Georgia CommonsHR 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 LegiScan holds.
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”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Lauren McDonald (R, HD-026)
- Carter Barrett (R, HD-024)
- Rick Jasperse (R, HD-011)
- Todd Jones (R, HD-025)
- David Clark (R, HD-100)
- Brent Cox (R, HD-028)
Topics
- autism awareness
- disability advocacy
- Georgia House resolution
- law enforcement interactions