HR1716: HR1716 Myositis Awareness Month; May 2026; recognize

Myositis is a group of rare, chronic autoimmune diseases that cause muscle inflammation, pain, fatigue, and sometimes serious complications like lung disease. This resolution states that Georgia residents are among those affected and that the disease is often hard to diagnose, leaving patients to struggle to find doctors familiar with their condition. The resolution does not create any new law, funding, or program. It simply has the Georgia House of Representatives officially recognize May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month and directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press. It also credits The Myositis Association as a leading patient advocacy group working on research and public awareness.

• Formally recognizes May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month through a House resolution with no force of law.
• States findings that myositis is a rare, hard-to-diagnose autoimmune disease affecting muscle strength and sometimes the lungs.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and press.
• Names The Myositis Association as the leading patient advocacy organization for the myositis community.

People in Georgia living with myositis and related conditions, their families, and the healthcare providers who diagnose and treat them. The resolution also references The Myositis Association, a patient advocacy organization, though it imposes no obligations on any group.

The resolution carries symbolic weight rather than legal effect: it does not fund research, change insurance rules, or require any state action beyond distributing copies. Its practical impact is raising public and legislative awareness of a rare disease that is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late.

• The whereas clauses describe myositis as a group of rare autoimmune muscle-wasting diseases, including inclusion body myositis and dermatomyositis, with no known cure.
• The resolved clause has the House of Representatives recognize May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-03-16House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-16House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-16House Hopper (House)

• Scott Hilton (R, HD-048)Primary sponsor
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)
• Bethany Ballard (R, HD-147)
• Devan Seabaugh (R, HD-034)

• myositis awareness
• rare diseases
• public health
• autoimmune disease