A Resolution recognizing the week of September 28 through October 4, 2026, as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bud Cook and 10 co-sponsors

Designates Sept 28–Oct 4, 2026 as Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week in PA to educate the public and honor those affected, without new funding or mandates.

Reported as committed

Summary of HR 546 (Session: 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose

This is a concurrent or simple resolution recognizing a designated awareness week in Pennsylvania.

Specifically designates September 28 through October 4, 2026, as “Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week” in the Commonwealth.

The resolution affiliates Pennsylvania with nationwide or global public awareness efforts for frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a form of dementia.

Key Provisions

Proclaims a week-long period (Sept 28–Oct 4, 2026) to be observed as Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week within Pennsylvania.

Encourages public education and awareness about FTD, its symptoms, and the impact on patients and families.

May request or encourage state agencies, schools, organizations, and the public to recognize the week and participate in awareness activities (the exact language typically mirrors standard proclamations, though specifics depend on the bill’s text).

Who/What is Affected

State of Pennsylvania and its residents.

Organizations and institutions in Pennsylvania involved in health education, aging, caregiving, and neurological research.

Individuals and families affected by frontotemporal degeneration, as well as healthcare providers, researchers, and advocacy groups engaged in FTD awareness.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill designates a specific week in 2026 for awareness activities.

As a resolution, it typically does not create new funding, regulatory requirements, or enforceable mandates; rather, it expresses the sense of the General Assembly.

If approved, proclamations may be issued by the state legislature or relevant officers to mark the week.

Sponsorship

Primary sponsors and co-sponsors include:

Co-sponsors: Liz Hanbidge, Pat Gallagher, Ed Neilson, Maureen Madden, Bud Cook, Eddie Pashinski, Jamie Flick, Dan Moul, Arvind Venkat, Mindy Fee.

Bipartisan list indicates cross-chamber support for recognizing FTD awareness.

Impact and Rationale

Raises public awareness about frontotemporal degeneration, which can help educate the public on early signs, caregiver challenges, and available resources.

May bolster support for related health initiatives, research, and community programs within Pennsylvania.

Provides a formal, symbolic acknowledgment rather than creating new programs or funding (absent explicit appropriation language in the bill).

If you’d like, I can pull in related background on frontotemporal degeneration to contextualize the awareness week or outline typical language found in Pennsylvania awareness proclamations to compare with the bill’s text.