[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE AVONTE'S LAW ACT OF 2015

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill, the 
Avonte's Law Act of 2015, which was inspired by the tragic 
circumstances surrounding the death of Avonte Oquendo of Queens, New 
York. Avonte was an autistic child who wandered away from his school. 
His lifeless body was not found for more than a month. ``Wandering'' is 
very common in children with autism and other disabilities, and 
sometimes children who wander are non-verbal or cannot communicate well 
with others, leading to dangerous interactions with strangers or even 
law enforcement.
  This bill authorizes a new grant program within the United States 
Department of Justice to provide local law enforcement agencies with 
the resources to procure response tools and increase education and 
training for first responders, schools, and families with the goal of 
preventing situations like Avonte's from happening again.
  The bill also requires the Attorney General to establish standards 
and best practices for the administration of any type of voluntary 
``tracking'' system used by law enforcement agencies that are awarded 
these funds. Tracking devices are one of the many ways we can help 
prevent another tragic situation like Avonte's.
  Mr. Speaker, by taking a holistic approach to this issue, we can help 
children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) live safe and happy lives 
all around the country.

                          ____________________