SR659: SR659 Profound Autism Day; recognize March 17, 2026

This is a Senate resolution, a formal statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day. The resolution's preamble explains that 'profound autism' describes autistic people who need 24/7 care from an adult caregiver for life, often have severe intellectual disability or little to no language, and are frequently left out of research and support programs. It cites a 2023 Centers for Disease Control study finding that 1 in 4 8-year-olds with autism in the United States have profound autism, and notes these children were more likely to be female, from racial or ethnic minority groups, low income, born preterm, or to have seizures or self-injurious behavior. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the public and press. It creates no new programs, funding, or legal requirements.

• Formally recognizes March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day in Georgia through a Senate resolution.
• States findings about profound autism, including CDC data that 1 in 4 8-year-olds with autism have profound autism.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new state funding, agency requirements, or changes to Georgia law.

People with profound autism and their families and caregivers in Georgia, along with autism researchers and support organizations, are the groups named in the resolution's text, though the resolution itself imposes no obligations on them.

Because this is a symbolic resolution, it does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is limited to an official designation and public distribution of the resolution, which can raise awareness of profound autism.

• The whereas clauses define profound autism and cite a 2023 CDC study finding 1 in 4 children age 8 with autism have profound autism.
• The resolved clause designates March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day, recognized by the Senate.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-02Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-29Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)Primary sponsor
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)

• autism awareness
• disability support
• Georgia Senate resolution
• public health