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HB 878

Holidays; October 9 of each year as PANDAS Day; designate

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Bennett and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 878 designates October 9 as "PANDAS Day" in Georgia, raising awareness for 15,000 children affected by PANS and PANDAS and improving access to treatment.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 878

Summary of House Bill 878: Designation of PANDAS Day

Bill Number: HB 878
Introduced: March 28, 2025
Current Status: House Second Readers
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 878 aims to designate October 9 of each year as "PANDAS Day" in the state of Georgia. The bill seeks to raise awareness about Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS), both of which can lead to severe mental health challenges in children.

Key Provisions

  • Designation of PANDAS Day: The bill amends Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to officially recognize October 9 as PANDAS Day.

  • Legislative Findings: The bill includes several findings that outline:

    • The impact of PANS and PANDAS on children, including symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and learning difficulties.
    • The potential for improvement in symptoms through treatments like antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
    • The ongoing research and development of treatment options by institutions such as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).
    • The need for increased public awareness and better access to treatment for affected families.

  • Repeal of Conflicting Laws: The bill also provides for the repeal of any laws that conflict with this new designation.

Impact

  • Affected Population: The bill is expected to impact approximately 15,000 children in Georgia who are estimated to have PANS or PANDAS, as well as their families.

  • Awareness and Education: By designating a specific day for PANDAS, the bill aims to enhance public understanding of these disorders among parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

  • Healthcare Access: The bill highlights the challenges faced by families in accessing treatment, including issues related to insurance coverage and the need for better training for healthcare providers regarding these conditions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • March 28, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
    • March 31, 2025: First reading in the House.
    • April 2, 2025: Second reading in the House.

This bill represents a significant step towards increasing awareness and support for children suffering from PANS and PANDAS in Georgia, aiming to foster a more informed and responsive healthcare environment.

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

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