Georgia CommonsHouse · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HR 1885: Autism Acceptance Month; 04/26; World Autism Awareness Day; 04/02/26; Connor Tomlinson; work advocating for the autism community; recognize
Last action March 23, 2026 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution recognizes April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day, and commends Forsyth County resident Connor Tomlinson for his autism advocacy work.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives designates April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day in the state. It also formally commends Connor Tomlinson, a Forsyth County resident known for appearing on the Netflix show Love on the Spectrum, for using his public platform to advocate for people with autism, including efforts to promote safer interactions between individuals with autism and law enforcement in Georgia. The resolution explains background on autism spectrum disorder, the value of early screening and evidence-based therapies, and the purpose of the two observances. It does not create any new law, program, or funding. It directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and the press.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day in Georgia.
- Commends organizations, advocates, and families who work to create a more inclusive world for people with autism.
- Specifically commends Connor Tomlinson for his advocacy and efforts to improve safety and understanding for individuals with autism in Georgia.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and press.
Who it affects
This resolution mainly affects public recognition rather than legal rights. It touches individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families, autism advocacy organizations, Connor Tomlinson personally, and the Clerk of the House, who must distribute copies of the resolution.
Why it matters
Because this is a resolution rather than a bill, it does not change Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is symbolic: raising public attention to autism acceptance and honoring an individual advocate, which may support broader awareness efforts but carries no legal or financial consequences.
Key provisions
- The preamble (whereas clauses) describes autism spectrum disorder, early intervention benefits, and evidence-based and complementary therapies.
- The resolved clause designates April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day.
- The resolved clause commends Connor Tomlinson for his advocacy, public awareness efforts, and work on safety and understanding for individuals with autism in Georgia.
- A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for public and press distribution.
From the bill
“Connor has used his platform to exercise his right to advocate for safer interactions with law enforcement and individuals with autism in Georgia.”
“the members of this body recognize April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026, as World Autism Awareness Day”
Discussed in meetings (1)
The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.
House floor session, March 25, 2026 (legislative day 37, AM)
From 0:57:08 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel
Summary by Georgia Commons: The clerk described HR 1885 as recognizing April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, and commending an autism advocate. The presenting member welcomed the advocate, family members and the founder of Just Be, highlighting their advocacy work. The honored advocate thanked members and expressed hope for making Georgia safer for autistic and other neurodiverse people, including through support for legislation mentioned during the remarks. The chair thanked the guests for their work and emphasized public safety personnel's understanding of the community. No vote on the resolution was shown.
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Lauren McDonald III (R, HD-26)
- Carter Barrett (R, HD-24)
- Rick Jasperse (R, HD-11)
- Todd Jones (R, HD-25)
- David Clark (R, HD-100)
- Brent Cox (R, HD-28)
Topics
- autism awareness
- disability advocacy
- Georgia House resolution
- law enforcement interactions