WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 280

SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates May 18, 2026, as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day in Louisiana

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Melerine

Louisiana designates May 18, 2026 as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day to promote public awareness and support for NEC prevention and understanding.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 280

Purpose of the Bill

  • Designates a specific day in Louisiana to raise awareness about necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
  • The bill designates Monday, May 18, 2026, as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day in Louisiana and encourages public support for awareness initiatives.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official designation: May 18, 2026 (a Monday) is proclaimed NEC Awareness Day in Louisiana.
  • Encouragement of awareness: Invites citizens to support initiatives that raise awareness about NEC.

Who/What is Affected

  • Geographic scope: State of Louisiana.
  • Population affected: Primarily premature and medically fragile infants at risk for NEC, along with their families and the neonatal care community. Indirectly, hospitals, clinicians, researchers, and public health organizations involved with neonatal care and NEC awareness efforts.

Background and Rationale (as Presented in the Bill)

  • NEC is an inflammatory intestinal disease that predominantly affects premature or medically fragile infants.
  • NEC can lead to severe complications, including tissue damage and high mortality among hospitalized premature infants after two weeks of age.
  • The bill notes substantial costs associated with NEC hospitalizations and that breast milk feeding is among the most effective preventive measures.
  • It highlights disparities, noting black infants are disproportionately affected compared to white infants.
  • Emphasizes the need for increased data to understand NEC etiology and better prevention/outcomes.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Read by title and laid over under the rules (as of the latest action in the summary).
  • Effective Date: The designation applies to Monday, May 18, 2026.
  • Sponsor(s): Primary sponsor is Representative Melerine; co-sponsor is Michael Melerine.
  • Type of measure: House Resolution (a ceremonial resolution rather than a bill that creates new law).

Potential Impact

  • Public awareness: Likely increases public attention to NEC, its risk factors, and prevention strategies (notably the role of breast milk).
  • Public health engagement: May catalyze awareness campaigns, educational events, and community involvement in NEC-related initiatives.
  • No fiscal or regulatory changes: The resolution does not prescribe funding, regulatory changes, or new programs; it serves as an exhortation to awareness efforts.

Summary

HR 280 designates May 18, 2026, as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day in Louisiana and urges public support for awareness initiatives about NEC, a serious infant health condition primarily affecting premature and medically vulnerable infants. The measure underscores the burden of NEC, emphasizes breast milk as a preventive factor, acknowledges racial disparities in impact, and calls for broader data to improve understanding and outcomes. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new mandates or funding.

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

Sign in to ask a question.