Summary: H.Res. 360 – Expressing support for AMKD Awareness Day

What the bill aims to do

• H.Res. 360 is a House of Representatives resolution that expresses support for designating the last Tuesday of April each year as “APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day.”
• It encourages public awareness and education about kidney disease in general and specifically APOL1-mediated kidney disease.
• It also encourages individuals with ancestry from Western and Central Africa to consider genetic testing for APOL1 gene mutations.

Key provisions

1. Expression of support for designating AMKD Awareness Day on the last Tuesday of April.
2. Encouragement for the American public to become better informed about kidney disease and APOL1-mediated kidney disease.
3. Encouragement for people from or with ancestry from Western and Central Africa to consider genetic testing for APOL1 gene mutations.

Who is affected

• The measure primarily affects awareness-raising activities and public information efforts related to APOL1-mediated kidney disease.
• It specifically references people with West or Central African ancestry in the advice to consider APOL1 genetic testing.

Procedural and timeline context

• Introduced: April 29, 2025.
• Status: Submmitted in the House; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• Legislative actions to date:
  • 2025-04-29 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • 2025-04-29 — Submitted in the House.
• This is a non-binding resolution (as are most H.Res. measures) and does not by itself create new law or funding.

Sponsors and support

• Primary sponsor: Stacey E. Plaskett.
• Notable cosponsors (examples): Donald G. Davis, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Alma S. Adams, Suzan K. DelBene, Julia Brownley, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Yvette D. Clarke, Danny K. Davis, Frederica S. Wilson, Melanie A. Stansbury, Terri A. Sewell.
• The list reflects bipartisan sponsorship in the House.

Potential impact and considerations

• The resolution could raise public awareness about APOL1-mediated kidney disease and encourage education and conversations about genetic risk factors.
• By encouraging genetic testing for APOL1 mutations in individuals with West or Central African ancestry, it highlights a public health and personal health information topic that intersects with privacy, genetic counseling, and potential discrimination concerns. The measure itself, however, does not mandate testing or authorize any funding or programs.
• If advanced, this resolution would contribute to a broader dialogue about kidney disease risk and could inform future policy or funding discussions, especially around genetic research, testing accessibility, and education.

Overall, H.Res. 360 is a declarative, non-binding effort to recognize AMKD awareness and to promote informed discussion on APOL1-related kidney disease.