Summary of HR 4348: Reauthorization of the Kay Hagan Tick Act

Bill Number: HR 4348

Introduced: July 10, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith

Cosponsors: Gwen Moore, Lloyd Doggett, Paul Tonko, Donald G. Davis, James C. Moylan, Josh Gottheimer, Emilia Strong Sykes, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Nikki Budzinski

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 4348 is to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which focuses on addressing the growing public health concerns related to tick-borne diseases. The bill aims to enhance national strategies and support for health departments in managing vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by ticks.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several amendments to the Public Health Service Act, specifically:

1. National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence:

   • Amendment to Section 317U:
     • Updates the language to allow for broader participation in the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group by removing specific references to the group and allowing for "appropriate individuals."
     • Enhances the focus on increasing capacity to identify, report, prevent, and respond to vector-borne diseases.
     • Extends the authorization period for the program from 2021-2025 to 2026-2030.

2. Enhanced Support for Health Departments:

   • Amendment to Section 2822(c):
     • Extends the authorization period for enhanced support to health departments from 2021-2025 to 2026-2030.

Impact

The reauthorization of the Kay Hagan Tick Act through HR 4348 is expected to:

• Strengthen Public Health Responses: By providing additional resources and support to health departments, the bill aims to improve the capacity to manage and respond to tick-borne diseases effectively.
• Broaden Participation: The amendments allow for a wider range of stakeholders to be involved in the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group, potentially leading to more comprehensive strategies and solutions.
• Address Growing Health Concerns: With the increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases, the bill seeks to ensure that public health systems are better equipped to handle these challenges over the next five years.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the same day, July 10, 2025. Further actions and discussions will take place within this committee before it can advance to the full House for consideration.

This summary provides an overview of HR 4348, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on public health initiatives related to tick-borne diseases.