Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4109
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-22: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 443.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T19:55:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2026 (S. 4109)
Purpose
This legislation reauthorizes the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 to continue support for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory. It aims to maintain access to high-quality cord blood units and related stem cell resources for medical treatments.
Key Provisions
- Reauthorization of Funding: Amends section 379B of the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations of $33,009,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program (in addition to the prior $31,009,000 level).
- Cord Blood Inventory Updates: Revises section 2 of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 to:
- Replace the fixed goal of 150,000 units with a requirement for a sufficient supply of high-quality cord blood units, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- Allow the Secretary to transfer units from non-operational or non-compliant cord blood banks to other qualified entities.
- Establish inventory management rules to maximize clinical utility, genetic diversity, and efficient use of resources, including decisions on storage based on scientific evidence.
- Update requirements for cord blood banks to align with current scientific, clinical, and quality standards.
- Extend the authorization period for the inventory program through fiscal year 2031.
- Periodic Review: Amends section 379(o) of the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to review the state of science on blood stem cell transplantation, including high-quality cord blood units and emerging technologies, starting one year after enactment, with a report due three years after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Shifts from a numerical inventory target to a flexible "sufficient supply" standard.
- Introduces new authority for unit transfers and ongoing inventory management by the Secretary.
- Expands the scope of scientific reviews to include cord blood units and new technologies.
- Extends program authorizations and increases annual funding levels for the specified period.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee inventory management, unit transfers, and periodic scientific reviews, potentially increasing administrative responsibilities.
- On Citizens: Supports continued availability of cord blood units for transplant patients, which may aid those with blood disorders or other conditions requiring such therapies.
- On International Relations: No direct provisions address international matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients requiring stem cell or cord blood transplants.
- Qualified cord blood banks and related entities.
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Advisory Council on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.
- Medical researchers and healthcare providers involved in transplantation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill contains no explicit constitutional or political provisions beyond standard reauthorization of existing public health programs. It maintains federal oversight of stem cell resources without introducing new regulatory frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-22: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 443.
- 2026-06-22: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2026-06-22: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2026-03-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1093)
- 2026-03-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (2 pages)
- Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-22 — PDF (8 pages)