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SD 1873

An Act making October 25th Dwarfism Awareness Day in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Designates Oct 25 as Dwarfism Awareness Day in Massachusetts, requiring an annual Governor's proclamation and encouraging voluntary observance starting immediately.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1873

Summary: SD 1873 — An Act making October 25th Dwarfism Awareness Day in the Commonwealth

Overview

This bill would designate October 25 as Dwarfism Awareness Day in Massachusetts and require the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day and encouraging observance. The measure is framed as an emergency statute, intended to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Chapter 6 of the General Laws by inserting a new section after section 15LLLLLL: Section 15MMMMMM.
  • Content of Section 15MMMMMM: The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart October 25 as “National Dwarfism Day” and shall recommend that the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.
  • Observance: The bill does not mandate specific activities or programs; it directs a proclamation and recommended observance.
  • Effective date: The bill includes emergency-law language, indicating immediate effect to preserve public convenience.

Affected Parties

  • Governor: Responsible for issuing the annual proclamation each October 25.
  • Massachusetts residents: Encouraged to observe and acknowledge Dwarfism Awareness Day in an appropriate manner.
  • State government: Administrative framework to carry out proclamations and public observance guidance (though no funding or statutory mandates are specified).

Procedural History & Timeline

  • Introduced in the Senate as Senate Docket No. 1873 on January 16, 2025.
  • House actions on February 27, 2025:
    • The House concurred with the Senate version.
    • The bill was referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
  • Legislative note: The bill references a similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 (Senate No. 2003), indicating prior consideration of the topic.

Notes & Potential Implications

  • Naming inconsistency: The enacted text directs proclamations for “National Dwarfism Day,” while the title and intent refer to “Dwarfism Awareness Day” in the Commonwealth. This discrepancy could affect branding or local observance messaging.
  • Scope: The bill creates awareness-focused observance without imposing mandates or funding, relying on voluntary participation and gubernatorial proclamations.
  • Timing: As an emergency measure, it seeks immediate implementation and public visibility of Dwarfism Awareness Day.

Overall, SD 1873 would institutions a ceremonial, annually proclaimed day to raise awareness of dwarfism, led by the Governor’s office, with flexible guidelines for public observance.

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

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