the represented state agency.
    (C) Each member must have knowledge of and an interest in autism spectrum disorder.
    (D) Texas Autism Council membership is allocated as follows:
      (i) The majority of public members are family members of a person with autism spectrum disorder.
      (ii) A representative from each of the following state agencies will serve as an ex officio member:
        (I) Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services;
        (II) Texas Department of Family and Protective Services;
        (III) Texas Department of State Health Services;
        (IV) Texas Health and Human Services Commission;
        (V) Texas Workforce Commission; and
        (VI) Texas Education Agency.
  (2) Except as necessary to stagger terms, each public member is appointed to serve a term of two years.
  (3) An ex officio member serves in an advisory capacity only and may not:
    (A) serve as an officer; or
    (B) vote.
(g) Presiding officer.
  (1) The Texas Autism Council selects a presiding officer from among its members.
  (2) Unless reelected, the presiding officer serves a term of one year.

Source Note: The provisions of this §351.837 adopted to be effective July 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4432; amended to be effective February 25, 2019, 44 TexReg 807; amended to be effective January 27, 2020, 45 TexReg 523