Committee backs SB 160 to make autism provider rate parity permanent

A House committee gave a favorable recommendation to SB 160, a bill sponsors described as a technical, budget-neutral change that makes existing inflationary adjustments for autism provider reimbursement permanent.

The sponsor told the committee the bill repeals temporary language that had tied autism provider rates to a 2–2.5% inflationary increase already embedded in statute, and that the change preserves parity between providers who treat autistic individuals and those who serve neurotypical children.

"It's not a new revenue source," the sponsor said, asking the committee to approve the measure so provider rates will not stagnate relative to other services.

Representative Sawyer moved to favorably recommend SB 160; the committee passed the motion by voice vote. The sponsor later asked that the bill be placed on the consent calendar; the committee took a voice vote on that request and there was no recorded opposition to the bill itself.