HR 71
Page 1
Date of Hearing: March 11, 2024
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Blanca Pacheco, Chair
HR 71 (Mike Fong) – As Introduced February 15, 2024
SUBJECT: Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month.
SUMMARY: Declares the month of March 2024 as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness
Month. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disorder
characterized by a combination of symptoms that affect both the autonomic nervous system
and movement.
2) According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, MSA may affect
between 15,000 and 50,000 Americans, including men and women of all races.
3) Symptoms, including problems with heart rate, progressive loss of motor function, and
difficulties with balance, coordination, gait, bladder and bowel control, speech, swallowing,
and breathing, advance rapidly over the course of 5 to 10 years once symptoms initially
appear.
4) While there are medications that treat MSA symptoms, researchers continue to search for
medications with fewer side effects as well as methods to better manage the disease until a
cure is found.
5) A multidisciplinary approach to MSA care includes physical, psychological, and financial
support for patients, caregivers, support groups, and MSA research foundations.
6) The worldwide MSA community has designated March as Multiple System Atrophy
Awareness Month to increase awareness of the devastating effects of MSA.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800