HR1234: HR1234 Profound Autism Day; March 17, 2026; recognize

This is a resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It designates March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day in Georgia, honoring people with a form of autism that requires constant adult caregiving throughout their lives. The resolution cites a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study finding that about 26.7 percent of 8-year-olds with autism in the United States have profound autism, meaning roughly one in four. It notes these individuals and their caregivers often face isolation and exclusion from research and support programs. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to prepare copies for distribution to the public and the press, but it does not create any new programs, funding, or legal requirements.

• Formally designates March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day through a vote of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Cites CDC research on the prevalence and characteristics of profound autism as the basis for the recognition.
• Creates no new funding, programs, or legal obligations, since it is a commemorative resolution rather than a law.

People with profound autism and their families and caregivers are the focus of the recognition. The resolution also involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who must prepare and distribute copies to the public and press.

While the resolution does not change any law or provide funding, it gives official state recognition to profound autism, a term meant to highlight the needs of autistic people who require lifelong, round-the-clock care and are often left out of research and support efforts.

• The whereas clauses describe how the term profound autism distinguishes individuals needing 24/7 adult caregiving from the broader autism spectrum.
• The whereas clauses cite an April 2023 CDC study finding that 26.7 percent of 8-year-olds with autism in the United States have profound autism.
• The resolved clause formally designates March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for distribution to the public and the press.

1. 2026-02-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-04House Hopper (House)

• Matthew Gambill (R, HD-015)Primary sponsor
• Scott Hilton (R, HD-048)
• Devan Seabaugh (R, HD-034)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Mitchell Scoggins (R, HD-014)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)

• autism awareness
• disability support
• health recognition day
• caregiving