[House Report 111-617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


111th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     111-617

======================================================================



 
 TRAINING AND RESEARCH FOR AUTISM IMPROVEMENTS NATIONWIDE ACT OF 2010 
                          (TRAIN ACT OF 2010)

                                _______
                                

 September 22, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Waxman, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 5756]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

  The Committee on Energy and Commerce, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 5756) to amend title I of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to 
provide for grants and technical assistance to improve services 
rendered to children and adults with autism, and their 
families, and to expand the number of University Centers for 
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, 
and Service, having considered the same, report favorably 
thereon with amendments and recommend that the bill as amended 
do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Amendment........................................................     2
Purpose and Summary..............................................     4
Background and Need for Legislation..............................     4
Committee Consideration..........................................     6
Committee Votes..................................................     6
Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations.................     6
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures     6
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............     7
Constitutional Authority Statement...............................     7
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits.............................     7
Federal Advisory Committee Statement.............................     7
Applicability of Law to Legislative Branch.......................     7
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................     7
Committee Cost Estimate..........................................     7
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................     7
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................     9
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............    10

                               Amendment

    The amendment is as follows:
    Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``Training and Research for Autism 
Improvements Nationwide Act of 2010'' or the ``TRAIN Act of 2010''.

SEC. 2. UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM SPECTRUM 
                    DISORDERS.

  (a) In General.--Subtitle D of title I of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15061 
et seq.) is amended--
          (1) by inserting before section 151 the following:

``PART 1--GENERAL GRANT PROGRAMS FOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE''

        ; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following:

   ``PART 2--UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM 
                           SPECTRUM DISORDERS

``SEC. 157. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS INITIATIVE GRANTS AND TECHNICAL 
                    ASSISTANCE.

  ``(a) Grants.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award multiyear grants 
        for the purpose described in paragraph (2) to University 
        Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, 
        Research, and Service that are funded under part 1 and engaged 
        in the core functions described in section 153(a)(2).
          ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose described in this paragraph is to 
        provide individuals with interdisciplinary training, continuing 
        education, technical assistance, and information for the 
        purpose of improving services rendered to children and adults 
        on the autism spectrum, and their families, to address unmet 
        needs related to autism spectrum disorder. For purposes of the 
        previous sentence, individuals shall include children and 
        adults on the autism spectrum, families of such children and 
        adults, health professionals (including allied health 
        professionals), and vocational training and educational 
        professionals.
          ``(3) Application requirements.--A University Center for 
        Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, 
        and Service that desires to receive a grant under this section 
        shall submit to the Secretary an application--
                  ``(A) demonstrating that the Center has capacity to--
                          ``(i) provide training and technical 
                        assistance in evidence-based practices to 
                        evaluate, and provide effective interventions, 
                        services, treatments, and supports to, children 
                        and adults on the autism spectrum and their 
                        families;
                          ``(ii) provide individuals on the autism 
                        spectrum, and the families of such individuals, 
                        opportunities to advise and direct activities 
                        under the grant to ensure that an individual-
                        centered, and family-centered, approach is 
                        used;
                          ``(iii) share and disseminate materials and 
                        practices that are developed for, and evaluated 
                        to be effective in, the provision of training 
                        and technical assistance; and
                          ``(iv) provide training, technical 
                        assistance, interventions, services, 
                        treatments, and supports under this section 
                        statewide;
                  ``(B) providing assurances that the Center will--
                          ``(i) provide trainees under this section 
                        with an appropriate balance of 
                        interdisciplinary didactic and community-based 
                        experiences; and
                          ``(ii) provide to the Secretary, in the 
                        manner prescribed by the Secretary, data 
                        regarding the number of individuals who have 
                        benefitted from, and outcomes of, the provision 
                        of training and technical assistance under this 
                        section;
                  ``(C) providing assurances that training, technical 
                assistance, dissemination of information, and services 
                under this section will--
                          ``(i) be consistent with the goals of this 
                        Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 
                        1990, the Individuals with Disabilities 
                        Education Act, and the Elementary and Secondary 
                        Education Act of 1965;
                          ``(ii) supplement, and not supplant, 
                        activities funded under this subtitle (other 
                        than this section);
                          ``(iii) be planned and designed with the 
                        participation of individuals on the autism 
                        spectrum and the families of such individuals; 
                        and
                          ``(iv) be conducted in coordination with 
                        relevant State agencies, institutions of higher 
                        education, and service providers; and
                  ``(D) containing such other information and 
                assurances as the Secretary may require.
          ``(4) Amount of grants.--The amount of a grant to a 
        University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
        Education, Research, and Service for a fiscal year under this 
        section shall be not less than $250,000.
  ``(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may reserve not more than 
2 percent of the amount appropriated to carry out this section for a 
fiscal year to make a grant to a national organization with 
demonstrated capacity for providing training and technical assistance 
to--
          ``(1) assist in national dissemination of specific 
        information, including evidence-based best practices, from 
        interdisciplinary training programs, and when appropriate, 
        other entities whose findings would inform the work performed 
        by University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
        Disabilities Education, Research, and Service awarded grants 
        under this section;
          ``(2) compile and disseminate strategies and materials that 
        prove to be effective in the provision of training and 
        technical assistance so that the entire network can benefit 
        from the models, materials, and practices developed in 
        individual centers;
          ``(3) assist in the coordination of activities of grantees 
        under this section;
          ``(4) develop a (or enhance an existing) Web portal that will 
        provide linkages to each of the individual training initiatives 
        and provide access to training modules, promising training, and 
        technical assistance practices and other materials developed by 
        grantees;
          ``(5) serve as a research-based resource for Federal and 
        State policymakers on information concerning the provision of 
        training and technical assistance for the assessment, and 
        provision of supports and services for, children and adults on 
        the autism spectrum;
          ``(6) convene experts from multiple interdisciplinary 
        training programs, individuals on the autism spectrum, and the 
        families of such individuals to discuss and make 
        recommendations with regard to training issues related to 
        assessment, interventions, services, treatment, and supports 
        for children and adults on the autism spectrum; and
          ``(7) undertake any other functions that the Secretary 
        determines to be appropriate.
  ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there are authorized to be appropriated $17,000,000 for each of the 
fiscal years 2012 through 2016.

``SEC. 158. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS.

  ``(a) Grants.--The Secretary shall award multiyear grants to not more 
than 4 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
Education, Research, and Service described in paragraph (1) of section 
157(a) to--
          ``(1) collaborate with minority institutions to--
                  ``(A) provide services described in such section to 
                individuals on the autism spectrum who are from racial 
                and ethnic minority populations and to their families; 
                and
                  ``(B) conduct research and education focused on 
                racial and ethnic minority populations; and
          ``(2) build capacity within such institutions to enable such 
        institutions to apply to become University Centers for 
        Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, 
        and Service capable of providing such services, research, and 
        education.
  ``(b) Applicable Provisions.--The provisions of paragraphs (2) and 
(3) of section 157(a) shall apply with respect to grants under this 
section to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions 
apply with respect to grants under section 157.
  ``(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to applicants that demonstrate 
collaboration with minority institutions that--
          ``(1) have demonstrated capacity to meet the requirements of 
        this section and provide services to individuals on the autism 
        spectrum and their families; or
          ``(2) are located in a State with one or more underserved 
        populations.
  ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the 
fiscal years 2012 through 2016.

``SEC. 159. DEFINITIONS.

  ``In this part:
          ``(1) The term `interventions' means educational methods and 
        positive behavioral support strategies designed to improve or 
        ameliorate symptoms associated on the autism spectrum.
          ``(2) The term `minority institution' has the meaning given 
        to such term in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 
        1965.
          ``(3) The term `services' means services to assist 
        individuals on the autism spectrum to live more independently 
        in their communities.
          ``(4) The term `treatments' means health services, including 
        mental health services, designed to improve or ameliorate 
        symptoms associated on the autism spectrum.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Such subtitle is further amended--
          (A) in section 152(a)(1), by striking ``subtitle'' and 
        inserting ``part'';
          (B) in section 153(a)(2)(D), by striking ``subtitle'' and 
        inserting ``part'';
          (C) in each of subparagraphs (B) and (D) of section 
        154(a)(3), by striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part'';
          (D) in each of paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 154(d), by 
        striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part''; and
          (E) in each of subsections (a)(1) and (b) of section 156, by 
        striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part''.
  (2) The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 is amended--
          (A) by inserting before the item relating to section 151 the 
        following:

``Part 1--General Grant Programs for University Centers of Excellence''

        ; and
          (B) by inserting at the end of the items relating to subtitle 
        D of title I the following:

   ``Part 2--University Centers of Excellence Initiatives on Autism 
                           Spectrum Disorders

``Sec. 157. Autism spectrum disorders initiative grants and technical 
assistance.
``Sec. 158. Capacity building grants.
``Sec. 159. Definitions.''.

  Amend the title so as to read:

    A bill to amend subtitle D of title I of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to 
provide grants and technical assistance to University Centers 
for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, 
Research, and Service to improve services rendered to children 
and adults on the autism spectrum, and their families, and for 
other purposes.

                          Purpose and Summary

    H.R. 5756, the ``Training and Research for Autism 
Improvements Nationwide Act of 2010'' (or the ``TRAIN Act of 
2010''), was introduced by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) on July 15, 
2010, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
    The goal of H.R. 5756 is to improve services rendered to 
children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families. 
The bill amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and 
Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to provide for grants and technical 
assistance for such services.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are an ``urgent 
public health concern.''\1\ ASDs refer to a group of 
developmental disabilities that affect an estimated 1 in 110 
children nationwide.\2\ These disorders are typically diagnosed 
within the first three years of a child's life and are defined 
by three distinctive behaviors: difficulty with social 
interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, 
and repetitive behaviors or interests. Research has shown that 
various environmental, biologic, and genetic factors increase 
the likelihood that a child will have an ASD; however, all of 
the causes of ASDs have not yet been identified.\3\ While ASDs 
lack cures, research has also proven that early intervention 
services have the ability to greatly improve the development of 
children with ASDs.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum 
Disorders: Facts About ASDs (online at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
autism/facts.html) (accessed Aug. 23, 2010).
    \2\Id.
    \3\Id.
    \4\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Developmental and Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) (P.L. 106-402) established four key 
programs to improve the lives of individuals with developmental 
disabilities, including ASDs. Subtitle D of title I of the DD 
Act authorizes one such program--University Centers of 
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, 
and Service (UCEDDs). To qualify for support under the DD Act, 
a UCEDD must be an interdisciplinary education, research, and 
public service unit of a university or public or non-profit 
entity associated with a university and fulfill certain core 
functions, including the provision of training and technical 
assistance.
    Current law requires that the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services first utilize funds appropriated to carry out subtitle 
D of title I of the DD Act to distribute a minimum award to 
each UCEDD that was funded in the prior fiscal year and 
continues to meet program requirements. Remaining appropriated 
funds must then be used to support national training 
initiatives designed to respond to unmet needs of individuals 
with developmental disabilities (and their families) carried 
out by existing UCEDDs. The Secretary may support new UCEDDs or 
provide supplemental grants to existing UCEDDs only after these 
two priority activities have been funded. In FY2010, Congress 
provided $38.9 million to fund 67 UCEDDs in all 50 states and 
the territories, the vast majority of which was used to support 
the existing UCEDDs. Virtually no money was provided for 
national training initiatives; none was available to start new 
UCEDD programs or to enhance existing ones.
    Experts and advocates have called for increased support for 
UCEDDs and other entities to ensure that the needs of people 
with developmental disabilities, including those with ASDs, are 
addressed across their entire life span. A 2005 Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) report found that children ages 6 
through 21 diagnosed with ASDs and receiving services under the 
Individuals with Disabilities Act (the primary federal statute 
addressing educational needs of children with disabilities) 
increased more than 500% between 1993 and 2002.\5\ In recent 
years, there has been increased research and availability of 
services for people with ASDs, but as the GAO report suggests, 
much work remains to be done to ensure that each person with an 
ASD has the requisite services to reach his or her 
potential.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \5\Government Accountability Office, Special Education: Children 
with Autism (Jan. 2005) (GAO-05-220).
    \6\Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network 
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevalence of 
the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in Multiple Areas of the United 
States, 2004 and 2006 (online at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ autism/
states/ADDMCommunityReport2009.pdf) (accessed Aug. 24, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H.R. 5756 builds upon the important work of the UCEDD 
network by specifically supporting interdisciplinary training, 
continuing education, and technical assistance for children and 
adults on the autism spectrum and their families. H.R. 5756 
also builds upon a FY2009 effort funding partnerships between 
existing UCEDDs and minority-serving institutions to promote 
expansion of the UCEDD network to include minority-serving 
institutions.

                        Committee Consideration

    H.R. 5756, the ``Training and Research for Autism 
Improvement Nationwide Act of 2010'' was introduced by Rep. 
Doyle (D-PA) on July 15, 2010, and referred to the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce. The bill was subsequently referred to the 
Subcommittee on Health on July 19, 2010. The Subcommittee met 
in open markup session to consider H.R. 5756 on July 22, 2010. 
An amendment in the nature of a substitute (manager's 
amendment) by Subcommittee Chairman Pallone was adopted by a 
voice vote. Subsequently, H.R. 5756 was forwarded to the full 
Committee, amended, by a voice vote.
    On July 28, 2010, the Committee on Energy and Commerce met 
in open markup session and considered H.R. 5756 as approved by 
the Subcommittee. An amendment in the nature of a substitute 
(manager's amendment) was offered by Mr. Pallone and 
subsequently adopted by a voice vote. The Committee then 
ordered H.R. 5756 favorably reported to the House, amended, by 
a voice vote.

                            Committee Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires the Committee to list each record vote 
on the motion to report legislation and amendments thereto. A 
motion by Mr. Waxman ordering H.R. 5756 reported to the House, 
amended, was approved by a voice vote. There were no record 
votes taken during consideration of this bill.

            Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause 
2(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, 
the oversight findings and recommendations of the Committee are 
reflected in the descriptive portions of this report, including 
the finding that increased support for UCEDDs would help ensure 
that the needs of people with developmental disabilities, 
including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, are addressed 
across their entire life span.

   New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures

    Regarding compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of 
the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds 
that H.R. 5756 would result in no new budget authority, 
entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or revenues.

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, the performance goals and 
objectives of the Committees are reflected in the descriptive 
portions of this report, including the goal of improving 
support for people with developmental disabilities, including 
ASDs, and their families.

                   Constitutional Authority Statement

    Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that the 
constitutional authority for H.R. 5756 is provided under 
Article I, section 8, clauses 3 and 18 of the Constitution of 
the United States.

                  Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits

    H.R. 5756 does not contain any congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives.

                  Federal Advisory Committee Statement

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not establish 
or authorize the establishment of an advisory committee within 
the definition of 5 U.S.C. App., section 5(b) of the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act.

             Applicability of Law to the Legislative Branch

    Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104-1 requires a 
description of the application of this bill to the legislative 
branch where the bill relates to terms and conditions of 
employment or access to public services and accommodations. 
H.R. 5756 contains no such provisions.

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment 
Control Act of 1974 (as amended by section 101(a)(2) of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, P.L. 104-4) requires a statement 
on whether the provisions of the report include unfunded 
mandates. In compliance with this requirement the Committee 
adopts as its own the estimates of federal mandates prepared by 
the Director of the Congressional Budget Office.

                        Committee Cost Estimate

    Pursuant to clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its own the 
cost estimate of H.R. 5756 prepared by the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

               Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(3) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 
402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has 
received the following cost estimate for H.R. 5756 from the 
Director of Congressional Budget Office:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                   Washington, DC, August 27, 2010.
Hon. Henry A. Waxman,
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5756, the Training 
and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act of 2010.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jonathan 
Morancy.
            Sincerely,
                                              Douglas W. Elmendorf.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 5756--Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act

    Summary: H.R. 5756 would authorize the appropriation of 
funds for two types of grants. The first type of grant would go 
to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service to provide 
training, continuing education, technical assistance, and 
information to children and adults on the autism spectrum, as 
well as the families of such individuals and the professionals 
working with those individuals. The goal of the funds would be 
to improve services provided to individuals on the autism 
spectrum and their families. The second type of grant would 
facilitate outreach of University Centers for Excellence to 
minority institutions.
    CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $55 
million over the 2011-2015 period, assuming appropriation of 
the necessary sums. Pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply to 
this legislation because it would not affect direct spending or 
revenues.
    H.R. 5756 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
budgetary impact of H.R. 5756 is shown in the following table. 
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 500 
(education, training, employment, and social services).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                            2011     2012     2013     2014     2015   2011-2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Grants and Technical Assistance:
    Estimated Authorization Level.......................       17       17       17       18       18        87
    Estimated Outlays...................................        6       14       17       17       17        71
University Centers for Excellence Expansion:
    Authorization Level.................................        2        2        2        2        2        10
    Estimated Outlays...................................        1        2        2        2        2         9
Total Changes:
    Estimated Authorization Level.......................       19       19       19       20       20        97
    Estimated Outlays...................................        7       16       19       19       19        80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Basis of estimate: H.R. 5756 would authorize appropriations 
for two different grants. The first type of grant would go to 
University Centers for Excellence or similar organizations. 
This grant would be used to improve services provided to people 
with autism and their families by providing training, technical 
assistance, and information. The bill would authorize the 
appropriation of $17 million in 2011 and such sums as are 
necessary for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015. For this 
estimate, CBO assumes that the specified level of $17 million 
in 2011 would be increased in subsequent years to account for 
anticipated inflation in 2012 through 2015.
    The second type of grant would go toward the opening of as 
many as four new University Centers for Excellence. The bill 
would authorize the appropriation of $2 million per year for 
that purpose over the 2011-2015 period.
    For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 5756 will be 
enacted near the beginning of fiscal year 2011, that amounts 
authorized and estimated to be necessary will be appropriated 
for each fiscal year, and that outlays will follow historical 
spending patterns for similar programs.
    Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
    Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 5756 
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as 
defined in UMRA. The bill would benefit public institutions of 
higher education that provide services and education to 
individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Jonathan Morancy; 
Impact on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Lisa Ramirez-
Branum; Impact on the Private Sector: Sarah Axeen.
    Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Assistant Director 
for Budget Analysis.

             Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation


Section 1. Short title

    Section 1 designates that the short title may be cited as 
the ``Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide 
Act of 2010'' (or the ``TRAIN Act of 2010'').

Section 2. University Centers of Excellence initiatives on autism 
        spectrum disorders

    Section 2 amends subtitle D of title I of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) 
to create two parts. Part 1 (General Grant Programs for 
University Centers of Excellence) consists of the current law 
regarding UCEDDs. Part 2 (University Centers of Excellence 
Initiatives on Autism Spectrum Disorders) includes two new 
programs established under the legislation.
    The first of the two programs authorized in Part 2 (and 
established in section 157 of the DD Act) requires the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services to award multi-year 
grants to UCEDDs to support interdisciplinary training; 
continuing education; technical assistance; and information 
provided to children and adults on the autism spectrum, 
families of these children and adults, health professionals, 
and vocational training and educational professionals.
    To be eligible for funding for the ASD initiative and 
technical assistance program, a UCEDD must be a recipient of 
funding under part 1 and be engaged in the core functions 
required under current law and detailed in part 1. A UCEDD must 
also (among other application requirements) provide assurances 
that the activities supported through a grant will be planned 
and designed with the participation of individuals on the 
autism spectrum and their families. The Committee intends that, 
in meeting this requirement, a UCEDD application demonstrate 
genuine collaboration with these individuals, not simply 
nominal representation.
    Section 2 authorizes $17 million for each of FY2012 through 
FY2016 to carry out this new program. The Committee intends 
that such funding be used to supplement and not supplant 
existing awards to UCEDDs under part 1 of subtitle D of title I 
of the DD Act.
    The second new program authorized under Part 2 (and 
established in section 158 of the DD Act) requires the 
Secretary to award multi-year grants to not more than four 
UCEDDs to:
           Collaborate with minority institutions to 
        provide services to individuals on the autism spectrum 
        who are from racial and ethnic minority populations 
        (and their families), and to conduct research and 
        education focused on racial and ethnic minorities; and
           Build capacity of minority institutions to 
        apply to become UCEDDs.
    Eligibility and application requirements for the capacity 
building program are identical to those set forth for the ASD 
initiative and technical assistance program. The Committee 
intends that applications for this second new program must 
similarly demonstrate that individuals on the autism spectrum 
and their families had the opportunity to provide input on the 
grant-funded activities provided by the UCEDDs and 
collaborating minority institutions. In making grant awards, 
however, the Secretary is required to give priority to those 
applicants that have demonstrated collaboration with a minority 
institution that provides services to individuals on the autism 
spectrum and their families and is located in a state with one 
or more underserved populations.
    Section 2 authorizes $1 million for each of FY2012 through 
FY2016 to carry out this new program. The Committee intends 
that such funding be used to supplement and not supplant 
existing awards to UCEDDs under part 1 of subtitle D of title I 
of the DD Act.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

  DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2000


SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is 
as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

    TITLE I--PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

     * * * * * * *

 Subtitle D--National Network of University Centers for Excellence in   
       Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

   Part 1--General Grant Programs for University Centers of Excellence

Sec. 151. Grant authority.
     * * * * * * *

Part 2--University Centers of Excellence Initiatives on Autism Spectrum 
                                Disorders

Sec. 157. Autism spectrum disorders initiative grants and technical 
          assistance.
Sec. 158. Capacity building grants.
Sec. 159. Definitions.

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TITLE I--PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

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 Subtitle D--National Network of University Centers for Excellence in 
      Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

PART 1--GENERAL GRANT PROGRAMS FOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

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SEC. 152. GRANT AWARDS.

  (a) Existing Centers.--
          (1) In general.--In awarding and distributing grant 
        funds under section 151(a) for a fiscal year, the 
        Secretary, subject to the availability of 
        appropriations and the condition specified in 
        subsection (d), shall award and distribute grant funds 
        in equal amounts of $500,000 (adjusted in accordance 
        with subsection (b)), to each Center that existed 
        during the preceding fiscal year and that meets the 
        requirements of this [subtitle] part, prior to making 
        grants under subsection (c) or (d).

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SEC. 153. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES.

  (a) National Network of University Centers for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Core functions.--The core functions referred to 
        in paragraph (1) shall include the following:
                  (A) * * *

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                  (D) Dissemination of information related to 
                activities undertaken to address the purpose of 
                this title, especially dissemination of 
                information that demonstrates that the network 
                authorized under this [subtitle] part is a 
                national and international resource that 
                includes specific substantive areas of 
                expertise that may be accessed and applied in 
                diverse settings and circumstances.

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SEC. 154. APPLICATIONS.

  (a) Applications for Core Center Grants.--
          (1) * * *

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          (3) Assurances.--The application shall be approved by 
        the Secretary only if the application contains or is 
        supported by reasonable assurances that the entity 
        designated as the Center will--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) address the projected goals, and carry 
                out goal-related activities, based on data 
                driven strategic planning and in a manner 
                consistent with the objectives of this 
                [subtitle] part, that--
                          (i) * * *

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                  (D) protect, consistent with the policy 
                specified in section 101(c) (relating to rights 
                of individuals with developmental 
                disabilities), the legal and human rights of 
                all individuals with developmental disabilities 
                (especially those individuals under State 
                guardianship) who are involved in activities 
                carried out under programs assisted under this 
                [subtitle] part;

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  (d) Federal Share.--
          (1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
        administration or operation of a Center, or the cost of 
        carrying out a training initiative, supported by a 
        grant made under this [subtitle] part may not be more 
        than 75 percent of the necessary cost of such project, 
        as determined by the Secretary.

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          (3) Grant expenditures.--For the purpose of 
        determining the Federal share with respect to the 
        project, expenditures on that project by a political 
        subdivision of a State or by a public or private entity 
        shall, subject to such limitations and conditions as 
        the Secretary may by regulation prescribe under section 
        104(b), be considered to be expenditures made by a 
        Center under this [subtitle] part.

SEC. 156. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) Authorization and Reservations.--
          (1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be 
        appropriated to carry out this [subtitle] part (other 
        than section 153(c)(4)) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 
        2001 and such sums as may be necessary for each of 
        fiscal years 2002 through 2007.

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  (b) Limitation.--The Secretary may not use, for peer review 
or other activities directly related to peer review conducted 
under this [subtitle] part--
          (1) * * *

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PART 2--UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM SPECTRUM 
                               DISORDERS

SEC. 157. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS INITIATIVE GRANTS AND TECHNICAL 
                    ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Grants.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award multiyear 
        grants for the purpose described in paragraph (2) to 
        University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
        Disabilities Education, Research, and Service that are 
        funded under part 1 and engaged in the core functions 
        described in section 153(a)(2).
          (2) Purpose.--The purpose described in this paragraph 
        is to provide individuals with interdisciplinary 
        training, continuing education, technical assistance, 
        and information for the purpose of improving services 
        rendered to children and adults on the autism spectrum, 
        and their families, to address unmet needs related to 
        autism spectrum disorder. For purposes of the previous 
        sentence, individuals shall include children and adults 
        on the autism spectrum, families of such children and 
        adults, health professionals (including allied health 
        professionals), and vocational training and educational 
        professionals.
          (3) Application requirements.--A University Center 
        for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, 
        Research, and Service that desires to receive a grant 
        under this section shall submit to the Secretary an 
        application--
                  (A) demonstrating that the Center has 
                capacity to--
                          (i) provide training and technical 
                        assistance in evidence-based practices 
                        to evaluate, and provide effective 
                        interventions, services, treatments, 
                        and supports to, children and adults on 
                        the autism spectrum and their families;
                          (ii) provide individuals on the 
                        autism spectrum, and the families of 
                        such individuals, opportunities to 
                        advise and direct activities under the 
                        grant to ensure that an individual-
                        centered, and family-centered, approach 
                        is used;
                          (iii) share and disseminate materials 
                        and practices that are developed for, 
                        and evaluated to be effective in, the 
                        provision of training and technical 
                        assistance; and
                          (iv) provide training, technical 
                        assistance, interventions, services, 
                        treatments, and supports under this 
                        section statewide;
                  (B) providing assurances that the Center 
                will--
                          (i) provide trainees under this 
                        section with an appropriate balance of 
                        interdisciplinary didactic and 
                        community-based experiences; and
                          (ii) provide to the Secretary, in the 
                        manner prescribed by the Secretary, 
                        data regarding the number of 
                        individuals who have benefitted from, 
                        and outcomes of, the provision of 
                        training and technical assistance under 
                        this section;
                  (C) providing assurances that training, 
                technical assistance, dissemination of 
                information, and services under this section 
                will--
                          (i) be consistent with the goals of 
                        this Act, the Americans with 
                        Disabilities Act of 1990, the 
                        Individuals with Disabilities Education 
                        Act, and the Elementary and Secondary 
                        Education Act of 1965;
                          (ii) supplement, and not supplant, 
                        activities funded under this subtitle 
                        (other than this section);
                          (iii) be planned and designed with 
                        the participation of individuals on the 
                        autism spectrum and the families of 
                        such individuals; and
                          (iv) be conducted in coordination 
                        with relevant State agencies, 
                        institutions of higher education, and 
                        service providers; and
                  (D) containing such other information and 
                assurances as the Secretary may require.
          (4) Amount of grants.--The amount of a grant to a 
        University Center for Excellence in Developmental 
        Disabilities Education, Research, and Service for a 
        fiscal year under this section shall be not less than 
        $250,000.
  (b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may reserve not more 
than 2 percent of the amount appropriated to carry out this 
section for a fiscal year to make a grant to a national 
organization with demonstrated capacity for providing training 
and technical assistance to--
          (1) assist in national dissemination of specific 
        information, including evidence-based best practices, 
        from interdisciplinary training programs, and when 
        appropriate, other entities whose findings would inform 
        the work performed by University Centers for Excellence 
        in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and 
        Service awarded grants under this section;
          (2) compile and disseminate strategies and materials 
        that prove to be effective in the provision of training 
        and technical assistance so that the entire network can 
        benefit from the models, materials, and practices 
        developed in individual centers;
          (3) assist in the coordination of activities of 
        grantees under this section;
          (4) develop a (or enhance an existing) Web portal 
        that will provide linkages to each of the individual 
        training initiatives and provide access to training 
        modules, promising training, and technical assistance 
        practices and other materials developed by grantees;
          (5) serve as a research-based resource for Federal 
        and State policymakers on information concerning the 
        provision of training and technical assistance for the 
        assessment, and provision of supports and services for, 
        children and adults on the autism spectrum;
          (6) convene experts from multiple interdisciplinary 
        training programs, individuals on the autism spectrum, 
        and the families of such individuals to discuss and 
        make recommendations with regard to training issues 
        related to assessment, interventions, services, 
        treatment, and supports for children and adults on the 
        autism spectrum; and
          (7) undertake any other functions that the Secretary 
        determines to be appropriate.
  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this 
section, there are authorized to be appropriated $17,000,000 
for each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2016.

SEC. 158. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS.

  (a) Grants.--The Secretary shall award multiyear grants to 
not more than 4 University Centers for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service 
described in paragraph (1) of section 157(a) to--
          (1) collaborate with minority institutions to--
                  (A) provide services described in such 
                section to individuals on the autism spectrum 
                who are from racial and ethnic minority 
                populations and to their families; and
                  (B) conduct research and education focused on 
                racial and ethnic minority populations; and
          (2) build capacity within such institutions to enable 
        such institutions to apply to become University Centers 
        for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, 
        Research, and Service capable of providing such 
        services, research, and education.
  (b) Applicable Provisions.--The provisions of paragraphs (2) 
and (3) of section 157(a) shall apply with respect to grants 
under this section to the same extent and in the same manner as 
such provisions apply with respect to grants under section 157.
  (c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, 
the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that 
demonstrate collaboration with minority institutions that--
          (1) have demonstrated capacity to meet the 
        requirements of this section and provide services to 
        individuals on the autism spectrum and their families; 
        or
          (2) are located in a State with one or more 
        underserved populations.
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this 
section, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for 
each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2016.

SEC. 159. DEFINITIONS.

  In this part:
          (1) The term ``interventions'' means educational 
        methods and positive behavioral support strategies 
        designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms associated 
        on the autism spectrum.
          (2) The term ``minority institution'' has the meaning 
        given to such term in section 365 of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965.
          (3) The term ``services'' means services to assist 
        individuals on the autism spectrum to live more 
        independently in their communities.
          (4) The term ``treatments'' means health services, 
        including mental health services, designed to improve 
        or ameliorate symptoms associated on the autism 
        spectrum.

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