H. R. 7213 
One Hundred Eighteenth Congress 
of the 
United States of America 
AT THE SECOND SESSION 
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, 
the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-four 
An Act 
To amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and reauthorize activities 
and programs relating to autism spectrum disorder, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Autism Collaboration, Account-
ability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2024’’ or the 
‘‘Autism CARES Act of 2024’’. 
SEC. 2. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ACTIVITIES. 
(a) EXPANSION OF ACTIVITIES.—Section 409C(a)(1) of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(a)(1)) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘) shall, subject to the availability’’ and 
inserting the following: ‘‘), in consultation with relevant Federal 
departments and agencies, as appropriate, shall— 
‘‘(A) subject to the availability’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘basic and clinical research in fields 
including pathology’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘basic and 
clinical research— 
‘‘(i) in fields, such as pathology’’; 
(3) by striking ‘‘toxicology, and interventions’’ and inserting 
the following: ‘‘toxicology, psychiatry, psychology, develop-
mental behavioral pediatrics, audiology, and gerontology; and 
‘‘(ii) on interventions’’; 
(4) by striking ‘‘disorder. Such research shall investigate’’ 
and inserting the following: ‘‘disorder; and 
‘‘(B) ensure that research referred to in subparagraph 
(A)— 
‘‘(i) investigates’’; 
(5) by striking ‘‘prevention, services across the lifespan, 
supports, intervention, and treatment of autism spectrum dis-
order’’ and inserting ‘‘prevention, services and supports across 
the lifespan, intervention, and treatment of autism spectrum 
disorder and co-occurring conditions’’; and 
(6) by striking ‘‘treatments.’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘treatments; 
‘‘(ii) examines supports for caregivers; and 
‘‘(iii) reflects the entire population of individuals 
with autism spectrum disorder, including those individ-
uals with co-occurring conditions and the full range 
of needs for supports and services, including such sup-
ports and services to ensure the safety, and promote 
the well-being, of such individuals.’’.
H. R. 7213—2 
(b) CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.—Section 409C(b) of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(b)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘including the fields of’’ and inserting 
‘‘in fields such as’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘behavioral psychology, and clinical psy-
chology’’ and inserting ‘‘behavioral psychology, clinical psy-
chology, and gerontology’’; 
(2) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ‘‘five’’ and inserting 
‘‘seven’’; and 
(3) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ‘‘period of not to exceed’’ 
and inserting ‘‘period not to exceed’’. 
(c) PUBLIC INPUT.—Section 409C(d) of the Public Health Service 
Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(d)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(d) PUBLIC INPUT.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Director shall under subsection 
(a)(1) provide for means through which the public can obtain 
information on the existing and planned programs and activities 
of the National Institutes of Health with respect to autism 
spectrum disorder and through which the Director can receive 
comments from the public regarding such programs and activi-
ties. 
‘‘(2) GUIDANCE.—The Director may provide guidance to cen-
ters under subsection (b)(1) on strategies, activities, and 
opportunities to promote engagement with, and solicit input 
from, individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their 
family members, guardians, advocates or authorized represent-
atives, providers, or other appropriate individuals to inform 
the activities of the center. Such strategies, activities, and 
opportunities should consider including, as appropriate, individ-
uals, family members, and caregivers of individuals with autism 
spectrum disorder who represent the entire population of 
individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including those 
individuals with co-occurring conditions and the full range of 
needs for supports and services, including such supports and 
services to ensure the safety, and promote the well-being, of 
such individuals, to inform the activities of the center.’’. 
(d) BUDGET ESTIMATE.—Section 409C of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g) is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘(e) BUDGET ESTIMATE.—For each of fiscal years 2026 through 
2029, the Director shall prepare and submit, directly to the Presi-
dent for review and transmittal to Congress, an annual budget 
estimate for the initiatives of the National Institutes of Health 
pursuant to the strategic plan developed under section 399CC(b)(5) 
and updated under section 399CC(b)(6)(B), after reasonable oppor-
tunity for comment (but without change) by the Secretary and 
the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee established under 
section 399CC.’’. 
SEC. 3. PROGRAMS RELATING TO AUTISM. 
(a) DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SURVEILLANCE AND RESEARCH 
PROGRAM.—Section 399AA of the Public Health Service Act (42 
U.S.C. 280i) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ‘‘an Indian tribe, or 
a tribal organization’’ and inserting ‘‘an Indian Tribe, or a 
Tribal organization’’;
H. R. 7213—3 
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ‘‘across the lifespan’’ 
before the period at the end; 
(3) in subsection (d)(1)— 
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ‘‘TRIBE; 
TRIBAL’’ and inserting ‘‘TRIBE; TRIBAL’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘tribe’’ and inserting ‘‘Tribe’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘tribal’’ and inserting ‘‘Tribal’’; and 
(4) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘December 20, 2024’’ and 
inserting ‘‘September 30, 2029’’. 
(b) AUTISM EDUCATION, EARLY DETECTION, AND INTERVEN-
TION.—Section 399BB of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
280i–1) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ‘‘culturally competent 
information’’ and inserting ‘‘culturally and linguistically appro-
priate information’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘promote research’’ and inserting ‘‘pro-
mote research, which may include research that takes a 
community-based approach,’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘screening tools’’ each place it appears 
and inserting ‘‘screening and diagnostic tools’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ‘‘at higher risk’’ and 
inserting ‘‘at increased likelihood’’; 
(4) in subsection (b)(4), by inserting ‘‘, which may give 
consideration to the perspectives of parents and guardians’’ 
before the semicolon at the end; 
(5) in subsection (b)(7), by striking ‘‘at higher risk’’ and 
inserting ‘‘at increased likelihood’’; 
(6) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘culturally competent 
information’’ and inserting ‘‘culturally and linguistically appro-
priate information’’; 
(7) in subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii), by striking ‘‘culturally com-
petent information’’ and inserting ‘‘culturally and linguistically 
appropriate information’’; 
(8) by amending paragraph (1) of subsection (e) to read 
as follows: 
(9) in subsection (e)(1)— 
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
inserting ‘‘, and strengthen the capacity of,’’ after ‘‘expand’’; 
and 
(B) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘expand existing or develop new’’ 
and inserting ‘‘expand and strengthen the capacity of 
existing, or, in States that do not have such a program, 
develop new,’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘Act) in States that do not have 
such a program’’ and inserting ‘‘Act)’’; 
(C) in subparagraph (B)(v), by inserting ‘‘or other pro-
viders, as applicable’’ before the semicolon at the end; and 
(D) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: 
‘‘(C) program sites— 
‘‘(i) provide culturally and linguistically appro-
priate services; 
‘‘(ii) take a multidisciplinary approach and have 
experience working with underserved populations; and 
‘‘(iii) identify opportunities to partner with commu-
nity-based organizations to expand the capacity of
H. R. 7213—4 
communities to serve individuals with autism spectrum 
disorder or other developmental disabilities.’’; 
(10) in subsection (e)(2), by adding at the end the following 
new subparagraph: 
‘‘(C) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of the enactment of the Autism CARES Act of 2024, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
Senate a report that examines the need for, and feasibility 
of, expanding the developmental-behavioral pediatrician 
training programs described in subparagraph (A).’’; 
(11) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: 
‘‘(f) INTERVENTION.—The Secretary shall promote research 
through grants or contracts, which may include grants or contracts 
to research centers or networks, to— 
‘‘(1) develop and evaluate evidence-based practices and 
interventions to improve outcomes for individuals with autism 
spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities by 
addressing physical and behavioral health and communication 
needs of such individuals across the lifespan; 
‘‘(2) develop guidelines for such evidence-based practices 
and interventions; and 
‘‘(3) disseminate information related to such evidence-based 
practices and interventions and guidelines.’’; and 
(12) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘December 20, 2024’’ 
and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2029’’. 
(c) INTERAGENCY AUTISM COORDINATING COMMITTEE.—Section 
399CC of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i–2) is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
‘‘, on a regular basis’’ after ‘‘shall’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘develop a summary’’ 
and inserting ‘‘summarize’’; and 
(C) by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(5) develop a strategic plan for the conduct of, and support 
for, autism spectrum disorder research, as described in section 
409C(a)(1), which shall include— 
‘‘(A) proposed budgetary requirements; and 
‘‘(B) recommendations to ensure that autism spectrum 
disorder research, and services and support activities to 
the extent practicable, of the Department of Health and 
Human Services and of other Federal departments and 
agencies are not unnecessarily duplicative; and 
‘‘(6) submit to the Congress and the President— 
‘‘(A) an annual update on the summary of advances 
described in paragraph (2); and 
‘‘(B) a biennial update on the strategic plan described 
in paragraph (5), including progress made in achieving 
the goals outlined in such strategic plan and any specific 
measures taken pursuant to such strategic plan.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘December 20, 2024’’ and 
inserting ‘‘September 30, 2029’’. 
(d) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—Section 399DD of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i–3) is amended—
H. R. 7213—5 
(1) by striking ‘‘2019’’ each place it appears and inserting 
‘‘2024’’; and 
(2) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (1) to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 4 years after September 
30, 2024, the Secretary, in consultation with other relevant 
Federal departments and agencies, shall prepare and submit 
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 
of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
of the House of Representatives, and make publicly available, 
including through posting on the website of the Department 
of Health and Human Services, a progress report on activities 
related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental 
disabilities. Such report shall include activities and research 
related to the entire population of individuals with autism 
spectrum disorder, including those individuals with co-occurring 
conditions and the full range of needs for supports and services, 
including such supports and services to ensure the safety, and 
promote the well-being, of such individuals.’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in the heading of subsection (b), by striking 
‘‘HEALTH AND WELL-BEING’’ and inserting ‘‘MENTAL HEALTH 
NEEDS’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘health and well- 
being’’ and inserting ‘‘mental health needs’’; and 
(C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—The report submitted under paragraph 
(1) shall contain— 
‘‘(A) an overview of policies and programs relevant 
to the mental health of individuals with autism spectrum 
disorder across their lifespan, including an identification 
of existing Federal laws, regulations, policies, research, 
and programs; and 
‘‘(B) recommendations to improve mental health out-
comes and address related disparities in mental health 
care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, 
including prevention, care coordination, and community- 
based services.’’; 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) UPDATE
ON YOUNG ADULTS
AND YOUTH TRANSITIONING 
TO ADULTHOOD.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of the Autism CARES Act of 2024, the Secretary, in coordination 
with other relevant Federal departments and agencies, as appro-
priate, shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate an update 
to the report required pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, 
as added by section 6 of the Autism Cares Act of 2014 (Public 
Law 113–157), and in effect before the date of enactment of the 
Autism CARES Act of 2019 (Public Law 116–60), concerning young 
adults with autism spectrum disorder and the challenges related 
to the transition from existing school-based services to those services 
available during adulthood.’’. 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 399EE of the 
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i–4) is amended—
H. R. 7213—6 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘$23,100,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2020 through 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘$28,100,000 
for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029’’; 
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘$50,599,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2020 through 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘$56,344,000 
for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029’’; and 
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘there are authorized to 
be appropriated $296,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 
through 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘there is authorized to be appro-
priated $306,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
2029’’. 
SEC. 4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO COMMUNICA-
TION TOOLS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services 
(referred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’) may, at the request 
of a State, Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, locality, or territory, 
provide training and technical assistance to such jurisdiction on 
the manner in which Federal funding administered by the Secretary 
may be used to provide individuals with autism spectrum disorder 
and other developmental disabilities with access to evidence-based 
services, tools, and technologies that support communication needs. 
(b) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Secretary shall annually prepare 
and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Com-
merce of the House of Representatives a report summarizing any 
technical assistance provided by the Secretary in the preceding 
fiscal year under subsection (a) and any advancements in the 
development or evaluation of such evidence-based services, tools, 
and technologies. 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.