A Resolution designating the month of May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Anderson and 43 co-sponsors

Designates May 2026 in Pennsylvania as ALS Awareness Month to recognize and promote awareness, resources, and education about ALS statewide.

Reported as committed

Title and Purpose

Official title: A Resolution designating the month of May 2026 as “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

Intent: To recognize and raise awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) within the Commonwealth, focusing public attention on the disease, its impact on individuals and families, and the importance of research, care, and support resources.

Key Provisions

Designations and observance: The bill would designate May 2026 in Pennsylvania as ALS Awareness Month.

Public acknowledgment: Likely directs or encourages Pennsylvania institutions, organizations, and state agencies to observe the month in a manner consistent with awareness campaigns (e.g., briefings, events, proclamations, and educational outreach). The exact language typically invites state agencies to support awareness activities and to highlight resources for patients, caregivers, and researchers.

Scope of recognition: The resolution applies to the entire Commonwealth, signaling statewide acknowledgment rather than creating new programs or funding, unless later sections or related resolutions reference funding or initiatives (which are not evident from the provided text).

Who/What Would Be Affected

Constituents and communities affected: People living with ALS, their families and caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, advocacy groups, and state agencies.

State level impact: The executive and legislative branches would formally recognize ALS Awareness Month, potentially inspiring related awareness events or collaborations with non-profits and medical institutions. No explicit new funding, regulatory changes, or program mandates are described in the provided summary.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Referral history:

Referred to the Committee on Health (April 9, 2026).
Reported as committed (April 14, 2026). “Committed” typically means the bill passed the committee with a recommendation for passage or with amendments, and is ready for floor consideration.

Sponsors: Broad bipartisan and cross-chamber support (list includes many members serving as co-sponsors from both major caucuses and multiple districts), indicating strong interest in ALS awareness within the legislature.

Next steps (if enacted): If the full House passes the resolution and it is sent to the Senate (and subsequently signed by the Governor, if required by Pennsylvania practice for resolutions), the designation would take effect for May 2026. As a resolution, it generally does not create new law or funding; it publicly designates the month and may prompt celebrations or awareness activities.

Notes for Readers

This bill is a commemorative resolution, not a substantive policy statute. It designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourages awareness and education, without introducing new services, mandates, or appropriations.

Budget and programmatic implications are unlikely, unless the resolution interacts with or references ongoing ALS-related initiatives supported separately by the legislature or state agencies.

Bill