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HR 5380

Designates May 2026 as "ALS Awareness Month" in Missouri

2026 Regular Session Introduced by George Hruza

Designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Missouri to raise public awareness and encourage support for ALS research and related services.

Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 9 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0
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Bill Summary · HR 5380

Summary of Bill HR 5380 (Missouri, 2026)

Overview

  • Type: House Resolution (non-binding)
  • Session: Second Regular Session, 103rd General Assembly
  • Introduced by: Representative Hruza (Co-sponsor)
  • Purpose: Proclaims May 2026 as “ALS Awareness Month” in Missouri and urges awareness and support for ALS research and related efforts.

What the Bill Does

  • Designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month within the state of Missouri.
  • Calls upon the public and Americans (implicit nationwide audience) to:
    • Support ALS research
    • Advocate for increased funding for ALS initiatives
    • Stand in solidarity with individuals and families affected by ALS

This is a commemorative resolution recognizing ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and promoting awareness and support rather than establishing new laws or state mandates.

Key Provisions and Content

  • Background and context provided in the resolution:
    • ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease with impacts on movement, speech, eating, and breathing.
    • The disease affects thousands annually, with estimates suggesting a new case every 90 minutes and death from the disease at similar intervals.
    • Average survival after diagnosis is approximately 2–5 years.
    • Causes remain unknown; no cure exists.
    • Military veterans have a higher likelihood of developing ALS.
    • Emphasizes the importance of access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies.
    • Highlights the pivotal role of clinical trials in advancing treatments and assistive technologies.
    • States that the ALS Association is a major funder of research, with claimed contributions of over $154 million to support numerous projects globally.
  • Affirmation of mission and values:
    • The ALS Association’s goal is stated as making ALS livable and pursuing a cure for everyone, everywhere.

Who/What Is Affected

  • State recognition only: The designation affects Missouri’s observance and public messaging for May 2026.
  • Individuals and organizations affected indirectly:
    • ALS patients, families, and caregivers may experience heightened awareness and public support during ALS Awareness Month.
    • Researchers, clinicians, and advocacy groups may receive increased visibility and calls for support and funding.
    • General public and state agencies may participate in awareness activities and outreach.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date: The resolution designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month.
  • Process notes:
    • Public hearing completed on April 23, 2026.
    • Referred to the Health and Mental Health Committee on April 7, 2026.
    • Offered on April 1, 2026.
  • Legislative nature: As a resolution, it is symbolic and does not create new laws, funding, or regulatory requirements.

Practical Implications

  • Serves as a formal acknowledgment by the Missouri House of Representatives of the impact of ALS and a call to action for awareness and support.
  • May influence state and local observances, events, and collaboration with ALS organizations during May 2026.
  • Provides a platform for stakeholders to advocate for increased ALS funding and access to therapies and assistive technologies.

Bottom Line

HR 5380 is a commemorative measure recognizing ALS Awareness Month in Missouri for May 2026, aiming to raise public awareness, honor those affected, and encourage support for ALS research and related services.

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

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