Vermont Senate passes SR 15 to protect autism patients' privacy rights
May 31, 2025 | SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The Vermont Senate convened on May 30, 2025, to address several key legislative matters, including the urgent consideration of Senate Resolution 15 (SR 15), which focuses on the protection of civil rights and medical confidentiality for individuals diagnosed with autism.
The session began with a motion from the senator from Chittenden to suspend the Senate's rules to allow for immediate action on SR 15. The motion was approved unanimously, leading to the resolution's second reading. SR 15 urges all state agencies, departments, and offices to uphold the civil rights and privacy of individuals with autism, particularly in light of recent plans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish an autism research database.
The senator from Chittenden Southeast reported that the resolution was favorably reviewed by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The senator from Chittenden Central, who introduced the resolution, emphasized the importance of protecting the private health information of individuals with autism and reaffirmed that autism is a neurodivergence that enriches communities rather than a disease.
The resolution aims to ensure that any participation in research databases is voluntary and that existing laws, such as HIPAA, are upheld. It will be sent to various federal and state officials, including the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Vermont congressional delegation.
Following the third reading of SR 15, the Senate voted in favor of the resolution, which passed successfully. The senator from Chittenden then moved to suspend the rules again to message actions taken on several other legislative items, including bills related to economic development and the regulation of professions. These motions were also approved.
As the session progressed, the senator from Chittenden noted that the Senate's calendar was clear, indicating a potential adjournment. However, he advised senators to remain available as the House was expected to send over additional items for consideration. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 2 PM, with a reminder for senators to tidy their desks and committee rooms.
Overall, the session highlighted the Senate's commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals with autism while also managing the legislative agenda as the session neared its conclusion.
The session began with a motion from the senator from Chittenden to suspend the Senate's rules to allow for immediate action on SR 15. The motion was approved unanimously, leading to the resolution's second reading. SR 15 urges all state agencies, departments, and offices to uphold the civil rights and privacy of individuals with autism, particularly in light of recent plans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish an autism research database.
The senator from Chittenden Southeast reported that the resolution was favorably reviewed by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The senator from Chittenden Central, who introduced the resolution, emphasized the importance of protecting the private health information of individuals with autism and reaffirmed that autism is a neurodivergence that enriches communities rather than a disease.
The resolution aims to ensure that any participation in research databases is voluntary and that existing laws, such as HIPAA, are upheld. It will be sent to various federal and state officials, including the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Vermont congressional delegation.
Following the third reading of SR 15, the Senate voted in favor of the resolution, which passed successfully. The senator from Chittenden then moved to suspend the rules again to message actions taken on several other legislative items, including bills related to economic development and the regulation of professions. These motions were also approved.
As the session progressed, the senator from Chittenden noted that the Senate's calendar was clear, indicating a potential adjournment. However, he advised senators to remain available as the House was expected to send over additional items for consideration. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 2 PM, with a reminder for senators to tidy their desks and committee rooms.
Overall, the session highlighted the Senate's commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals with autism while also managing the legislative agenda as the session neared its conclusion.
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