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HJ 466

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month; designating as May 2025 and in each succeeding year.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 23 co-sponsors

Virginia designates May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month to raise awareness and support for research and services, with no new funding or programs.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ466ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 466

Summary of HJ466ER — Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month

Overview

House Joint Resolution No. 466 designates May 2025, and each subsequent May, as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in Virginia. This is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution aimed at recognizing ALS and promoting public awareness and support for research and services.

Purpose and Scope

  • Establishes a recurring annual recognition of ALS Awareness Month in the Commonwealth.
  • Signals the General Assembly’s support for awareness, education, and ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for people living with ALS.
  • It does not create new programs, funding, or regulatory requirements; there is no appropriation or mandate on state agencies.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: May (starting with May 2025) and in each succeeding year shall be known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in Virginia.
  • Transmission: The Clerk of the House of Delegates must transmit a copy of the resolution to the ALS Association, informing them of the General Assembly’s designation.
  • Public Posting: The Clerk must post the designation on the General Assembly’s website.
  • Legislative framing: The resolution includes “Whereas” clauses highlighting ALS facts (progressive, fatal, current lack of cure, survival typically 2-5 years, higher risk for veterans, importance of trials and therapies, and the ALS Association’s research funding) to provide context and reinforce the purpose of awareness efforts.

Affected Parties

  • Primarily the general public in Virginia, including ALS patients and families, veterans, caregivers, researchers, and advocacy organizations.
  • The ALS Association (as the linked recipient of the designation).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 12, 2025; Prefiled January 12–13, 2025.
  • Legislative path: Referred to Rules; Passed the House (96-0) on February 3, 2025; Agreed to by the Senate (February 18, 2025); Rules and readings completed in February.
  • Enrolled status: Enrolled as HJ466ER on March 12, 2025.
  • Effective practice: The designation takes effect annually for May starting 2025 and continuing each year thereafter.

Practical Impact

  • No fiscal impact or new state programs are created.
  • Serves as a formal, symbolic acknowledgment intended to raise public awareness, encourage community events, and support ongoing ALS research and access to therapies and technologies.
  • Encourages alignment with national awareness initiatives and commemorations, including the Ice Bucket Challenge milestone referenced in the resolution’s rationale.

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

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