Assigned to HHS & APPROP FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1421
developmental disabilities; Prader-Willi syndrome.
Purpose
Expands the definition of developmental disability to include a severe, chronic disability
that is attributable to Prader-Willi syndrome for the purpose of receiving services through the
Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Background
Prader-Willi syndrome is the most common of the genetic disorders that cause
life-threatening obesity in children. Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by genetic changes on an
"unstable" region of chromosome 15 that affects the regulation of gene expression, or how genes
turn on and off. After infancy, symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome include uncontrolled eating
and delays in reaching physical activity milestones, such as standing and walking (Center for
Disease Control and Prevention).
A developmental disability is either a strongly demonstrated potential that a child who is
under six years of age has or will develop a developmental disability, as determined by a prescribed
test or by other appropriate tests, or a severe, chronic disability that: 1) is attributable to a cognitive
disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome or autism; 2) is manifested before the age of
18; 3) is likely to continue indefinitely; 4) reflects the need for a combination and sequence of
individually planned or coordinated special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other
services that are of lifelong or extended duration; and 5) results in substantial functional limitations
in three or more areas of major life activity. Areas of major life activity include: 1) self-care;
2) receptive and expressive language; 3) learning; 4) mobility; 5) self-direction; 6) capacity for
independent living; and 7) economic self-sufficiency (A.R.S. § 36-551).
The DES Director is responsible for developing and annually revising a statewide plan and
initiating statewide programs and services for persons with developmental disabilities. Services
include child, adult, residential and resource services. An Arizona resident with a developmental
disability, supported by medical and psychological documentation, is eligible to apply for
developmental disabilities programs, services and facilities operated, licensed and supervised by
DES (A.R.S. §§ 36-554 and 36-559).
DDD is the division of DES that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to
lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. DDD provides supports and services for eligible
Arizonans diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities: 1) autism; 2) cerebral
palsy; 3) epilepsy; 4) cognitive or intellectual disability; 5) Down syndrome; or 6) are under the
age of six and at risk of having a developmental disability. DDD serves more than 40,000 people
with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Arizona each year (DDD). FACT SHEET
S.B. 1421
Page 2
If there is a cost associated with expanding DDD services to provide for individuals with
Prader-Willi syndrome, there may be a fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Expands the definition of developmental disability to include a severe, chronic disability that
is attributable to Prader-Willi syndrome.
2. Defines Prader-Willi syndrome as a genetic disorder that is characterized by short stature,
intellectual disability, hypotonia, abnormally small hands and feet, hypogonadism and
uncontrolled appetite leading to extreme obesity.
3. Makes conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2023
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