Subcommittee backs neurofibromatosis research grant program for Florida
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The Health Professions and Grama Subcommittee unanimously approved HB 497 to establish a competitive neurofibromatosis research grant program at the Florida Department of Health, removing automatic recurring funding and making support subject to annual appropriations.
Representative Gonzales Pittman introduced HB 497 to create a competitive, peer‑reviewed neurofibromatosis research grant program administered by the Florida Department of Health.
The bill aims to support scientific and clinical research into neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves and often appears in childhood. "This disease is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on the nerves throughout the body," Pittman said, adding the program would leverage Florida's medical research infrastructure.
An amendment (barcode 521749) removed the bill’s automatic recurring funding requirement and made any program funding subject to annual legislative appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment without objection.
Gabriel Greisman, chair of the Children’s Tumor Foundation, testified in support and urged members to back the program. "One in 2,000 people live with neurofibromatosis," Greisman said, noting that equates to roughly 11,500 Floridians. He described clinical impacts including chronic pain and risks to hearing, vision and mobility and said Florida research could advance diagnostics and treatments.
A private individual, Tommy Suter, also waived in support. With no opposition or further debate, the committee voted 14‑0 to report HB 497 favorably.
The bill now advances from committee with funding to be determined by future appropriations.