HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 30, 2025, AS "WORLD MS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates May 30, 2025 as World MS Day to honor those affected and support NMSS's MS research and advocacy; a certified copy is sent to NMSS.

05/29/2025 House read and passed

Overview

Bill: HR 6375

Title: House Resolution Recognizing May 30, 2025, as “World MS Day” in the State of Rhode Island

Type: Resolution (no changes to statute or funding)

Status: Introduced May 29, 2025; House read and passed on May 29, 2025

Introduced by: Representatives Alzate, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kennedy, Ajello, Diaz, Tanzi, Cortvriend, and Fellela

Key action: Recognizes World MS Day and directs that a certified copy be transmitted to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)

Purpose and Intent

To formally acknowledge and support the efforts of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS), advance research, and work toward prevention, treatment, and a cure.

Specifically designates May 30, 2025 as “World MS Day” in Rhode Island to honor individuals affected by MS and the organizations advancing MS research and advocacy.

Key Provisions

Recognition of MS as a neurological disease impacting the central nervous system, with specific statistics cited:

Global burden: about 2.9 million people worldwide
United States: about 1 million people
Rhode Island: 2,319 adults affected

Education and advocacy emphasis: highlights that the cause and course of MS are not fully understood and that no cure currently exists.

Commitment to the NMSS: acknowledges the NMSS’s longstanding role (79 years) in MS research and advocacy, including substantial funding and fundraising milestones.

Financial and research impact cited by the bill:

NMSS has invested more than $1 billion in MS research since its inception.
Funds raised by NMSS support about $50.2 million in funding for more than 380 research projects at major medical centers, universities, and other institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

Specific directive:

The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit a duly certified copy of the resolution to Peter Porrino, Chairman of the Board of the NMSS.

Affected Parties and Potential Impact

Affected/beneficiary groups:

Rhode Island residents living with MS and their families
The broader MS community and advocacy organizations
NMSS and the wider MS research community

Practical impact:

Primarily symbolic and commemorative; increases public awareness and affirmation of support for MS research and advocacy.
No new funding, programs, or regulatory changes are established by this resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Procedural status: Passed the Rhode Island House on May 29, 2025 (introduced and acted upon the same day).

Next steps (if applicable): As a House Resolution, it would typically require passage by the Rhode Island Senate to become a joint or concurrent resolution with any potential formal impact beyond recognition; the bill’s text indicates a ceremonial action rather than statutory changes.

Context and Rationale

The resolution aligns Rhode Island with a global observance of World MS Day and recognizes the ongoing efforts of NMSS to combat MS through research funding and public education.

By documenting these recognitions, the state signals solidarity with individuals affected by MS and support for scientific progress toward better treatments and a cure.

Bill