A resolution to declare May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 15 co-sponsors

Designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month to boost public awareness and support for ALS care, research, therapies, and assistive technologies in Michigan.

adopted

Summary of Bill HR 309 (Michigan, 2025-2026)

Purpose and Intent

Declares May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Aims to raise public awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its impact on individuals and families, and the importance of research, care, and access to therapies and assistive technologies.

Encourages Michiganders to support people with ALS, caregivers, and ongoing ALS research and funding.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

Resolution language designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month.

Calls upon residents to support:

People diagnosed with ALS and those caring for them.
Ongoing research efforts and funding initiatives aimed at finding a cure.
Access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communications technologies that assist people with ALS.

Acknowledges broader ALS context, including:

The disease’s severity and lack of a cure.
The higher incidence/severity among military veterans.
The role of clinical trials in evaluating treatments and assistive technologies.
The anniversary context of the Ice Bucket Challenge and its impact on awareness and funding.

References the ALS Association’s role as a major funder of research (noting that it has committed over $154 million to support hundreds of projects globally).

Who/What Is Affected

State recognition and awareness efforts are affected; the resolution primarily influences public awareness and advocacy activities within Michigan.

May influence stakeholders such as:

ALS patients and families in Michigan.
Healthcare providers, researchers, and institutions involved in ALS care and research.
Public health and philanthropic communities engaged in ALS funding and outreach.

No immediate fiscal appropriation or regulatory changes are specified in the text of the resolution itself.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced and placed on third reading on May 12, 2026.

As a House Resolution, it serves as a formal expression of the Michigan House of Representatives’ stance and does not enact new laws or allocate funds by itself.

Typically would be used to mobilize awareness campaigns, public events, and advocacy during May 2026, and to signal legislative support for ALS-related initiatives.

Implications and Context

Provides a formal platform to highlight ALS challenges, including the disease’s impact on walking, speaking, eating, and breathing.

Emphasizes the importance of access to therapies and assistive technologies, as well as the critical role of clinical trials.

Aligns with national and international ALS awareness efforts and the work of major organizations like the ALS Association.

Note: The bill functions as an awareness-resolution rather than a substantive regulatory or funding measure. Its impact lies in shaping public recognition, encouraging support for research and care, and potentially guiding related public events during ALS Awareness Month in Michigan.