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