A lawmaker who held up a bill mandating insurance coverage for children's autism therapy, angering fellow lawmakers, backed down Thursday. State Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Montrose), chairman of the General Fund budget committee, stunned observers by suggesting he might not report the bill out, despite a 14-2 vote in favor of the measure. Senators who support the bill reacted with outrage. Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) called it disgraceful, and threatened to grind the entire session to a halt. Senate leader Del Marsh (R-Anniston) intervened, and Pittman capitulated. Marsh promises a floor vote on the bill next week. The bill passed the House 100-0. 45 states have similar laws.