Relating to Parkinson’s disease prevention, research, and care, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions

This bill creates a Parkinson’s disease prevention, research, and care (PDPRC) fund under the control of the department of health and human services (HHS). Moneys in the PDPRC fund are appropriated to HHS to be used to (1) award grants to public or private entities for purposes specified in the bill, including to support research on Parkinson’s disease and related disorders and to support caregivers of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, and (2) develop, implement, and revise a state plan to address neurodegenerative diseases (state plan), with an initial and primary focus on Parkinson’s disease. The bill requires HHS to establish a neurodegenerative disease advisory council within HHS to advise HHS on matters relating to grants and the state plan. The bill requires grant recipients to report annually to HHS, and requires HHS to report annually to the governor and general assembly. The state plan must be published on HHS’s internet site and must include elements set forth in the bill. The bill requires HHS to publish the initial state plan on or before October 1, 2027, with a draft plan available for public comment at least 30 days before publication. The bill authorizes HHS to collaborate and coordinate with public and private entities, other than federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to enhance the effectiveness of grants awarded under the bill, leverage available resources effectively, and avoid duplication. HHS may enter into agreements with such entities to facilitate data sharing and collaborative research, provided the data does not contain confidential information. For FY 2026-2027, the bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund of the state to the PDPRC fund. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.