HR1295: HR1295 Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week 2026; first full week in May; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it recognizes the first full week of May 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Georgia. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a condition that causes uncontrollable, repetitive movements of the face, torso, or limbs, and it is associated with long term use of antipsychotic medications used to treat conditions like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. The resolution's preamble explains that TD often goes undiagnosed, that certain groups face higher risk (including people over 55, Black individuals, women, and people with mood disorders or intellectual disabilities), and that medical groups like the American Psychiatric Association recommend routine screening. The House directs its Clerk to make copies available to the public and press, but the resolution creates no funding, program, or legal requirement.

• Formally designates the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week 2026 in Georgia.
• States the House's support for TD awareness, education, and routine screening for people prescribed antipsychotic medications.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new law, funding, or enforcement mechanism, since it is a resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia statutes.

The resolution primarily concerns people prescribed antipsychotic medications for conditions like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizophrenia, especially those at higher risk of tardive dyskinesia such as older adults, Black individuals, women, and people with mood disorders or intellectual disabilities.

While the resolution carries no legal force, it signals official attention to tardive dyskinesia, a condition the text says is undiagnosed in roughly 60 percent of affected adults, potentially encouraging more public awareness of screening and treatment options among patients and healthcare providers.

• The whereas clauses describe tardive dyskinesia as a movement disorder linked to antipsychotic use and note rising antipsychotic prescribing rates.
• The resolution identifies higher-risk groups, including people over 55, Black individuals, women, and those with mood disorders, substance use disorders, or intellectual disabilities.
• The resolving clause designates the first full week of May 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week and expresses support for screening and awareness.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-09House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-09House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-09House Hopper (House)

• Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)Primary sponsor
• Tim Fleming (R, HD-114)
• Miriam Paris (D, HD-142)
• Reynaldo Martinez (R, HD-111)

• mental health
• tardive dyskinesia
• antipsychotic medication
• public health awareness