(a) The Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism is created.

(b) The task force shall consist of the following members:

(1) One (1) member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(2) One (1) member of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;

(3) One (1) member who is an employee of the Division of Medical Services of the Department of Human Services, appointed by the Director of the Department of Human Services;

(4) One (1) member who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, appointed by the Arkansas Psychology Board;

(5) One (1) member to represent Easter Seals, appointed by Easter Seals Arkansas;

(6) The Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services of the Department of Human Services;

(7) The Behavior Intervention Coordinator of the Department of Education;

(8) One (1) member to represent Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield;

(9) One (1) member who is a pediatric physician who regularly works with autistic patients, appointed by the Dennis Developmental Center of the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;

(10) One (1) member who is a clinical geneticist, appointed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;

(11) One (1) member to represent Partners for Inclusive Communities of the University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;

(12) The Behavior Intervention Services Coordinator for the Department of Education;

(13) The Associate Director of Special Education of the Department of Education;

(14) One (1) public school Special Education Supervisor, appointed by the Arkansas Association of Special Education Administrators;

(15) One (1) member to represent the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, appointed by Arkansas Children's Hospital;

(16) Four (4) members who are parents or guardians of children with autism, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

(17) Four (4) members who are parents or guardians of children with autism, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(c)

(1) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall call the first of the task force meetings within thirty (30) days of July 31, 2009.

(2) At the first meeting, the members of the task force shall elect from the membership a chair and other officers as needed for the transaction of its business.

(3)

(A) The task force shall conduct its meetings in Pulaski County at the State Capitol.

(B) Meetings shall be held at least one (1) time every three (3) months but may occur more often at the call of the chair.

(d)

(1) If a vacancy occurs among the legislative members of the task force, the vacancy shall be filled by the same process as the original appointment.

(2) If a vacancy occurs among the nonlegislative members of the task force, the vacancy shall be filled by vote of the task force.

(e) The task force shall establish rules and procedures for conducting its business.

(f) A majority of the members of the task force shall constitute a quorum for transacting any business of the task force.

(g) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall provide staff for the task force.