House Bill No. introduced by P. Tuss establishes the Montana Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The council will consist of 17 members, including healthcare professionals, individuals with rare diseases, and representatives from various organizations, all aimed at providing guidance and recommendations on the needs of individuals with rare diseases in Montana. The council is tasked with convening public hearings, consulting with experts, publishing resources, and identifying areas of unmet needs in research and treatment. It will also be required to submit annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing its activities, funding status, and recommendations.

The bill appropriates $16,000 from the general fund for the council's activities for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and emphasizes that this funding should be considered part of the ongoing base for future legislative sessions. The council is expected to meet regularly, initially once a month for the first year, and then quarterly thereafter. The effective date of the act is set for July 1, 2025.