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Bill

H 4261

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carl Anderson and 3 co-sponsors

Designates September as Blood Cancer Awareness Month in South Carolina to raise awareness and support patients and families; symbolizes ongoing research, with no new programs.

Act No. 51
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Bill Summary · H 4261

Summary — H 4261: “Blood Cancer Awareness Month” (Act No. 51)

Status: Enacted (Act No. 51). Effective date: May 12, 2025.
Introduced: March 27, 2025. Primary sponsor listed: Colleen M. Garry.

Purpose / Intent

This act designates the month of September of each year as “Blood Cancer Awareness Month” in the State (adds a new statutory designation). Its stated intent is to raise public awareness about blood cancers (including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms), encourage support for patients and families, and underscore the need for continued research, diagnosis, treatment access, and survivor follow‑up care.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 53‑3‑320 to Chapter 3, Title 53 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
  • Section text: “The month of September of each year is designated as ‘Blood Cancer Awareness Month.’”
  • The act takes effect upon the Governor’s approval (the Governor signed the bill; effective date recorded as 05/12/2025).

Findings cited in the bill (selected)

  • An estimated 1,698,339 people in the United States are living with or in remission from blood cancers.
  • Approximately every three minutes someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.
  • An estimated 57,260 deaths from these diseases are expected annually in the U.S., representing about 9.4% of total cancer deaths.
  • The bill emphasizes progress from research and the need for continued investment and support from nonprofit and voluntary health organizations.

Who is affected / likely impact

  • Primary effect is symbolic and awareness‑oriented: state government, health providers, nonprofit organizations, patients, survivors and families, and the general public.
  • Encourages public recognition, education efforts, and support activities during September each year.
  • The statute does not create new programs, regulatory requirements, funding obligations, or individual entitlements. No direct fiscal impact is specified in the text.

Legislative timeline (selected)

  • Introduced and read first time: 03/27/2025.
  • Committee report: Favorable (Medical Affairs) — 04/30/2025.
  • House passage (recorded roll call): Yeas 118 — Nays 0 (04/01/2025).
  • Sent to Senate: 04/02/2025.
  • Signed by Governor / Effective: 05/12/2025. Recorded as Act No. 51.

Notes

  • This is a statutory designation intended to promote awareness and support; it does not establish an appropriation or a state program. Agencies and organizations may choose to plan outreach, educational events, or supportive services during September in recognition of the designation.

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

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