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SD 1191

An Act designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Cindy Friedman

Designates June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in MA; Governor shall issue an annual proclamation guiding observance; symbolic, no penalties or funding, boosts awareness.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1191

Summary: An Act designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (Senate Docket No. 1191)

Purpose

This bill would recognize June 7 each year as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in Massachusetts. The central mechanism is a gubernatorial proclamation urging observance of the day by the public, with the aim of raising awareness about Tourette Syndrome.

Key Provisions

  • Adds a new section to Chapter 6 of the General Laws (inserted after section 15ZZZZZZ) titled Section 15AAAAAAA.
  • Mandatory action by the Governor: The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day.
  • Observance guidance: The proclamation should recommend that the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people (e.g., education, awareness activities, community events).
  • No enforcement or penalties: The bill does not create penalties, fines, or specific compliance requirements.
  • No funding or program mandates: The measure does not authorize appropriations or require state agencies to fund or administer programs.

Effective Date and Timeline

  • If enacted, the requirement would apply to each year following enactment, with an annual gubernatorial proclamation establishing the day and guiding observance.

Who Is Affected

  • The Governor’s Office (responsible for issuing the annual proclamation).
  • Massachusetts residents and communities (encouraged to observe the day).
  • Tourette Syndrome advocacy and awareness groups (potentially benefiting from heightened visibility and alignment with public messaging).

Procedural History

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Senate filed: January 15, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1191; Senate No. 2152).
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on February 27, 2025; the House concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • Status: House concurred. (This indicates the House approved the bill or agreed with Senate amendments, moving it toward final passage pending any Governor action.)

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Public awareness: The bill is symbolic in nature and relies on annual proclamations to raise visibility and understanding of Tourette Syndrome.
  • Administrative simplicity: There are no mandated programs or costs, making administrative burden minimal.
  • Voluntary observance: Observance by the public is encouraged but not required.
  • Future opportunities: The designation could provide a foundation for future public education efforts or collaborations with schools, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar awareness-day designations in Massachusetts or neighboring states for context.

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

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