States could receive federal grants for programs that identify ticks

Federal health officials could award grants to states for tick identification programs. State governments could seek grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. States would have to apply under rules set by federal health officials. Priority would go to states with more reported tick-borne disease cases and an effective plan to run and maintain a program.

Funded state programs would accept tick photos online and send advice after expert review. These requirements would apply to state programs receiving grants under the proposal. People would need to provide the encounter date, likely geographic location, and where the tick was found. A biologist with a background in organisms that spread disease would review the photo. Tick identification and disease-risk estimates would be required only when possible. The response deadline would start when the program receives the image.

Funded states would keep tick encounter databases, and federal health officials would collect the information and report to Congress. Federal data collection would cover each funded state program for each fiscal year, including the number of reported encounters. Records would include encounter details, any tick identification, and the advice given to the person who reported it. Reports to Congress would be due within 90 days after the start of each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029.