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HD 767

An Act designating September as PCOS awareness month

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hannah Kane and 3 co-sponsors

Designates September as PCOS Awareness Month in MA; requires annual Governor proclamation to boost awareness and promote earlier diagnosis, with no new funding.

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Bill Summary · HD 767

Summary: HD 767 — An Act designating September as PCOS awareness month

Quick overview

  • Bill number: HD 767 (House Docket No. 767)
  • Title: An Act designating September as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) awareness month
  • Legislature: Massachusetts General Court (194th General Court, 2025-2026)
  • Introduced / Filed: January 13, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Representative Samantha Montaño (and several co-sponsors)
  • Current status: Proposed bill (as introduced in the 2025-2026 session)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill designates September in Massachusetts as PCOS Awareness Month.
  • Its central aim is to increase citizens’ awareness of PCOS, described as the most common endocrine (hormone) disorder in women.
  • The overall goal is to support better education leading to earlier diagnosis, intervention, and care.

Key provisions

  • Legal change: Inserts a new section, 15MMMMMM, into Chapter 6 of the General Laws, placed after the existing section 15LLLLLL.
  • Proclamation duty: The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation designating September as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month.
  • Purpose of proclamation: To increase public awareness of PCOS and to promote education and earlier diagnosis and care.
  • Observance guidance: The proclamation shall recommend that the month be observed “in an appropriate manner” by the people of the Commonwealth.

Who and what would be affected

  • State government: The Governor would issue the annual proclamations each September.
  • General public: Citizens are invited to observe and engage with PCOS awareness activities as encouraged by the proclamation.
  • PCOS advocacy and health organizations: Likely beneficiaries of heightened awareness and potential collaboration with state messaging.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Instead of creating new programs or funding, the bill establishes a ceremonial/state-awareness mechanism.
  • Each year, beginning in September following enactment, the Governor would issue the proclamation.
  • No specific funding, reporting, or enforcement provisions are included; the impact relies on voluntary observance and existing public health communication channels.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public awareness: Could increase knowledge about PCOS among residents and healthcare providers.
  • Early diagnosis and care: By promoting education, may contribute to earlier recognition and intervention.
  • Scope: Purely ceremonial in nature; does not create rights, duties, or funding for state agencies.
  • Comparisons: Aligns Massachusetts with broader awareness efforts around September, consistent with other health-month observances.

Context notes

  • Legislative history as presented: House No. 3392; filed January 13, 2025; proposed by Rep. Montaño with multiple co-sponsors.
  • The bill is a straightforward designation with no accompanying regulatory or fiscal provisions.

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

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