Bill
HR 73
Michigan HR 73 designates April 2025 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to honor affected people and caregivers and encourage prosthetic access (nonbinding).
Status: Adopted (House resolution; ceremonial)
Sponsors: Introduced by Rep. Luke Meerman; co‑sponsors include Reps. Kelly, Tate, Witwer, Breen, Conlin, MacDonell, Rogers (additional co‑sponsors listed on the enrolled resolution).
Purpose and intent
- HR 73 is a commemorative resolution declaring April 2025 as “Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month” in the state of Michigan.
- The resolution aims to raise public awareness about limb loss and limb difference, recognize people living with limb loss, acknowledge family caregivers and support organizations, and honor veterans who have lost limbs in service.
Key provisions and findings (as stated in the resolution)
- Cites national statistics: about 5.6 million Americans living with limb loss or limb difference and roughly 500,000 new cases annually.
- Notes congenital limb difference occurs in about 1 in 2,100 births and that each summer approximately 600 children lose a limb to lawn mower accidents.
- Identifies diabetes, vascular disease, and infection as the most common diagnoses preceding amputation.
- Emphasizes the importance of access to appropriate prosthetic care so people with limb loss can pursue independence, daily activities, work, hygiene, and physical/mental wellbeing.
- Recognizes the role of the Amputee Coalition and its National Limb Loss Resource Center in providing education, support, and advocacy.
- Designates April (symbolically tied to spring as a time of renewal) as the appropriate month for awareness activities.
- Encourages citizens to celebrate people living with limb loss and limb difference, learn about related issues, thank family and caregivers, and salute veterans who have lost limbs.
Who or what is affected
- The resolution is symbolic and non‑binding; it does not create new legal obligations, funding, or regulatory changes.
- Affected/targeted groups include people living with limb loss or limb difference in Michigan, their families and caregivers, health care and prosthetic service providers, advocacy organizations, and veterans.
- Local governments, community groups, and nonprofits are encouraged (but not required) to observe and promote awareness activities during April 2025.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Introduced in the Michigan House (introduced/considered between January–April 2025 in the legislative record).
- The resolution was adopted by the House (multiple calendar entries show readings and adoption in March–April 2025), enrolled and signed by the Speaker (April 28, 2025), and transmitted to the Secretary of State (May 5, 2025).
- Classification: House resolution (ceremonial/recognition).
Related legislation
- A companion item is listed as S 253.
Practical impact
- HR 73 serves to increase visibility of limb loss and limb difference issues and to encourage community recognition and support. Because it is a non‑statutory resolution, it does not appropriate funds or change state healthcare policy, but it can help focus public attention and may support future policy or program initiatives related to prosthetic access, injury prevention, and veteran services.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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