HR1885: HR1885 Autism Acceptance Month; 04/26; World Autism Awareness Day; 04/02/26; Connor Tomlinson; work advocating for the autism community; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives does not change any law. Instead, it formally recognizes April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day, dates meant to promote understanding, inclusion, and global dialogue about autism spectrum disorder. The resolution also 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 safer interactions between law enforcement and people with autism in Georgia. It directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press, but it creates no new programs, funding, or legal requirements.

• Formally recognizes April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in Georgia.
• Formally recognizes April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day in Georgia.
• Commends organizations, advocates, and families working toward inclusion for people with autism.
• Specifically commends Connor Tomlinson for his advocacy work on autism awareness and safer law enforcement interactions.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

The resolution touches Georgians with autism spectrum disorder and their families, disability advocacy organizations, and Connor Tomlinson, a Forsyth County resident recognized for his advocacy. It also involves the Clerk of the House, who must distribute copies of the resolution.

While the resolution carries no legal force or funding, it gives official state recognition to autism awareness efforts and to one advocate's work, which can raise public visibility for issues like early intervention, inclusion, and safer interactions between law enforcement and people with autism.

• The whereas clauses describe autism spectrum disorder, the value of early screening and evidence-based interventions like applied behavior analysis and speech therapy.
• The resolved clause designates April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day.
• The resolution commends Connor Tomlinson by name for his advocacy, public awareness efforts, and work on safety for individuals with autism in Georgia.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for public and press distribution.

1. 2026-03-23House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-23House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-23House Hopper (House)

• Lauren McDonald (R, HD-026)Primary sponsor
• 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)

• autism awareness
• disability advocacy
• Georgia House resolutions
• law enforcement interactions