Regular Session
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
No changes required. This designation does not trigger force majeure clauses, require updates to Master Services Agreements (MSAs), or impact vendor compliance standards.
No changes required. While Human Resources or DEI departments may choose to incorporate this date into internal awareness calendars, there is no statutory requirement to provide training or alter hiring practices.
No changes required. The statute creates no auditable records or filing obligations.
None. There are no associated fees, and the designation does not create a "legal holiday" requiring premium pay or business closure.
Definition Scope: The bill includes a specific description of "profound autism" (requiring continuous care and involving severe intellectual disabilities) within the Texas Government Code. Counsel must note: This definition applies strictly to the commemorative day. It does not amend the Texas Insurance Code or the Occupations Code. It does not alter clinical criteria for insurance coverage or state benefit eligibility. Any attempt to use this statutory definition to expand or restrict coverage mandates is unsupported by the text.
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Schedule ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
BILL ANALYSIS |
| C.S.H.B. 3096 |
| By: Cunningham |
| Human Services |
| Committee Report (Substituted) |
| BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The bill author has informed the committee that the Profound Autism Alliance wants to raise awareness for the individuals and caregivers who are affected by profound autism, noting that individuals affected by profound autism require constant care due to the severity of the condition and, because of these unique needs, they are often excluded from research and their caregivers are often isolated from outside support. C.S.H.B. 3096 seeks to raise awareness for those affected by profound autism by designating March 17th as Profound Autism Day.
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| CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.
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| RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
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| ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 3096 amends the Government Code to designate March 17 as Profound Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about profound autism. The bill notes that people with profound autism often require continuous care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives, may have severe intellectual disabilities, difficulty speaking, or an inability to speak, and are frequently excluded from research and support programs because of their unique needs. The bill authorizes Profound Autism Awareness Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities, including by showing support for those who experience profound autism and providing information regarding resources for people with profound autism and their caregivers.
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| EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2025.
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| COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE While C.S.H.B. 3096 may differ from the introduced in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following summarizes the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill. The substitute replaces a provision of the introduced requiring Profound Autism Awareness Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities with a provision authorizing that day to be regularly observed in that manner.
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| H.B. No. 3096 | ||
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| relating to designating March 17 as Profound Autism Awareness Day. | ||
| BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: | ||
| SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, is | ||
| amended by adding Section 662.089 to read as follows: | ||
| Sec. 662.089. PROFOUND AUTISM AWARENESS DAY. (a) March 17 | ||
| is Profound Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about profound | ||
| autism. People with profound autism often require continuous care | ||
| from an adult caregiver throughout their lives, may have severe | ||
| intellectual disabilities, difficulty speaking, or an inability to | ||
| speak, and are frequently excluded from research and support | ||
| programs because of their unique needs. | ||
| (b) Profound Autism Awareness Day may be regularly observed | ||
| by appropriate ceremonies and activities, including by showing | ||
| support for those who experience profound autism and providing | ||
| information regarding resources for people with profound autism and | ||
| their caregivers. | ||
| SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. | ||
| TO: | Honorable Lacey Hull, Chair, House Committee on Human Services |
| FROM: | Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB3096 by Cunningham (Relating to designating March 17 as Profound Autism Awareness Day.), As Introduced |
| Source Agencies: |
| LBB Staff: | JMc, NPe, CMA |
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Common questions about HB3096
HB3096 amends the Texas Government Code to designate March 17 as "Profound Autism Awareness Day. " This is a commemorative designation only; it imposes no new mandates, fees, reporting requirements, or operational restrictions on private sector entities. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: May 24, 2025 (Effective immediately upon signature due to supermajority vote).
HB3096 was authored by Texas Representative Charles Cunningham during the Regular Session.
HB3096 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 24, 2025.
The compliance urgency for HB3096 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
The cost impact of HB3096 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB3096 addresses topics including profound autism awareness day, holidays and autism & pervasive developmental disorders.
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