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Bill

SR 325

A Resolution designating the month of May 2026 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Brooks and 12 co-sponsors

Designates May 2026 as Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to promote prevention, recognition, and education.

Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations
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Bill Summary · SR 325

Overview

  • Bill: Senate Resolution 325 (SR 325)
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Primary purpose: Designate May 2026 as “Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania
  • Sponsor: Senator Michele Brooks (and multiple co-sponsors from both parties)

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution aims to raise awareness about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses within the Commonwealth.
  • By designating a specific awareness month, the bill seeks to:
    • Inform Pennsylvanians about prevention, recognition, and treatment of Lyme disease and related illnesses.
    • Highlight public health resources, guidance, and research related to tick-borne diseases.
    • Encourage education and outreach efforts from state agencies, healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations during the designated month.

Key Provisions

  • Official designation: May 2026 designated as “Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
  • Acknowledgment and recognition: The resolution expresses the legislature’s recognition of the impact of Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses on residents and communities.
  • Scope of activities (implied, based on typical resolutions): While the text of SR 325 is a formal acknowledgment, it commonly encourages:
    • Public awareness campaigns (e.g., information on prevention, vaccination where applicable, tick checks, avoiding tick exposure).
    • Dissemination of resources through state agencies, hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health programs.
    • Engagement with healthcare professionals and public health partners to improve early detection and treatment.

Note: As a resolution, the document does not impose new laws, create penalties, or allocate funds. It serves as a formal legislative commendation and call to awareness.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary beneficiaries: Pennsylvania residents, particularly those at risk for tick exposure (e.g., outdoor workers, hikers, campers, rural communities).
  • Support institutions: State health departments, public health agencies, healthcare providers, educators, outdoor and community organizations, and patient advocacy groups.
  • Impact considerations:
    • Increased visibility for Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses may bolster education and preventive practices.
    • May stimulate local events, screenings, and distribution of educational materials during May 2026.
    • No fiscal obligations or regulatory changes are attached to this resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations (May 21, 2026).
  • Process implication: As a Senate resolution, it requires approval by the Pennsylvania Senate. If adopted, it may be coupled with messaging to other state bodies or used as a basis for awareness activities during May 2026.
  • Timeline: Designation applies specifically to May 2026; implementation of awareness activities would occur during that month as organized by relevant state and local partners.

Notable Details

  • Principal sponsor: Senator Michele Brooks (Senate District 50).
  • Multiple co-sponsors from both major parties, reflecting bipartisan interest in tick-borne illness awareness.
  • No accompanying fiscal note or statutory changes are described; the bill functions as an official commemorative designation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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