House creates Division of Autism Services inside state mental‑health bureau; members ask why autism is singled out

The Mississippi House approved House Bill 807 to establish a Division of Autism Services within the Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Department of Mental Health. The measure passed on final passage; the roll call recorded in the transcript shows 116 ayes and 2 nays.

The sponsor told members the division would develop and implement a statewide, coordinated interagency plan of care and noted the department has administrative support and office space in place. The sponsor said the only new fiscal need is two staff positions, estimated at $165,000 annually.

Members asked whether creating a dedicated autism division would create an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and whether other developmental disabilities (for example, Down syndrome or fragile X) would be left without targeted attention. The sponsor said the division would streamline and make services more readily available and said it was developed in response to constituent needs and rising autism diagnoses; the sponsor cited a 2024 Autism Advisory Council report noting an increase in diagnoses.

Questions from members addressed early assessment and intervention; the sponsor replied that early screening and early‑intervention assessment are central parts of the bill’s purpose. Several members expressed support or personal endorsement; one member called the legislation “much needed” and pledged a yes vote. The bill passed and advances for further consideration.