RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed autism insurance bills, making Virginia the 26th state to adopt the protection for children and their parents.

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The law will cap annual coverage costs at $35,000. It will not apply to self-insured companies and exempts businesses with 50 or fewer workers.

The legislation was signed after McDonnell negotiated an agreement with legislators over concerns he had with language in some of the bills. In exchange, he pledged not to veto the bill.

Advocates of the legislation told the Richmond Times-Dispatch the changes will extend a helping hand to families that have been financially battered by the lack of insurance coverage for autism therapies.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com