Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Introduced
Summary
Tick Identification Pilot Program would fund state-run systems to identify ticks from photos and give people fast, expert guidance on disease risk and prevention.
Show full summary
- Families and pet owners would be able to submit tick photos electronically and get a response within 72 hours from a qualified professional (a biologist with vector biology training). Replies would include species and life stage when possible, an estimate of disease risk when possible, and recommendations such as seeking medical evaluation or submitting the tick for testing.
- State health departments could receive grants, with priority for states that report more Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Funded programs must keep a database of reported incidents that records date, geographic location, encounter environment, identified tick details, and the guidance given.
- Public health officials and Congress would get better surveillance data. The Department of Health and Human Services would collect program data and submit reports for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 on the number and details of reported tick incidents.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants for quick tick identification
If enacted, HHS through the CDC would fund State pilot programs to identify ticks. States would apply, with priority to States with more Lyme and other tick-borne cases and strong plans. Funded programs would let you send tick photos online with the likely location, the date, and where the tick was found (on you, a pet, or loose). A qualified professional (a biologist in vector biology) would review and reply within 72 hours with species and life stage if possible, a risk estimate, and clear advice, including whether to seek care or submit the tick for testing, plus prevention tips. Programs would keep a database of each report and the guidance given. The Secretary would collect data each year and report to Congress within 90 days after the start of each fiscal year 2026 through 2029.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Kean
NJ • R
Sponsored 8/15/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 8/19/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 8/19/2025
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Sponsored 9/16/2025
Carson
IN • D
Sponsored 9/30/2025
Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
RI • D
Sponsored 10/8/2025
Bresnahan
PA • R
Sponsored 12/18/2025
Mannion
NY • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
PA • D
Sponsored 4/9/2026
Keating
MA • D
Sponsored 5/12/2026
Budzinski
IL • D
Sponsored 5/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov