HR 72
Page 1
Date of Hearing: September 3, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Blanca Pacheco, Chair
HR 72 (Carrillo) – As Introduced September 2, 2025
SUBJECT: COPD Awareness Month.
SUMMARY: Recognizes November 2025 as COPD Awareness Month in California; and,
commends the many community organizations and agencies whose programs and awareness
efforts have assisted in improving the quality of life for people living with COPD. Specifically,
this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease caused by
damage to the airways or parts of the lungs that blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe.
2) An estimated 30 million Americans are affected by COPD, but only 17 million are
diagnosed. COPD is the fourth main cause of disability and the sixth leading cause of death
in the United States.
3) While the primary risk factor for COPD is smoking, approximately 25 percent of people with
COPD have never smoked. Other risk factors for COPD include long-term exposure to lung
irritants or air pollutants, a history of asthma or childhood respiratory infections, an alpha-1
antitrypsin deficiency, and having underdeveloped lungs.
4) While COPD is an incurable and debilitating disease, it is both preventable and treatable.
5) State and local health departments play pivotal roles in chronic disease prevention, tobacco
use prevention, general health promotion and education, and the promotion of other relevant
health initiatives, all of which can help inform the public about COPD.
6) COPD Awareness Month is an appropriate time to recognize commitment to public policy
improvements, as well as the accomplishments of community organizations, state agencies,
and, most importantly, the achievements of individuals with COPD who contribute daily to
our communities.
FISCAL EFFECT: This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800