Arizona House bill by Rep. Hernandez establishes rare disease advisory council

Passed bill authored by State Rep. Alma Hernandez seeks to establish a council to advise on the needs of individuals with rare diseases, aiming to improve care and access through policy recommendations, according to the Arizona State House.

It passed both chambers as of May 6, clearing the House by a vote of 42-13 and the Senate by a vote of 24-4.

The bill, introduced as HB2380 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘rare disease advisory council’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill establishes the Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Health Services to guide and advise on the needs of individuals with rare diseases in the state. The council will consist of diverse members appointed by the governor, including medical professionals, patients, and representatives from the health industry. The council’s duties include conducting public hearings, consulting experts, and developing policy recommendations to improve care and access for rare disease patients. It will meet regularly, create a public website for engagement, and submit an annual report to the governor and legislature. Members serve three-year terms and are eligible for expense reimbursements. The council can also seek gifts and donations for its operations. The bill highlights the challenges faced by rare disease patients and the need for more comprehensive healthcare solutions. The council’s initial appointments have staggered terms ending in 2028, 2029, and 2030.

In the House, 23 Democrats and 19 Republicans voted in favor while 13 Republicans opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 11 Democrats and 13 Republicans voted in favor while four Republicans voted against it.

Hernandez introduced the bill in the Arizona House on Jan. 16 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

The bill was co-sponsored by Catherine Miranda (Democrat-11th District), and Matt Gress (Republican-4th District), and Consuelo Hernandez (Democrat-21st District), along with four others.

Hernandez graduated from the University of Arizona in 2015 with a BS and again in 2025 from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law with a JD.

Hernandez, a Democrat, was elected to the Arizona State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 20th House District, replacing previous state representative Shawnna Bolick.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 12.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.