Bill > HB1488

This bill establishes a pediatric cancer research and treatment grant program to be administered by the rare disease advisory council (council) in Indiana. The bill creates a dedicated fund for supporting medical research and treatment grants focused on pediatric cancer, which can receive money from state appropriations, federal grants, and private donations. The council will be responsible for developing application criteria, setting grant eligibility standards, and prioritizing innovative research with potential to create novel pediatric cancer therapies. Eligible grant recipients include Indiana-based institutions of higher education, academic medical centers, medical research hospitals, nonprofit entities, and governmental organizations. The council must develop a comprehensive written plan that identifies existing pediatric cancer research programs, assesses funding needs by cancer type and geographic area, and creates a prioritized list of eligible research projects. Annually, the council is required to submit a detailed report to the governor and legislative council, which will be published on the Indiana Department of Health's website, covering fund expenditures, their impact, future plans, and recommendations for addressing pediatric cancer in the state. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and ensures that fund money can be continuously appropriated and invested, with any unused funds not reverting to the general state fund.