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H 2495

An Act relative to LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders) in infants

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga and 7 co-sponsors

The bill would expand Massachusetts newborn screening to include several lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) for early detection in infants.

Hearing rescheduled to 07/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:05 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 2495

Summary: H.2495 – An Act relative to LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders) in infants

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to expand Massachusetts’ newborn screening by adding several lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) to the list of conditions screened in newborns.
  • Specifically, it would insert a list of LSDs into the existing statute related to congenital conditions detected through newborn screening, thereby broadening the scope of mandatory screening in infants.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 110A of Chapter 111 of the General Laws (as it appears in the 2018 Official Edition).
  • The amendment inserts after the word “cretinism” the following conditions:
    • Krabbe disease
    • Fabry disease
    • Gaucher disease
    • Pompe disease
    • MPS I (Hurler syndrome)
    • Niemann-Pick disease types A/B
  • The 110A section, historically tied to indicators detected at birth (and often including congenital hypothyroidism, i.e., cretinism), would thus include these LSDs for newborn screening purposes.
  • The bill is framed as “An Act relative to LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders) in infants,” aligning with public health goals of early detection and treatment.

Who or what would be affected

  • All newborns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would be subject to the expanded screening panel if the bill becomes law.
  • Health care providers, hospitals, and laboratories involved in newborn screening and follow-up testing.
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and related public health infrastructure responsible for screening, confirmatory testing, and reporting.
  • Families and individuals diagnosed with one of the added LSDs would be affected through earlier detection and potential access to treatments and clinical management.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Public Health (2025-02-27).
  • Senate concurrence noted (related procedural action).
  • Related bill: House Docket No. 290 (HD 290) appears to replace or parallel this measure.
  • Hearing information:
    • Original hearing date adjustments: Hearing rescheduled to July 14, 2025 (07/14/2025) with a revised time window, including both in-person (A-1) and virtual components.
    • Subsequent updates continued to reflect changes to the July 14, 2025 hearing timing.
  • Legislative history notes the bill mirrors or builds on similar matter from a prior session (House No. 2236 of 2023-2024).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public health impact: Earlier identification of LSDs can enable timely medical interventions, management, and improved outcomes for affected infants.
  • Implementation considerations: Depending on existing screening capacity, there may be a need for additional lab resources, confirmatory testing pathways, genetic counseling, and treatment access.
  • Fiscal considerations: The bill text does not specify funding; implementing additional screens could entail costs for laboratories, confirmatory testing, and follow-up care.
  • Policy context: This aligns with broader efforts to expand universal newborn screening to detect more treatable congenital conditions.

Related materials

  • Similar or prior measures: House Bill No. 2236 (2023-2024) referenced as related matter.
  • Status notes indicate the hearing schedule and ongoing committee review as of mid-2025.

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

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