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Bill

AJR 92

Designates May of each year as "Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Freiman and 1 co-sponsor

Designates May as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in New Jersey to promote awareness, education, and research.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 92

Overview

AJR 92 designates May of each year as “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month” in New Jersey. The bill aims to raise public awareness, encourage research, and promote the management and diagnosis of EDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD).

Purpose and intent

  • Establish May as an annual state-recognized awareness month for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD).
  • Promote public understanding of these heritable connective tissue disorders.
  • Encourage continued medical research into diagnosis, treatment, and underlying causes.
  • Support better patient outcomes through awareness, collaboration, and access to resources.

Key provisions

  1. Designation

    • The month of May each year shall be designated as “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.”

  2. Governor’s proclamation

    • The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation recognizing May as the awareness month.
    • Calls on public officials and New Jersey residents to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

  3. Effective date

    • The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

What would be affected

  • Public awareness efforts and educational initiatives within New Jersey.
  • Public officials and state agencies, which would be encouraged to participate in or support awareness activities.
  • Stakeholders connected to EDS/HSD, including patients, families, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups, through heightened visibility and potential collaboration with state resources.

Background and context included in the bill

  • EDS: A family of genetic disorders affecting connective tissue, with symptoms such as joint hypermobility, fragile skin, chronic pain, and fatigue. There are multiple types (including hypermobile, classical, vascular, kyphoscoliotic), caused by mutations in collagen-related genes. Diagnosis typically involves clinical assessment and family history; treatment focuses on symptom management (e.g., physical therapy, pain management) since there is no cure.
  • HSD: Related conditions characterized by symptomatic joint hypermobility and related systemic symptoms (fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, autonomic dysfunction). Some individuals are asymptomatically hypermobile.

Potential impact

  • Increased public awareness and understanding of EDS/HSD in New Jersey.
  • Potential alignment with national awareness efforts and resources.
  • Encouragement for ongoing research and improved diagnostic and treatment approaches within the state.
  • May stimulate local events, education campaigns, and collaborations among healthcare providers, patient advocates, and institutions such as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (noted in the bill as offering specialized care for EDS/HSD).

Status and procedural notes

  • Introduced: January 13, 2026
  • Referred to Assembly Health Committee
  • Sponsored (co-sponsors): Roy Freiman and Andrea Katz

Overall, AJR 92 authorizes a state-level annual observance to promote awareness, education, and research related to EDS and HSD, with a formal request for the governor to issue a commemorative proclamation each May.

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

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