Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate Bill SR009

Introduced
5/1/26  

Caption

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month

Summary

Senate Resolution 26-009 is a commemorative resolution declaring May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Colorado. The resolution describes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, as a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe, and notes that there is currently no known cure. It emphasizes the urgency of ALS awareness by citing the disease’s rapid progression, the frequency of new diagnoses and deaths, and the need for continued research and support. The resolution highlights several themes related to ALS care and advocacy, including the importance of access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, communication technologies, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care clinics. It specifically references the role of clinics that provide coordinated services such as neurology, pulmonology, nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, and palliative care, and it recognizes organizations and medical providers in Colorado that support ALS patients and research. It also notes that military veterans are at increased risk of ALS. In practical legal terms, the resolution does not create or amend statutes, impose regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds. Its effect is symbolic and declaratory: it formally recognizes ALS Awareness Month and encourages Coloradans to support ALS research, increased funding, and solidarity with those affected. The resolution also directs copies to selected medical leaders, advocacy organizations, a state health official, and an ALS caregiver, underscoring its awareness-raising purpose. The general sentiment around the resolution is strongly supportive and noncontroversial. The bill text is framed in compassionate, advocacy-oriented language that honors patients, caregivers, clinicians, and nonprofit organizations working on ALS. Because there is no recorded committee discussion or vote history in the provided materials, there is no evidence of opposition or debate in the available record. Any potential contention would likely be limited to the broader policy implications implied by the resolution’s call for increased funding and support for research and care, but no specific objections are documented here. The measure appears to be a consensus recognition resolution with broad bipartisan sponsorship, focused on public awareness rather than policy change.

Impact

SR009 has no direct effect on Colorado statutes, regulations, or state agency duties. It is a ceremonial resolution that designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourages public support for ALS research, funding, and patient advocacy. Its practical impact is to elevate awareness of ALS and highlight the needs of patients, caregivers, medical providers, and nonprofit organizations involved in ALS care and research.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the resolution is positive, compassionate, and broadly supportive. The bill is sponsored by a large bipartisan group of senators, and the text reflects strong sympathy for people living with ALS and their families, as well as appreciation for clinicians, researchers, and advocacy organizations. No votes or committee testimony were provided, but the available record suggests little to no opposition.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. The resolution is nonbinding and ceremonial, so it is unlikely to have generated substantive disagreement. If any concern existed, it would most likely relate to the resolution’s general call for increased funding and support for ALS research and services, but no legislator, stakeholder, or committee member is identified as raising such an objection.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CO HJR1022

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

CO SJR018

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Denim Day 2025

CO HJR1025

Crime Victim Awareness Week

CO HJR1009

Black History Month February of 2025

CO HJR1021

February 28 Rare Disease Day

CO SJR009

Protection of Colorado's Public Lands

CO SB005

Reallocate Department of Natural Resources Wolf Funding to Health Insurance Enterprise

CO SR009

School Choice

CO HJR1026

Designate Representative Hugh McKean Memorial Highway

CO HJR1019

Native American Veterans

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.