What's happening
This bill adds Prader-Willi syndrome to the list of conditions defined as developmental disabilities under New York mental hygiene law.
Why it matters
Expanding the definition to include Prader-Willi syndrome means that individuals with this rare genetic disorder will become eligible for a broader range of state-supported services and protections under mental hygiene law. This can include access to specialized education programs, therapies, and support systems previously unavailable to them.
Recognizing Prader-Willi syndrome as a developmental disability facilitates earlier identification and intervention, which can improve long-term outcomes. This is especially significant because the syndrome often has complex behavioral, cognitive, and physical challenges requiring coordinated care.
This change could lead to increased awareness among healthcare providers, educators, and the public about Prader-Willi syndrome, potentially reducing stigma and ensuring more comprehensive support for affected individuals and their families.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Add Prader-Willi as Disability
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 62
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A5974
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.1041
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to mental health and developmental disabilities
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Add Prader-Willi to Disabilities
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1219
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 6, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ORTT -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
AN ACT to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to adding Prader- Willi syndrome to the definition of developmental disability
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraph 1 of paragraph (a) of subdivision 22 of section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law, as amended by section 4 of part MM of chapter 58 of the laws of 2015, is amended to read as follows:
(1) is attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairment, familial dysautonomia, Prader-Willi syndrome or autism;
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07000-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to adding Prader-Willi syndrome to the definition of developmental disability
Purpose or general idea of bill
:
This legislation adds Prader-Willi to the list of disabilities under the definitions of developmental disability.
Summary of specific provisions
:
Section 1 amends Subparagraph 1 of paragraph (a) of subdivision 22 of section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law by adding Prader-Willi syndrome to the list of disabilities under the definition of developmental disability.
Section 2 is the effective date.
Justification
:
Prader-Willi is a genetic condition that occurs in approximately 1 in 12,00-15,000 people. The most critical hallmark of Prader-Willi is overeating. Individuals with Prader-Willi cannot tell when they are full and continue to eat without stop leading to ruptured stomachs and death. Other symptoms include: development and cognitive delates, skin picking, sleep problems, obsessive-compulsive behavior, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, low muscle tone and other traits.
Individuals who suffer from Prader-Willi receive services from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). However many times they initially are rejected for services as the individual may have an IQ that is slightly too high to qualify initially. However, upon appeal by the individual they will then qualify for OPWDD services. Unfortunately, many individuals and their families will not appeal and therefore do not receive services. This legislation aims to streamline this process and make it easier for individuals with Prader-Willi to receive services.
Prior legislative history
:
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
To be determined
Effective date
:
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.