Bill > S1800

This bill establishes the Consortium for Parkinson's Disease Research within the University of South Florida to conduct scientific research on Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder affecting approximately one million Americans. The bill creates a Parkinson's Disease Research Board composed of members from participating universities and academic medical centers, who will collectively oversee the consortium's operations. The board will appoint a director responsible for proposing budgets, fostering scientific collaboration, identifying research priorities, and preparing an annual research plan focused on understanding the causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments for Parkinson's disease. Board members will serve without compensation but can receive travel expense reimbursements. The consortium's annual research plan must contribute to scientific knowledge about Parkinson's disease, including its prevalence among first responders, and the board will annually award research funds to consortium members. By October 15 each year, the board must submit a comprehensive report to state leadership detailing research projects, findings, community outreach initiatives, and future plans. The bill allocates funding, with 67% directed toward general Parkinson's disease research (such as genetic origins and therapeutic interventions) and 33% specifically for the consortium's operations, subject to appropriations from the General Appropriations Act. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services (S), Health Policy (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1800