Relative to Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marie Alvarado-Gil and 6 co-sponsors

Declares the first full week of May 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week to promote awareness, screening, and education for TD in patients on antipsychotics.

Read. Adopted. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 4134.)

1) Purpose and Intent

SR-103 designates and proclaims a public awareness designation: the first full week in May 2026 will be recognized as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week” (TDAW).

The resolution emphasizes the importance of early detection, routine screening, and education related to tardive dyskinesia (TD) for individuals receiving antipsychotic medications.

It aims to raise awareness among health care providers, patients, and care partners about TD causes, symptoms, screening, and treatment options, and to support alignment with clinical best practices.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Formal Recognition: The California Senate proclaims the first full week of May 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.

Educational Emphasis: Encourages efforts to raise awareness about TD, including its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of routine TD screening for patients prescribed antipsychotics.

Alignment with Guidelines: Highlights the American Psychiatric Association’s recommendations for routine TD screening in clinical guidelines for patients on antipsychotic treatment.

Information Dissemination: Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for distribution.

3) Affected Parties and Alcance

Primary Beneficiaries: Individuals receiving antipsychotic medications (who may be at risk for TD), their families and caregivers, and health care providers involved in monitoring antipsychotic treatment.

Secondary Beneficiaries: Public awareness and education efforts; organizations and professionals involved in TD screening and mental health care.

Overall Impact: A non-binding ceremonial resolution that seeks to promote awareness, screening, and informed care decisions related to TD.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Sponsorship: Introduced April 27, 2026, with multiple co-sponsors (Senators Blakespear, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Jones, Laird, Niello, Umberg).

Action History: As of the latest available information, the bill was ordered to third reading on April 29, 2026 and had been referred to the Committee on Rules (RLS) on April 27, 2026.

Legislative Nature: SR-103 is a Senate Resolution, serving as a formal expression of the Senate’s stance and a call to promote TD awareness; it does not by itself create new law or funding.

5) Context and Rationale (as described in the Digest)

TD is associated with long-term antipsychotic use and disproportionately affects certain groups (older adults, Black individuals, women, those with mood or substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, or CNS injuries).

A substantial portion of people with TD remain undiagnosed, underscoring the need for routine screening and early intervention.

The resolution references clinical guidelines and FDA-approved TD treatments as part of the rationale for increased awareness and screening in California.

This summary provides a concise, non-partisan overview of SR-103: its purpose, what it declares, who is affected, and the procedural steps surrounding its consideration.

Bill