Get Involved » Legislative
The Autism Society of Maine believes that people affected by autism are full citizens and full participants in an open democratic society. All people with autism have the right to advocate for themselves at all levels of government. ASM monitors legislation in the Maine Legislature and disseminates e-mail alerts on pending priority state legislation that might impact those with autism. We perform advocacy through the work of our volunteer Board of Directors and community members. Working with the national Autism Society, we also maintain a strong voice on Capitol Hill to shape federal policy that provides benefits, supports, and services across the lifespan for all affected by autism.
Recent and Pending State and Federal Legislation
State legislation
See ASM's legislative tracking sheet for a summary of recent and pending legislation before the 126th Maine Legislature of priority to the autism community as well as links to details on specific bills and recently enacted laws (public hearing dates, bill language as drafted, contact information for members of Committee of jurisdiction, and more).
Click on links to see public testimony by ASM regarding recent bills that could affect the autism community.
For information on legislature and all current bills, visit the State of Maine Legislature website: http://www.maine.gov/legis/
ASM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TESTIMONIES
LD 29: An Act To Provide Support Services to Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder.
LD 30: An Act To Provide Home and Community Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism.
Testimony for LD 29 & 30 by Jenna Mehnert, Chair of ASM Legislation Committee
LD 243: Resolve, To Direct the Department of Education To Amend Its Rules Regarding Restraint of Students.
Testimony for LD 243 by Jenna Mehnert, Chair of ASM Legislation Committee
LD 347: An Act to Amend Insurance Coverage for Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Testimony for LD 347 by Cathy Dionne, Director of Programs and Administration, ASM
If you are interested in reading testimonies for all LD's submitted by the public:
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/phwkTestimonyByCmte_ps.asp?PID=0
Federal legislation
Stay connected to what is going on at the national level in federal government with the Autism Society.
Also below are selected links on how the legislative process works and what you can do to become involved.
Becoming Involved
Legislative Participation Sign-Up
If you would like to join ASM's community participation in legislative activities, sign-up to receive legislataive e-mail alerts: Click here, enter your e-mail address into the sign-up box, and include "Legislative" in your interest profile. You may also fill out this form and mail it to us to identify the type of legislative activities in which you would like to become more involved.
The Legislative Process and Tips on How to Make Your Voice Heard
The State of Maine Legislature Website
For information on our legislature and all current bills, visit the State of Maine Legislature website.
How to Find out About Important Issues
A big part of finding information is knowing where to look. Let us help with a guide to staying informed.
The 10 Steps to How a Bill Becomes a Law
It's is important to understand how our Maine's legislation works, the timeframes and requirements. In this article, we explain the process that each bill must take to become a law.
What you Should Know About a Legislative Document
An annotated document indicating the various components of a Legislative Document. Presented as an image file.
Testifying at Hearings: The Be's
A simple list of things to remember when testifying at a hearing.
Writing Letters to Legislators: Do's and Don'ts
This list of recommendations will help you write a better, clearer letter when you contact your legislators.