BRANDON STORM’S PARKINSON’S DISEASE RESEARCH REGISTRY SIGNED INTO LAW
FRANKFORT KY (March 26, 2025)—The Kentucky General Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens with the passage of Senate Bill 27 (SB 27), a landmark measure championed by Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London. The bill, now signed into law by the Governor, establishes the Kentucky Parkinson’s Disease Research Registry, a crucial initiative aimed at advancing research, improving treatment, and informing policy decisions for those affected by the disease.
"This is about Kentucky leading the way in understanding and fighting Parkinson’s disease," said Storm. "By creating this registry, we are ensuring that our researchers and medical professionals have the data they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians with the hope to find a cure to this debilitating disease."
The registry, overseen by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, will collect and analyze vital data on Parkinson’s disease to aid researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. An advisory committee will guide its development, ensuring meaningful and effective data collection.
The General Assembly’s support of SB 27 underscores Kentucky’s dedication to addressing the health challenges faced by its aging population and those suffering from chronic neurological conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 548 Kentuckians lost their lives due to Parkinson’s disease in 2022. This initiative is a critical step toward reducing that toll and advancing patient-centered research.
Statewide registries like Kentucky’s offer numerous benefits, including:
Identifying high-risk populations and expanding research focused on patient needs
Determining accurate state-specific incidence and prevalence rates
Studying patterns of disease progression over time
Investigating potential links between Parkinson’s and environmental factors, including pesticide exposure and military service
The bill aligns with national efforts led by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), which has successfully advocated for expanded Parkinson’s research registries across multiple states. Kentucky now joins 14 other states in establishing such a registry, further strengthening national efforts to combat the disease.
"The collaboration with MJFF and organizations like Parkinson’s In Motion has been instrumental in making this registry a reality," Storm added. "I am incredibly grateful to Jane Williams and all the advocates who have worked tirelessly to support this effort. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that Kentucky does its part in finding better treatments—and hopefully, one day, a cure for Parkinson’s."
With SB 27 now law, the Kentucky General Assembly has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, particularly those battling chronic illnesses. This initiative is a major milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to promote innovative healthcare solutions and provide hope for thousands of families affected by Parkinson’s disease.
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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as Senate co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Storm is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation and on Banking and Insurance. He serves as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice. A 2023 esteemed Henry Toll Fellowship graduate, Storm was the only Kentuckian to participate in the program.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Storm, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=121.
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