GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2013

 

 

SESSION LAW 2013-238

HOUSE BILL 220

 

 

AN ACT designating july twenty-second of each year as North Carolina fragile x awareness day.

Whereas, Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges, and various physical features; and

Whereas, although Fragile X syndrome occurs in both genders, males are more frequently affected than females and generally with greater severity; and

Whereas, over 100,000 people in the United States have Fragile X syndrome and an estimated 1,000,000 people in the United States carry a Fragile X mutation and have or are at risk of developing a Fragile X-associated disorder; and

Whereas, approximately one-third of all children with Fragile X syndrome also have autism or an autism spectrum disorder; and

Whereas, although the genetic defect that causes Fragile X is easily identified by testing, there is a lack of awareness about the disease, even within the medical community; and

Whereas, special care for an individual with Fragile X syndrome can cost over $2,000,000; and

Whereas, Fragile X research, both basic and applied, has the potential for the development of a cure and may be a model for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, pervasive developmental disorders, and other forms of X-linked intellectual disability; and

Whereas, several states have established a Fragile X Awareness Day to help raise public awareness of this genetic disorder; Now, therefore,

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:

"§ 103-13.  Fragile X Awareness Day.

The twenty-second of July of each year is designated as North Carolina Fragile X Awareness Day."

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 26th day of June, 2013.

 

 

                                                                    s/  Daniel J. Forest

                                                                         President of the Senate

 

 

                                                                    s/  Thom Tillis

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

 

                                                                    s/  Pat McCrory

                                                                         Governor

 

 

Approved 10:33 a.m. this 3rd day of July, 2013