OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A bill to require insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism in children is the first bill filed in the state Senate for the 2009 legislative session.

Senate Bill 1 is entitled "Nick's Law" and is named for 11-year-old Nick Rhode of Edmond, who suffers from autism. Wayne Rhode - Nick's father - lobbied without success last year to get the measure out of a House committee.

Democratic Sen. Jay Paul Gumm of Durant is the principal sponsor of bill which is opposed by insurance interests who say it will raise rates.

Gumm says similar legislation has been enacted in other states with bipartisan support, but is being blocked by Republican leaders in the Oklahoma House.

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