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HR 304

ALS AWARENESS MONTH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Cassidy and 12 co-sponsors

Illinois designates an official ALS Awareness Month to increase disease recognition and support community and fundraising efforts without requiring new funding or regulations.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HR 304

Legislative bill overview

HR 304 designates a specific month in Illinois as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Awareness Month. This is a ceremonial resolution that recognizes and promotes awareness of the disease without creating new regulatory requirements or appropriating funds.

Why is this important

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with high mortality rates and significant impact on patients and families. Awareness designations can increase public knowledge, encourage screening, support fundraising for research and patient services, and demonstrate legislative recognition of health conditions affecting constituents.

Potential points of contention

  • Limited practical impact: Awareness month designations are symbolic gestures that do not directly fund research, treatment access, or patient services—critics may view this as performative rather than substantive legislative action.
  • Competing designations: Multiple diseases seek similar recognition; some argue this creates "awareness month inflation" that dilutes public attention for any single cause.
  • Resource allocation debate: While this resolution itself costs nothing, supporters of ALS may argue Illinois should couple awareness efforts with actual funding for research or care programs to create meaningful change.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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