LEXINGTON, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear signed three pieces of legislation on Good Friday aimed at strengthening support for Kentuckians with special needs and their families, according to the Office of the Governor.

Senate Bills 69 and 85 and House Bill 562 address education recognition, research funding and long-term financial planning for individuals with disabilities. The legislation reflects the state's commitment to providing greater resources and support for this population.

Senate Bill 69 establishes the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, which will fuel research and support services for Kentuckians living with autism. Senate Bill 85 creates a special needs trust within the Kentucky state retirement system, allowing families to financially plan for children or relatives with special needs and enabling them to receive lifetime retirement payments if a family member dies before retirement.

House Bill 562 requires the Kentucky Department of Education to create an alternate diploma for students with special needs who otherwise would not have earned one. The legislation also directs the Department of Workforce Development to identify and publish a list of employers willing to hire individuals with alternate high school diplomas.

"I'm proud we're able to do some good for Kentucky families this Good Friday by signing three pieces of legislation that will celebrate children with special needs and better support their future and their families," Beshear said in a statement. "These are children of God and they deserve all the opportunities Kentucky has to offer, and we're doing what we can to deliver."

The bills represent part of the governor's broader legislative agenda this session. Earlier in April, Beshear also signed legislation supporting health care initiatives, including measures addressing Alzheimer's disease and organ donation safeguards.