summary
Introduced
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/13/2026
03/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the neurofibromatosis research grants; creating s. 381.994, F.S.; creating the Neurofibromatosis Disease Grant Program within the Department of Health; providing the purpose of the program; providing that, subject to legislative appropriation, the program award grants for certain purposes; specifying entities that are eligible to apply for grants under the program; allowing certain grant proposals to receive preference in the awarding of grants; requiring the department to award grants after consulting with the Rare Disease Advisory Council; specifying the types of applications that may be considered for grant funding; requiring the department to appoint peer review panels to review the scientific merit of grant applications and establish their priority scores; requiring the council to consider the priority scores in determining which proposals are recommended for grant funding under the program; requiring the council and peer review panels to establish and follow certain guidelines when performing their duties under the program; prohibiting members of the council or peer review panels from participating in discussions or decisions if there are certain conflicts of interest; authorizing certain appropriated funds to be carried forward under certain circumstances; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Neurofibromatosis Disease Grant Program within the Department of Health, with the goal of advancing research for cures and treatments for neurofibromatosis. Subject to legislative appropriation of $5 million annually, the program will award grants for scientific and clinical research to universities and research institutes in Florida, ensuring equal opportunity for all qualified investigators. Grant proposals that encourage collaboration among institutions and researchers may receive preference. The Department of Health will award these grants after consulting with the Rare Disease Advisory Council, a group that advises on rare diseases. To ensure fairness and quality, independent peer review panels will assess the scientific merit of applications and assign priority scores, which the council will consider when recommending proposals for funding. Both the council and the peer review panels must follow strict guidelines for ethical conduct and avoid conflicts of interest, meaning members cannot participate in decisions involving entities they are associated with. Additionally, any appropriated funds that are obligated but not spent by the end of the fiscal year can be carried forward for up to five years. This act will become effective on July 1, 2026.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Health Policy (on 03/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1060 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1060/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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