Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law one of the most high-profile measures of the Virginia General Assembly in 2011 — a bill that would extend insurance coverage to autistic children between the ages of 2 and 6, with an annual benefits cap of $35,000.

“This legislation delicately balances the needs of our families with the struggles that employers throughout the commonwealth are faced with,” said Del. Tag Greason, R-Loudoun, the bill’s House sponsor. “It is the right thing to do, and I am proud to be a small part of the process.”