HB 878: Holidays; October 9 of each year as PANDAS Day; designate

This bill adds a new section to Georgia's holidays and observances law (O.C.G.A. Chapter 4 of Title 1) naming October 9 each year as 'PANDAS Day.' PANDAS stands for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections, and it is related to a broader condition called PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). Both cause sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety, tics, and school performance decline in children who were previously healthy. The bill's findings section lays out the case for the designation: an estimated 15,000 Georgia children may have PANS or PANDAS, many doctors are unfamiliar with current diagnostic and treatment guidelines, and insurance often does not cover treatment. The bill does not create new funding, insurance mandates, or medical training requirements; it only creates the symbolic annual observance day and repeals any conflicting laws.

• Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 1-4-27) designating October 9 of each year as 'PANDAS Day' in Georgia.
• Includes legislative findings describing the symptoms, prevalence, and treatment challenges of PANS and PANDAS in children.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation.
• Does not create any new insurance coverage requirement, funding, or medical training mandate despite discussing these issues in its findings.

Families and children affected by PANS or PANDAS, pediatric health providers and researchers in Georgia, advocacy groups like the Southeastern PANS/PANDAS Association, and organizations such as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta that are developing treatment programs for these conditions.

An official observance day would not change insurance coverage, funding, or medical practice on its own, but it could raise public and provider awareness of PANS and PANDAS, conditions the bill says are underdiagnosed and often not covered by insurance despite affecting thousands of Georgia children.

• Section 1 contains twelve legislative findings on PANS and PANDAS, including symptoms, estimated prevalence (about 1 in 200 children, or roughly 15,000 in Georgia), and gaps in insurance coverage and provider training.
• Section 2 adds new Code section 1-4-27, stating that October 9 of each year is designated as 'PANDAS Day' in Georgia.
• Section 3 repeals any laws or parts of laws that conflict with the Act.

1. 2025-04-02House Second Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
2. 2025-03-31House First Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
3. 2025-03-28House Hopper (Cámara de Representantes)

• Karen Bennett (D, HD-094)Patrocinador principal
• Mitchell Scoggins (R, HD-014)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Lee Hawkins (R, HD-027)
• Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)
• Anissa Jones (D, HD-143)

• PANDAS
• PANS
• children's health
• state holidays and observances
• pediatric health awareness