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S 1545

An Act relative to APOL1 mediated kidney disease

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Homar Gomez and 1 co-sponsor

DPH must study APOL1 variants linked to ESRD and issue by 2026-12-31 a report with recommendations to boost awareness, screening, and genetic testing in Massachusetts.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 1545

Summary: S 1545 — An Act relative to APOL1 mediated kidney disease

Purpose

This bill would require the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to study APOL1 gene variants that are associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to report findings and recommendations to improve awareness, screening, and genetic testing related to APOL1 within the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

  • Insertion of a new Section 245 into Chapter 111 of the General Laws, after Section 244.
  • DPH duties:
    • Conduct a review of APOL1 gene variants linked to higher ESRD risk.
    • Issue a report with: 1) Recommendations to increase awareness of APOL1, including screening and genetic testing. 2) An analysis of strategies and funding to expand APOL1 screening and genetic testing in Massachusetts. 3) Other relevant information identified by DPH.
  • Reporting timeline:
    • DPH must file the report with the clerks of the House of Representatives and Senate and the Joint Committee on Public Health no later than December 31, 2026.

Affected Parties

  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health (agency responsible for the study and reporting).
  • Residents of the Commonwealth (particularly individuals at risk for APOL1-associated kidney disease).
  • Healthcare providers, public health planners, and policymakers involved in genetic testing, kidney disease prevention, and resource allocation.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: April 30, 2025.
  • Initial referrals and committee activity:
    • Referred to Public Health (February 27, 2025) and subsequently to applicable committees.
    • Hearing scheduled and held for related committee actions (e.g., May 1, 2025 hearings noted in the record; a separate hearing on June 11, 2025 is listed).
    • Reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means on September 4, 2025.
  • Status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means. The process indicates movement toward potential enactment, subject to Senate and House considerations and appropriations.

Fiscal Considerations

  • The text specifies a study and reporting requirement but does not authorize explicit new funding in the bill. Any costs would likely be borne by the Department of Public Health as part of its programmatic duties, potentially affecting staffing or contracted expertise for the review.

Additional Context

  • Related bill notation: SD 1506 (replaces) appears in the record, indicating related or parallel drafting activity.
  • Sponsors listed: Tim Scott (primary) and Brian Schatz (cosponsor). Note: These names are atypical for a Massachusetts General Court bill, suggesting a cross-jurisdictional drafting example or a placeholder in the record.

Bottom Line

S 1545 would establish a targeted, time-bound review by the DPH of APOL1 variants tied to kidney disease, with a formal report due by the end of 2026 detailing awareness, screening/testing strategies, and potential funding. It is moving through committee stages with favorable reporting and referral to Senate Ways and Means, signaling potential consideration for enactment in the 2025-2026 session.

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

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