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Bill

HJ 499

Krabbe Disease Awareness Day; designating as February 28, 2025, and each succeeding year thereafter.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Green

Designates February 28 each year as Krabbe Disease Awareness Day in Virginia to raise public awareness; ceremonial only, with no funding or new regulations.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ499ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 499

Summary of HJ 499: Krabbe Disease Awareness Day

What the bill does

  • Designates February 28, 2025, and each succeeding year, as Krabbe Disease Awareness Day in Virginia.
  • Directs the Clerk of the House of Delegates to post the designation on the General Assembly’s website.
  • The resolution is ceremonial and does not authorize spending or create new programs.

Purpose and intent

  • To raise public awareness of Krabbe Disease, a rare lysosomal storage disorder, and to highlight the need for more research into treatment options.
  • The measure uses a statewide symbolic recognition to encourage education and awareness among residents, families affected, and the medical community.

Key provisions and changes

  • Designation: February 28, in 2025 and each year thereafter, is proclaimed as Krabbe Disease Awareness Day in Virginia.
  • Public notice: The Clerk of the House of Delegates must post the designation on the General Assembly’s website.
  • No funding or regulatory changes: The resolution contains no appropriations, no new programs, and no regulatory mandates.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and families affected by Krabbe Disease, as well as the broader public, by raising awareness.
  • Government and public institutions in Virginia, which will publicly recognize the day (primarily through designation and the website posting).
  • No new regulatory burdens or fiscal obligations were created by the measure.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025 (HJ 499), Patron: Delegate Green; referred to Committee on Rules.
  • House actions: Reported from Rules (Feb. 4); Engrossed and agreed upon (Feb. 3) with a 96 yeas to 0 nays tally.
  • Senate actions: Read and agreed to with a voice vote (Feb. 18); Rules suspended for consideration; third reading waived/approved (Feb. 18).
  • Enrolled: Bill text as passed by both chambers (HJ499ER) finalized around March 12, 2025.
  • Final effect: The designation takes effect for 2025 and continues annually thereafter.

Background context cited in the measure

  • The resolution references NIH data describing Krabbe Disease as a rare lysosomal storage disorder, with infantile Krabbe Disease having a mortality rate up to 90% within the first two years of life.
  • It notes a range of debilitating complications (deafness, vision loss, rigid posture, cognitive deterioration) and emphasizes the need for further research into treatments.

Fiscal and implementation notes

  • No fiscal impact or implementation costs are specified.
  • The designation is symbolic, serving primarily educational and awareness purposes.

Overall, HJ 499 creates a recurring annual recognition in Virginia to promote Krabbe Disease awareness and directs a simple, public-facing posting by the General Assembly.

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

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