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Policy Intelligence

Rare Disease Legislation

Track policy bills across all 50 states and federal legislation. AI-classified into 9 key advocacy categories that matter for rare disease patients.

1,078
Bills Tracked
47
High Impact
21
States + Federal
9
Categories

Daily Updates

Bills fetched from LegiScan & OpenStates

AI Classification

Categorized by advocacy priority

Disease Mapping

Linked to rare disease conditions

AZ
SB 1813
Introduced
Feb 5

state hospital; governing board

SB 1813 proposes reforms to the step therapy protocols used by state hospitals, potentially improving access to necessary treatments for rare disease patients. While the bill does not specifically mention rare diseases, changes in step therapy can significantly affect patient care and treatment options.

Step Therapy
Relevance: 50%
AZ
SB 1700
Introduced
Feb 5

qualified schools; fingerprinting requirements; penalties

SB 1700 addresses fingerprinting requirements for qualified schools, but does not directly impact rare disease patients or their access to care. The bill's provisions are primarily administrative and do not include specific measures related to healthcare or rare diseases.

Step Therapy
AZ
SB 1672
Introduced
Feb 4

AHCCCS; antipsychotic drugs; authorization

SB 1672 introduces reforms to the authorization process for antipsychotic drugs under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This bill aims to streamline step therapy protocols, potentially improving access for patients requiring these medications, including those with rare conditions that may benefit from antipsychotic treatments.

Step Therapy
Relevance: 50%
AZ
HB 2583
Introduced
Jan 26

ESAs; teacher qualifications; fingerprinting requirements

HB 2583 addresses teacher qualifications and fingerprinting requirements for educational settings. While it primarily focuses on education, it may indirectly affect access to educational resources for rare disease patients.

Step Therapy
AZ
HB 2725
Introduced
Jan 21

AHCCCS; prescription drug coverage

HB 2725 introduces reforms to step therapy protocols for prescription drug coverage under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This legislation aims to streamline access to necessary medications for patients, including those with rare diseases, by allowing for quicker exceptions to step therapy requirements.

Step Therapy
Relevance: 75%
AZ
HB 2483
Introduced
Jan 21

behavioral health board; accreditation requirements

HB 2483 establishes new accreditation requirements for behavioral health boards in Arizona. While it primarily focuses on behavioral health, the implications for step therapy processes may indirectly affect access to treatments for patients with rare diseases requiring behavioral health support.

Step Therapy
AZ
HB 2530
Introduced
Jan 21

abortion; providers; waiting period; ultrasound

HB 2530 introduces a waiting period and ultrasound requirement for abortion services in Arizona. While it primarily addresses reproductive health, it may indirectly affect access to care for patients with rare diseases who require comprehensive healthcare services.

Step Therapy
AZ
HB 2250
Introduced
Jan 20

prior authorizations; habilitative services

HB 2250 aims to reform prior authorization processes for habilitative services, which can significantly impact access to necessary therapies for rare disease patients. The bill seeks to streamline approvals, reducing delays in care for individuals requiring specialized services.

Step Therapy
Relevance: 75%
AZ
HB 2760
Introduced
Jun 27, 2025

ESAs; qualified schools; requirements; reporting.

HB 2760 outlines requirements for qualified schools receiving Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), which may indirectly affect access to educational resources for rare disease patients. While the bill does not directly address healthcare provisions, it could influence the availability of specialized educational support for children with rare conditions.

Step Therapy
NJ
S 1935
Introduced
Jan 13

Revises emergency care services referral standards for providers of telemedicine and telehealth.

S 1935 revises the referral standards for emergency care services in telemedicine and telehealth, enhancing access to care for patients, including those with rare diseases. This legislation aims to streamline the process for telehealth providers, potentially improving timely access to specialists.

Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S 3118
Introduced
Jan 13

Establishes "Remote Methadone Dosing Pilot Program;" appropriates $225,000.

S 3118 establishes a Remote Methadone Dosing Pilot Program in New Jersey, which aims to enhance access to treatment through telehealth services. While the bill primarily focuses on substance use treatment, it may indirectly benefit patients with rare diseases who require similar remote healthcare solutions.

Telehealth
NJ
S 1175
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires counties to establish crisis intervention services programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers.

S 1175 mandates the establishment of crisis intervention services programs for first responders in New Jersey. While it primarily focuses on mental health support for law enforcement and emergency personnel, it may indirectly benefit rare disease patients by improving overall healthcare access and response in crisis situations.

Telehealth
NJ
S 1113
Introduced
Jan 13

"Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

S 1113 mandates higher education institutions in New Jersey to establish mental health programs and services, which may include telehealth options. While this bill primarily focuses on mental health, it could indirectly benefit rare disease patients who may require mental health support.

Telehealth
NJ
S3322
Introduced
Feb 5

Establishes central registry for sickle cell trait diagnoses; provides for informational outreach and genetic counseling.

S3322 establishes a central registry for sickle cell trait diagnoses in New Jersey, enhancing the state's newborn screening efforts. The bill includes provisions for informational outreach and genetic counseling, which will support families affected by sickle cell trait.

Newborn Screening
Relevance: 70%
NJ
S2933
Introduced
Jan 13

Restricts genetic testing of newborn and crime victim DNA; permits DNA information to be obtained pursuant to warrant or court order.

S2933 restricts the genetic testing of newborns, which could impact the identification of core conditions included in newborn screening programs. This legislation emphasizes the need for warrants or court orders to obtain DNA information, potentially affecting timely access to genetic testing for rare diseases.

Newborn Screening
Relevance: 80%
NJ
A1510
Introduced
Jan 13

Improves access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar drugs.

A1510 aims to enhance access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar drugs, which can significantly benefit rare disease patients who often rely on expensive specialty medications. The bill includes provisions to streamline step therapy protocols, ensuring quicker access to necessary treatments.

Sponsor: Roy Freiman (D)
Step Therapy
Rx Cost Protection
Relevance: 70%
NJ
S717
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires DOH to create and disseminate materials and resources related to cardiomyopathy; appropriates $300,000.

S717 mandates the New Jersey Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials and resources focused on cardiomyopathy. This initiative is supported by a $300,000 appropriation, which aims to enhance awareness and understanding of this condition among healthcare providers and the public.

NBS Secondary
Relevance: 70%
NJ
A3418
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires DOH to create and disseminate materials and resources related to cardiomyopathy.

A3418 mandates the New Jersey Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials on cardiomyopathy. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and understanding of the condition, potentially improving early detection and management for affected patients.

Sponsor: Heather Simmons (D)+ 2 co-sponsors
NBS Secondary
Relevance: 70%
NJ
A1701
Introduced
Jan 13

Establishes central registry for sickle cell trait diagnoses; provides for informational outreach and genetic counseling.

A1701 establishes a central registry for sickle cell trait diagnoses, enhancing data collection and outreach efforts. The bill also provides for genetic counseling, which can significantly benefit families affected by sickle cell disease and trait.

Sponsor: Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)+ 6 co-sponsors
Newborn Screening
Relevance: 70%
NJ
A3232
Introduced
Jan 13

Restricts genetic testing of newborn and crime victim DNA; permits DNA information to be obtained pursuant to warrant or court order.

A3232 restricts the genetic testing of newborns, which may impact the identification of core RUSP conditions. The bill allows for DNA information to be obtained only through a warrant or court order, potentially affecting newborn screening programs.

Sponsor: Dan Hutchison (D)+ 4 co-sponsors
Newborn Screening
Relevance: 70%
NJ
S3000
Introduced
Jan 13

Codifies and extends authorization for certain out-of-State health care practitioners and recent graduates of health care training programs to practice in New Jersey.

S3000 codifies and extends the authorization for out-of-State health care practitioners and recent graduates to practice in New Jersey, enhancing access to care for patients, including those with rare diseases. This legislation supports telehealth services, which can be crucial for patients needing specialized care.

Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A3039
Introduced
Jan 13

Permits telemedicine services to be provided using audio-only technology when providing behavioral health care services.

A3039 allows for the provision of telemedicine services using audio-only technology specifically for behavioral health care. This expansion of telehealth services may improve access for rare disease patients who require mental health support, particularly in underserved areas.

Sponsor: Christopher Tully (D)
Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S1629
Introduced
Jan 13

Expressly allows health care professionals located outside New Jersey to provide services using telemedicine and telehealth to patients in New Jersey.

S1629 expands telehealth services by allowing healthcare professionals from outside New Jersey to provide care to patients within the state. This change could improve access to specialized care for rare disease patients who may have limited local options.

Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A2009
Introduced
Jan 13

Expressly allows health care professionals located outside New Jersey to provide services using telemedicine and telehealth to patients in New Jersey.

A2009 expands telehealth services by allowing out-of-state healthcare professionals to provide care to patients in New Jersey. This policy change could improve access to specialized care for rare disease patients who may not have local providers.

Sponsor: Shama Haider (D)
Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A3675
Introduced
Jan 13

Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage.

A3675 allows pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without an individual prescription, improving access to preventive care. Additionally, it mandates prescription benefits coverage, which may indirectly benefit patients with rare diseases requiring similar access to medications.

Sponsor: Don Guardian (R)+ 5 co-sponsors
Step Therapy
Rx Cost Protection
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S2918
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires prescription drug coverage for serious mental illness without prior authorization or utilization management, including step therapy.

S2918 mandates that health plans provide coverage for prescription drugs related to serious mental illnesses without the need for prior authorization or step therapy. This change aims to improve access to necessary medications, although its direct impact on rare disease patients may be limited.

Step Therapy
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A1821
Introduced
Jan 13

Prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage of nonopioid prescription drugs in favor of opioid prescription drugs.

A1821 prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage for nonopioid prescription drugs in favor of opioids, which may improve access to alternative treatments for rare disease patients. This legislation aims to ensure that patients have access to necessary medications without being forced into opioid prescriptions.

Sponsor: Anthony Verrelli (D)+ 5 co-sponsors
Step Therapy
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A692
Introduced
Jan 13

Limits upfront costs for oral anticancer medications for persons covered under certain health benefits plans.

A692 limits upfront costs for oral anticancer medications, providing financial relief for patients covered under specific health benefit plans. This legislation aims to reduce the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses for essential cancer treatments, which may include therapies for rare cancers.

Sponsor: Gregory McGuckin (R)+ 1 co-sponsor
Rx Cost Protection
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S2810
Introduced
Jan 13

Establishes Medicaid Managed Care Organization Oversight Program.

S2810 establishes a Medicaid Managed Care Organization Oversight Program aimed at improving the management and delivery of Medicaid services. This program could enhance access to care for rare disease patients by ensuring better oversight of managed care organizations.

Medicaid Financial
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A2215
Introduced
Jan 13

Increases resource threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

A2215 increases the resource threshold limit for specific Medicaid eligibility groups, potentially allowing more rare disease patients to qualify for Medicaid benefits. This change could enhance access to necessary healthcare services for those with limited financial resources.

Sponsor: Shanique Speight (D)+ 3 co-sponsors
Medicaid Financial
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A2230
Introduced
Jan 13

Increases income threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

A2230 proposes to increase the income threshold limit for specific Medicaid eligibility groups, potentially allowing more rare disease patients to qualify for essential healthcare services. This change could improve access to necessary treatments and support for those with limited financial resources.

Sponsor: Shanique Speight (D)+ 1 co-sponsor
Medicaid Financial
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A2023
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires Medicaid fee-for-service coverage of managed long term services and supports when beneficiary is pending enrollment in managed care organization.

A2023 mandates Medicaid fee-for-service coverage for managed long-term services and supports while beneficiaries await enrollment in managed care organizations. This provision aims to ensure continuity of care for patients, including those with rare diseases, during the transition period.

Sponsor: Shama Haider (D)+ 1 co-sponsor
Medicaid Financial
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A2836
Introduced
Jan 13

Increases resource threshold for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

A2836 increases the resource threshold for specific Medicaid eligibility groups, potentially allowing more individuals, including those with rare diseases, to qualify for Medicaid benefits. This change could enhance access to necessary healthcare services for patients with limited financial resources.

Sponsor: Brian Rumpf (R)+ 3 co-sponsors
Medicaid Financial
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S1582
Introduced
Jan 13

Increases resource threshold for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

S1582 proposes to increase the resource threshold for specific Medicaid eligibility groups, potentially allowing more individuals, including those with rare diseases, to qualify for Medicaid benefits. This change could improve access to necessary healthcare services for patients facing high medical costs.

Medicaid Financial
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S2800
Introduced
Jan 13

Provides comprehensive Medicaid benefits to certain individuals formerly in foster care.

S2800 expands Medicaid benefits to individuals who were formerly in foster care, ensuring they have access to comprehensive healthcare services. This policy change may improve access to necessary treatments for rare disease patients who fall within this demographic.

Medicaid Financial
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S915
Introduced
Jan 13

Establishes pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage of remote maternal health services for eligible beneficiaries.

S915 establishes a pilot program in New Jersey to provide Medicaid coverage for remote maternal health services, potentially improving access for eligible beneficiaries. While the focus is on maternal health, the telehealth provisions may also benefit patients with rare diseases requiring remote consultations.

Medicaid Financial
Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S1935
Introduced
Jan 13

Revises emergency care services referral standards for providers of telemedicine and telehealth.

S1935 revises the referral standards for emergency care services in telemedicine and telehealth, potentially improving access to urgent care for patients, including those with rare diseases. This change may enhance the ability of rare disease patients to receive timely care remotely.

Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S839
Introduced
Jan 13

Revises reimbursement payments for providers using telemedicine and telehealth.

S839 revises reimbursement payments for providers utilizing telemedicine and telehealth services, which can enhance access to care for rare disease patients. Improved reimbursement rates may encourage more providers to offer telehealth services, potentially benefiting those with limited access to specialized care.

Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S2252
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires DOH to expand services provided under plan to improve perinatal mental health services and health insurers to cover costs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening.

S2252 mandates the New Jersey Department of Health to enhance perinatal mental health services and requires health insurers to cover screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. While this bill primarily focuses on mental health, it may indirectly benefit rare disease patients by improving overall maternal health services.

Newborn Screening
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A1016
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System upon administration of vaccine for certain persons who consent to registration.

A1016 mandates automatic registration in the New Jersey Immunization Information System for individuals who consent to vaccination. This could enhance tracking of immunizations for newborns, indirectly benefiting rare disease patients by ensuring timely vaccinations.

Sponsor: Balvir Singh (D)
Newborn Screening
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S2987
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System upon administration of vaccine for certain persons who consent to registration.

S2987 mandates automatic registration in the New Jersey Immunization Information System for individuals who consent to it upon receiving a vaccine. This could enhance tracking of immunizations for newborns, indirectly benefiting rare disease patients by improving overall health data management.

Newborn Screening
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S3020
Introduced
Jan 13

Revises certain references to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in statutory and regulatory law; Requires health benefits coverage for certain immunizations recommended by DOH.

S3020 mandates health benefits coverage for immunizations recommended by the Department of Health, which may include vaccines for certain rare diseases. This legislation aims to ensure that patients have access to necessary immunizations, potentially improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Newborn Screening
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S2611
Introduced
Jan 13

Establishes program to incentivize hiring and continued employment of individuals with developmental disabilities.

S2611 establishes a program in New Jersey to incentivize the hiring and continued employment of individuals with developmental disabilities. This initiative aims to improve access to employment opportunities for individuals who may also be affected by rare diseases, enhancing their financial stability and independence.

Medicaid Continuous
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A2251
Introduced
Jan 13

Establishes limited medical benefit program for individuals losing NJ FamilyCare coverage under "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"; establishes medical relief fund in Treasury; appropriates funds.

A2251 establishes a limited medical benefit program for individuals losing NJ FamilyCare coverage, aiming to provide continuity of care for vulnerable populations. This program could help rare disease patients maintain access to necessary treatments during transitions in coverage.

Sponsor: Shanique Speight (D)+ 1 co-sponsor
Medicaid Continuous
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A3576
Introduced
Jan 13

Codifies and extends authorization for certain out-of-State health care practitioners and recent graduates of health care training programs to practice in New Jersey.

A3576 codifies and extends the authorization for out-of-State health care practitioners and recent graduates to practice in New Jersey, enhancing access to care through telehealth services. This legislation may improve access for rare disease patients who require specialized care not available locally.

Sponsor: Louis Greenwald (D)+ 9 co-sponsors
Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A3122
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires health benefits coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services, including early infancy care, without cost sharing.

A3122 mandates health benefits coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services, including early infancy care, without cost sharing. This provision may improve access to essential newborn screening services, which can be crucial for early detection of rare diseases.

Sponsor: Lisa Swain (D)+ 5 co-sponsors
Newborn Screening
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A2201
Introduced
Jan 13

Authorizes health care professionals to engage in the use of remote patient monitoring devices; requires health care insurance coverage by certain insurers for remote patient monitoring devices.

A2201 authorizes the use of remote patient monitoring devices and mandates insurance coverage for these devices by certain insurers. This legislation could improve access to care for rare disease patients who require ongoing monitoring, although its direct impact on specific rare conditions may vary.

Sponsor: Shanique Speight (D)+ 1 co-sponsor
Telehealth
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S2434
Introduced
Jan 13

Prohibits reporting medical information of children without consent of parent or legal guardian.

S2434 prohibits the reporting of medical information for children without parental or guardian consent, which may impact newborn screening programs. This legislation aims to protect the privacy of children's health information, potentially affecting how rare diseases are identified and reported in newborns.

Newborn Screening
Relevance: 50%
NJ
A861
Introduced
Jan 13

Prohibits automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System.

A861 prohibits automatic registration with the New Jersey Immunization Information System, which may impact the tracking of immunizations for newborns. While the bill does not directly address rare diseases, it could affect the monitoring of conditions identified through newborn screening.

Sponsor: Gerard Scharfenberger (R)+ 2 co-sponsors
Newborn Screening
Relevance: 50%
NJ
S3109
Introduced
Jan 13

Requires DOBI to monitor, evaluate, and submit annual report concerning mental health parity.

S3109 mandates the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) to monitor and report on mental health parity. While it primarily focuses on mental health, the implications for step therapy could indirectly affect access to treatments for rare disease patients requiring mental health support.

Step Therapy