Bill
SR 187
Designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Kentucky to raise public awareness and support for research, care, and advocacy for those affected.
Purpose
- Recognizes May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
- Aims to raise public awareness about ALS, its impact, and the ongoing research and support efforts.
Key Provisions
- Section 1: Official designation
- Declares May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Kentucky.
- Section 2: Administrative action
- Directs the Clerk of the Senate to transmit a copy of the resolution to Senator Steve Rawlings (the sponsor).
Background and Context Included in the Resolution
- ALS overview:
- ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that impairs brain-to-muscle communication, affecting walking, speaking, eating, and breathing.
- The disease has a grim prognosis, with many patients surviving only 2 to 5 years after diagnosis.
- The exact causes are unknown, and there is no cure.
- Demographic and healthcare considerations:
- Individuals with military service have a higher risk of developing ALS compared to non-veterans.
- Access to new therapies, durable equipment, and communication technologies is critical for people living with ALS.
- Clinical trials are highlighted as important for evaluating new treatments and improving quality of life and assistive technologies.
- Support and research landscape:
- The ALS Association is cited as a major funder of ALS research, having committed over $154 million to support more than 550 projects in the United States and 18 other countries.
Sponsors and Legislative History
- Sponsors:
- Primary sponsor: (implied) Senator Steve Rawlings
- Co-sponsors: Senator Shelley Frommeyer
- Action history:
- Introduced in Senate on March 20, 2026
- Referred to the Committee on Committees (S)
- Adopted by voice vote in the Senate on March 24, 2026
- Action completed with passage and transmission to the Senate floor as part of the resolution process
- The resolution is non-binding and primarily serves ceremonial and awareness-raising purposes.
Who Is Affected
- Beneficiaries and stakeholders include:
- Individuals and families affected by ALS in Kentucky (awareness, advocacy, and visibility).
- Healthcare providers, researchers, and patient advocacy groups concentrating on ALS.
- The general public, lawmakers, and state agencies engaged in health and disability policy awareness.
Timing and Procedural Notes
- Formal designation applies to May 2026.
- The resolution is a ceremonial measure; it does not impose regulatory changes or allocate funds.
- It requires no fiscal impact or implementation plan beyond recognition and publicity, given its nature.
Impact
- While symbolic, the resolution can:
- Elevate public awareness of ALS and its challenges.
- Highlight the importance of research funding, clinical trials, and access to assistive technologies.
- Complement advocacy efforts by organizations like the ALS Association and patient communities within Kentucky.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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