A proposal to introduce an Autism Bill has been drawn in the latest Member Bill Ballot of the National Assembly for Wales.
The proposal, put forward by the Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Paul Davies:
“…makes provision for meeting the needs of children and adults with autism spectrum conditions in Wales with the aim of protecting and promoting the rights of autistic adults in Wales. The Bill would also give the condition its own statutory identity, recognising that autism is a condition in its own right.”
Mr Davies said:
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to bring forward a legislative proposal to provide the autism community with a proper statutory identity and I hope to work with all parties at the Assembly to see this proposal become a reality.
This is a chance for the autism community to be heard loud and clear – delivering an Autism Bill, which can supplement the Welsh Government’s autism strategy, is crucial in ensuring that those affected by the condition really do receive the care and support that they need.”
Mr Davies now has until 5 May to table a motion seeking the Assembly’s agreement that he can introduce a Member Bill. If the Assembly agrees to his proposal, he will have 13 months to develop and introduce his Bill.
Member Bill Ballots are a way of allowing individual Assembly Members to introduce proposed laws.
Each Assembly Member can enter one idea in a Member Bill Ballot. Their idea can be on anything that they think the Assembly has the legal power to change, except for taxation.
Suggestions are drawn at random.