Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4979
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:08:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025 aims to establish a pilot program to help identify ticks and assess risks of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to states for implementing this program, focusing on education, identification, and prevention to protect public health.
Key Provisions
- Grant Awards: HHS, via the CDC Director, may provide grants to states to create tick identification programs. Priority goes to states with higher reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, and those submitting strong implementation plans.
- Program Requirements:
- Individuals can submit electronic photos of encountered ticks, including the likely location (geographic and physical, e.g., on a pet or human), date, and environment.
- A qualified professional (a biologist specializing in vector biology, which involves disease-carrying organisms like ticks) reviews submissions and responds within 72 hours with:
- Tick species and life stage identification (if possible).
- Estimated risk of carrying a disease.
- Recommendations for next steps, such as medical evaluation or tick testing.
- Education on avoiding ticks and preventing illnesses.
- Programs must maintain a database of reports, including encounter details, tick identifications, and disseminated advice.
- Application Process: States apply using forms and information specified by the Secretary.
- Data Collection and Reporting:
- The Secretary collects annual data from funded programs on reported incidents, locations, tick details, and advice given.
- By 90 days into each fiscal year from 2026 to 2029, the Secretary submits a report to Congress summarizing this data.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new federal grant program for state-level tick identification pilots, which does not appear to amend prior laws. It builds on existing CDC efforts in disease surveillance but creates a specific, technology-enabled (photo-based) system for public reporting and rapid response, without altering broader public health statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The CDC will administer grants, review data, and report to Congress, potentially increasing workload and funding needs for tick-borne disease monitoring. States receiving grants may need to allocate resources for program setup and professional staffing.
- Citizens: Improves access to quick, personalized advice on tick encounters, potentially reducing disease risks through better awareness and prevention in high-incidence areas. It empowers individuals with tools for self-reporting and education.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though aggregated data could indirectly support global tick-borne disease research if shared.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States: Particularly those with high tick-borne disease rates (e.g., in the Northeast or Midwest U.S.), as they can apply for and implement programs.
- Citizens and Public: Individuals, families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts in affected areas who encounter ticks and seek identification or health guidance.
- Health Professionals: Biologists and medical providers involved in reviews, testing recommendations, and education.
- Federal Agencies: HHS and CDC, responsible for oversight, funding, and national data aggregation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes voluntary state participation with federal funding, respecting state autonomy under the 10th Amendment (which reserves powers to states). No mandates on individuals or privacy concerns noted, as submissions are voluntary and location data is "likely" rather than precise.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power to promote public health welfare; no apparent free speech or privacy issues, given the opt-in nature.
- Political: Addresses growing concerns over tick-borne diseases in bipartisan fashion (introduced by representatives from New Jersey, a high-Lyme area), potentially influencing future public health funding priorities without major controversy. The pilot's time-limited reporting (through 2029) allows evaluation for permanence.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-15 — PDF (4 pages)