Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2024 or the Autism CARES Act of 2024
This act reauthorizes several programs that support autism education, research, and resources.
Specifically, the act reauthorizes through FY2029 (1) the Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program that is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) activities administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support autism education, early detection, and intervention; and (3) the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee in HHS.
It also updates and establishes various related reporting requirements, including by requiring HHS to report on the feasibility of expanding certain training programs for developmental-behavioral pediatricians.
[118th Congress Public Law 180]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[[Page 2613]]
AUTISM COLLABORATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT
ACT OF 2024
[[Page 138 STAT. 2614]]
Public Law 118-180
118th Congress
An Act
To amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and reauthorize
activities and programs relating to autism spectrum disorder, and for
other purposes. <<NOTE: Dec. 23, 2024 - [H.R. 7213]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Autism
Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of
2024.>>
SECTION 1. <<NOTE: 42 USC 201 note.>> SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Autism Collaboration,
Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2024'' or the
``Autism CARES Act of 2024''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ACTIVITIES.
(a) Expansion of Activities.--Section 409C(a)(1) of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``) shall, subject to the availability'' and
inserting the following: ``), in consultation with relevant
Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, shall--
``(A) subject to the availability'';
(2) by striking ``basic and clinical research in fields
including pathology'' and inserting the following: ``basic and
clinical research--
``(i) in fields, such as pathology'';
(3) by striking ``toxicology, and interventions'' and
inserting the following: ``toxicology, psychiatry, psychology,
developmental behavioral pediatrics, audiology, and gerontology;
and
``(ii) on interventions'';
(4) by striking ``disorder. Such research shall
investigate'' and inserting the following: ``disorder; and
``(B) ensure that research referred to in
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) investigates'';
(5) by striking ``prevention, services across the lifespan,
supports, intervention, and treatment of autism spectrum
disorder'' and inserting ``prevention, services and supports
across the lifespan, intervention, and treatment of autism
spectrum disorder and co-occurring conditions''; and
(6) by striking ``treatments.'' and inserting the following:
``treatments;
``(ii) examines supports for caregivers; and
``(iii) reflects the entire population of
individuals with autism spectrum disorder,
including those individuals with co-occurring
conditions and the full range of needs for
supports and services, including such supports and
services to ensure the safety, and promote the
well-being, of such individuals.''.
[[Page 138 STAT. 2615]]
(b) Centers of Excellence.--Section 409C(b) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``including the fields of'' and
inserting ``in fields such as''; and
(B) by striking ``behavioral psychology, and
clinical psychology'' and inserting ``behavioral
psychology, clinical psychology, and gerontology'';
(2) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``five'' and inserting
``seven''; and
(3) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``period of not to
exceed'' and inserting ``period not to exceed''.
(c) Public Input.--Section 409C(d) of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 284g(d)) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Public Input.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall under subsection
(a)(1) provide for means through which the public can obtain
information on the existing and planned programs and activities
of the National Institutes of Health with respect to autism
spectrum disorder and through which the Director can receive
comments from the public regarding such programs and activities.
``(2) Guidance.--The Director may provide guidance to
centers under subsection (b)(1) on strategies, activities, and
opportunities to promote engagement with, and solicit input
from, individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their family
members, guardians, advocates or authorized representatives,
providers, or other appropriate individuals to inform the
activities of the center. Such strategies, activities, and
opportunities should consider including, as appropriate,
individuals, family members, and caregivers of individuals with
autism spectrum disorder who represent the entire population of
individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including those
individuals with co-occurring conditions and the full range of
needs for supports and services, including such supports and
services to ensure the safety, and promote the well-being, of
such individuals, to inform the activities of the center.''.
(d) Budget Estimate.--Section 409C of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 284g) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) <<NOTE: Time periods.>> Budget Estimate.--For each of fiscal
years 2026 through 2029, the Director shall prepare and submit, directly
to the President for review and transmittal to Congress, an annual
budget estimate for the initiatives of the National Institutes of Health
pursuant to the strategic plan developed under section 399CC(b)(5) and
updated under section 399CC(b)(6)(B), after reasonable opportunity for
comment (but without change) by the Secretary and the Interagency Autism
Coordinating Committee established under section 399CC.''.
SEC. 3. PROGRAMS RELATING TO AUTISM.
(a) Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program.--
Section 399AA of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``an Indian tribe, or
a tribal organization'' and inserting ``an Indian Tribe, or a
Tribal organization'';
[[Page 138 STAT. 2616]]
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``across the
lifespan'' before the period at the end;
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``tribe;
tribal'' and inserting ``Tribe; tribal'';
(B) by striking ``tribe'' and inserting ``Tribe'';
and
(C) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting ``Tribal'';
and
(4) in subsection (e), by striking ``December 20, 2024'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2029''.
(b) Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention.--Section
399BB of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``culturally competent
information'' and inserting ``culturally and linguistically
appropriate information'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``promote research'' and inserting
``promote research, which may include research that
takes a community-based approach,''; and
(B) by striking ``screening tools'' each place it
appears and inserting ``screening and diagnostic
tools'';
(3) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``at higher risk'' and
inserting ``at increased likelihood'';
(4) in subsection (b)(4), by inserting ``, which may give
consideration to the perspectives of parents and guardians''
before the semicolon at the end;
(5) in subsection (b)(7), by striking ``at higher risk'' and
inserting ``at increased likelihood'';
(6) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``culturally competent
information'' and inserting ``culturally and linguistically
appropriate information'';
(7) in subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii), by striking ``culturally
competent information'' and inserting ``culturally and
linguistically appropriate information'';
(8) by amending paragraph (1) of subsection (e) to read as
follows:
(9) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
inserting ``, and strengthen the capacity of,'' after
``expand''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``expand existing or develop
new'' and inserting ``expand and strengthen the
capacity of existing, or, in States that do not
have such a program, develop new,''; and
(ii) by striking ``Act) in States that do not
have such a program'' and inserting ``Act)'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)(v), by inserting ``or other
providers, as applicable'' before the semicolon at the
end; and
(D) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) program sites--
``(i) provide culturally and linguistically
appropriate services;
``(ii) take a multidisciplinary approach and
have experience working with underserved
populations; and
``(iii) identify opportunities to partner with
community-based organizations to expand the
capacity of
[[Page 138 STAT. 2617]]
communities to serve individuals with autism
spectrum disorder or other developmental
disabilities.'';
(10) in subsection (e)(2), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(C) <<NOTE: Examination.>> Report.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the
Autism CARES Act of 2024, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that examines
the need for, and feasibility of, expanding the
developmental-behavioral pediatrician training programs
described in subparagraph (A).'';
(11) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) <<NOTE: Grants. Contracts.>> Intervention.--The Secretary
shall promote research through grants or contracts, which may include
grants or contracts to research centers or networks, to--
``(1) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>> develop and evaluate evidence-
based practices and interventions to improve outcomes for
individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental
disabilities by addressing physical and behavioral health and
communication needs of such individuals across the lifespan;
``(2) <<NOTE: Guidelines.>> develop guidelines for such
evidence-based practices and interventions; and
``(3) disseminate information related to such evidence-based
practices and interventions and guidelines.''; and
(12) in subsection (g), by striking ``December 20, 2024''
and inserting ``September 30, 2029''.
(c) Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.--Section 399CC of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
inserting ``, on a regular basis'' after ``shall'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``develop a
summary'' and inserting ``summarize''; and
(C) by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting
the following:
``(5) <<NOTE: Strategic plan.>> develop a strategic plan
for the conduct of, and support for, autism spectrum disorder
research, as described in section 409C(a)(1), which shall
include--
``(A) <<NOTE: Budget.>> proposed budgetary
requirements; and
``(B) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> recommendations
to ensure that autism spectrum disorder research, and
services and support activities to the extent
practicable, of the Department of Health and Human
Services and of other Federal departments and agencies
are not unnecessarily duplicative; and
``(6) <<NOTE: Time periods. Updates.>> submit to the
Congress and the President--
``(A) an annual update on the summary of advances
described in paragraph (2); and
``(B) a biennial update on the strategic plan
described in paragraph (5), including progress made in
achieving the goals outlined in such strategic plan and
any specific measures taken pursuant to such strategic
plan.''; and
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ``December 20, 2024'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2029''.
(d) Reports to Congress.--Section 399DD of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-3) is amended--
[[Page 138 STAT. 2618]]
(1) by striking ``2019'' each place it appears and inserting
``2024''; and
(2) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (1) to read as
follows:
``(1) <<NOTE: Public information. Web posting.>> In
general.--Not later than 4 years after September 30, 2024, the
Secretary, in consultation with other relevant Federal
departments and agencies, shall prepare and submit to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives, and make publicly available, including through
posting on the website of the Department of Health and Human
Services, a progress report on activities related to autism
spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Such
report shall include activities and research related to the
entire population of individuals with autism spectrum disorder,
including those individuals with co-occurring conditions and the
full range of needs for supports and services, including such
supports and services to ensure the safety, and promote the
well-being, of such individuals.'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the heading of subsection (b), by striking
``Health and Well-Being'' and inserting ``Mental Health
Needs'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``health and well-
being'' and inserting ``mental health needs''; and
(C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall contain--
``(A) <<NOTE: Overview.>> an overview of policies
and programs relevant to the mental health of
individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their
lifespan, including an identification of existing
Federal laws, regulations, policies, research, and
programs; and
``(B) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> recommendations
to improve mental health outcomes and address related
disparities in mental health care for individuals with
autism spectrum disorder, including prevention, care
coordination, and community-based services.'';
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Update on Young Adults and Youth Transitioning to Adulthood.--
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Autism CARES
Act of 2024, the Secretary, in coordination with other relevant Federal
departments and agencies, as appropriate, shall prepare and submit to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate an
update to the report required pursuant to subsection (b) of this
section, as added by section 6 of the Autism Cares Act of 2014 (Public
Law 113-157), and in effect before the date of enactment of the Autism
CARES Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-60), concerning young adults with
autism spectrum disorder and the challenges related to the transition
from existing school-based services to those services available during
adulthood.''.
(e) <<NOTE: Time periods.>> Authorization of Appropriations.--
Section 399EE of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-4) is
amended--
[[Page 138 STAT. 2619]]
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``$23,100,000 for each of
fiscal years 2020 through 2024'' and inserting ``$28,100,000 for
each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$50,599,000 for each of
fiscal years 2020 through 2024'' and inserting ``$56,344,000 for
each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``there are authorized to
be appropriated $296,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020
through 2024'' and inserting ``there is authorized to be
appropriated $306,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through
2029''.
SEC. 4. <<NOTE: 42 USC 280i note.>> TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO
IMPROVE ACCESS TO COMMUNICATION TOOLS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') may, at the request
of a State, Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, locality, or territory,
provide training and technical assistance to such jurisdiction on the
manner in which Federal funding administered by the Secretary may be
used to provide individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other
developmental disabilities with access to evidence-based services,
tools, and technologies that support communication needs.
(b) <<NOTE: Summary.>> Annual Report.--The Secretary shall annually
prepare and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives a report summarizing any technical assistance
provided by the Secretary in the preceding fiscal year under subsection
(a) and any advancements in the development or evaluation of such
evidence-based services, tools, and technologies.
Approved December 23, 2024.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 7213:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 118-620 (Comm. on Energy and Commerce).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 170 (2024):
Sept. 17, 18, considered and passed House.
Nov. 21, considered and passed Senate, amended.
Dec. 16, House concurred in Senate amendment.
<all>
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 13 (Roll no. 424). (text: 09/17/2024 CR H5297-5298)
Roll Call #424 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H6733)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6731-6733)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Mr. Bucshon moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H7161-7164, H7219-7220)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of the debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 7213.
Enacted as Public Law 118-180
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At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 374 - 15 (Roll no. 502). (text: CR H7161-7162)
Roll Call #502 (House)On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 374 - 15 (Roll no. 502). (text: CR H7161-7162)
Roll Call #502 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 118-180.
Became Public Law No: 118-180.