NJ signs autism bill into law

Autistic adults and children will be protected from discrimination because a bill championed by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean of Westfield was signed into law today. The bill amends the state’s law against discrimination so that autism disorders are recognized causes of disabilities.

“Autistic residents will now receive the same protections as other disabled citizens from discrimination in access to housing, employment and public accommodations such as theaters, stores and restaurants,” Senator Kean said.

“New Jersey is known for opening doors of opportunity for all its disabled residents,” Senator Kean said. “This bill’s passage shows that legislators of both parties can and do work together to build a more compassionate New Jersey.”

Senator Kean and Democratic Senator Joe Vitale of Woodbridge, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, were co-prime sponsors of the legislation.