Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025

Summary

The Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025 aims to establish a grant program through the CDC to aid states in implementing tick identification programs. These programs would allow individuals to submit images of ticks for identification and risk assessment by qualified professionals. The goal is to provide timely information and recommendations to individuals, as well as to collect data on tick encounters for public health purposes.

Expected Effects

This act, if implemented, would lead to the creation of state-level tick identification programs. These programs would provide individuals with rapid feedback on tick species and potential disease risks. Furthermore, the collected data would improve understanding of tick distribution and inform public health strategies.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved public awareness and education regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases.
  • Faster identification of tick species and associated disease risks for individuals.
  • Enhanced data collection on tick encounters, leading to better understanding of tick distribution and disease prevalence.
  • Potential reduction in the spread of tick-borne illnesses through timely intervention and preventative measures.
  • Support for state health departments in addressing tick-borne disease challenges.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential strain on state resources to implement and maintain the tick identification programs.
  • Possible inconsistencies in the quality and accuracy of tick identification across different states.
  • Risk of overwhelming the system with submissions, leading to delays in response times.
  • Limited scope, as the program focuses solely on tick identification and does not address other aspects of tick-borne disease prevention and treatment.
  • The effectiveness of the program depends on public participation and awareness.

Constitutional Alignment

The Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025 aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes public health by addressing tick-borne diseases. The act also respects the division of powers between the federal government and the states, as it provides grants to states for implementation, allowing them flexibility in designing their programs.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).