An Act relative to APOL1 mediated kidney disease

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

Requires DPH to study APOL1 kidney-risk variants and issue a report with awareness, screening/testing recommendations, and funding analysis by end of 2026.

House concurred

Overview

Bill number: SD 1506 (Senate Docket)

Title: An Act relative to APOL1 mediated kidney disease

Purpose: To require the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to study APOL1 gene variants associated with increased risk of end-stage renal disease and to produce a report with recommendations and funding analysis for increasing awareness, screening, and genetic testing in the Commonwealth.

Status: House concurred. (Introduced in the Senate; referred to Public Health; House concurrence indicates passage by the House in this stage.)

Key Provisions

Legislative change: Inserts a new Section 245 into Chapter 111 of the General Laws, immediately after existing Section 244.

Mandated action by the Department of Public Health (DPH):

The DPH shall conduct a review of APOL1 gene variants that are associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease.
The DPH must issue a report that includes: 1) Recommendations on how to increase awareness of APOL1, including considerations related to screening and genetic testing. 2) An analysis of strategies and funding to increase screening and genetic testing for APOL1 in Massachusetts. 3) Other relevant information or issues identified by the department.

Filing deadline: The DPH must file the report with the clerks of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate, and the Joint Committee on Public Health, no later than December 31, 2026.

Scope: The bill focuses on a policy/public health surveillance and awareness-raising approach; it does not require screening or testing, nor does it authorize immediate spending or mandates.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Primary: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) responsible for completing the study and reporting.

Secondary: Massachusetts residents, particularly populations at risk for APOL1-associated kidney disease, healthcare providers, and public health stakeholders who may benefit from increased awareness and potential future screening/testing initiatives.

No mandatory screening or testing is imposed by this bill; it is a reporting requirement that could inform future policy decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Legislative actions: Referred to the Senate Committee on Public Health; House concurred on February 27, 2025.

Reporting deadline: December 31, 2026.

Enactment pathway: As a reporting requirement, the bill would likely move toward final enactment contingent on the Legislature’s consideration of the DPH report and any accompanying recommendations.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Short-term impact: Establishes a formal, time-bound process for assessing APOL1-related risk and determining how to raise awareness and access to testing.

Long-term implications: Depending on the report, may pave the way for future legislation or funding to support APOL1 screening, education, and genetic testing initiatives in the Commonwealth.

Limitations: The bill does not provide funding, mandate testing, or create clinical guidelines; it is limited to a comprehensive report and recommendations.

Bill