On May 16, 2024, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed a critical bill to establish a statewide Parkinson’s disease research registry, sending the bill to Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) desk to be signed into law.

On April 3, 2024, the State Senate unanimously passed the bill (S.4674A) for the second consecutive year, sending the bill to the Assembly (A.5803B). While the legislation did not come up for a vote in the Assembly last year, we’re celebrating its passage this year thanks in part to the perseverance of Parkinson’s advocates and organizations, including The Michael J. Fox Foundation.  

First introduced in 2023 by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-47) and Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-88), the bill empowers the New York State Department of Health to create the infrastructure needed to collect helpful information about the 65,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the state and those diagnosed in the future.  

As the bill awaits Governor Hochul’s signature, New York is on the brink of joining nearly a dozen states that have created statewide Parkinson’s research registries by passing legislation.  

If you live in New York, stay tuned — we’ll be sharing more information and ways to advocate as this bill becomes state law!  

In the meantime… 

• Sign up for the Parkinson's Policy Network to stay informed about future opportunities to advocate for policy change that makes a difference. 

• Find out what’s going on in your state by reading about our 2024 Parkinson’s state policy priorities. 

• Visit our Action Center to see all the ways you can make your voice heard along with the other members of the Parkinson’s community.