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Bill

HB 1302

TO ADD DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY TO THE UNIVERSAL NEWBORN SCREENING ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Johnson

House Bill 1302 aimed to add Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to Arkansas's newborn screening, enhancing early detection for about 1,000 babies annually, but was withdrawn.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1302

Summary of House Bill 1302

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1302
  • Title: To Add Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to the Universal Newborn Screening Act
  • Status: Withdrawn by Author
  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose of the Bill

House Bill 1302 aimed to amend the Universal Newborn Screening Act in Arkansas by adding Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to the list of conditions for which newborns must be screened. The intent of this legislation was to enhance early detection and intervention for DMD, a severe genetic disorder that primarily affects boys and leads to progressive muscle degeneration.

Key Provisions

  • Inclusion of DMD in Screening: The bill proposed an amendment to Arkansas Code § 20-15-302(a)(B)(i), mandating that all newborns be tested for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as part of the universal newborn screening process.
  • Alignment with National Standards: The bill sought to align Arkansas's screening practices with the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) established by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Financial Impact

  • Projected Costs: The estimated annual cost for implementing DMD screening was projected to be between $250,000 and $300,000. This cost represents approximately 0.05% of the total medical costs associated with newborn care in the state.
  • Annual Births: The bill was based on the data that approximately 1,000 babies are born annually in Arkansas, indicating the potential number of screenings required.

Affected Parties

  • Newborns: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would have been newborns in Arkansas, who would receive early screening for DMD, potentially leading to timely medical interventions.
  • Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and healthcare providers would have been responsible for conducting the screenings and managing the associated costs.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 29, 2025: HB 1302 was filed and read for the first time. The rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
  • April 14, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author, halting its progress through the legislative process.

Conclusion

While House Bill 1302 was intended to improve health outcomes for newborns by adding Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to the universal screening requirements, it was ultimately withdrawn before further legislative action could take place. The proposal highlighted the ongoing discussions around newborn screening practices and the importance of early diagnosis for genetic disorders.

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

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