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Bill

AR 16

Relating to: proclaiming May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brent Jacobson

Wisconsin designates May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month to promote public education on tick-borne illness prevention and early detection.

Read and referred to Committee on Rules
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Bill Summary · AR 16

Legislative bill overview

AR 16 is a ceremonial resolution that designates May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Wisconsin. The bill does not create new law, funding, or requirements—it is a symbolic proclamation intended to raise public attention to Lyme disease during that month.

Why is this important

Lyme disease is a significant public health concern in Wisconsin, which has among the highest incidence rates in the nation due to abundant tick populations. Designating an awareness month can help educate residents about tick prevention, early symptoms, and the importance of testing, potentially reducing disease transmission and improving outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Appropriateness of ceremonial bills: Some policymakers argue that legislatures should focus on substantive policy rather than proclamations, viewing them as symbolic gestures with minimal practical impact
  • Selection of awareness months: Without clear criteria for which diseases or causes merit official designation, legislatures can face pressure for numerous similar resolutions, potentially diluting their meaning
  • Insufficient action: Critics may argue that a month-long designation does little without accompanying funding, public health initiatives, or concrete educational programs to address Lyme disease prevention

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

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