To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes.

Bill Number: H.R. 1493
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Health
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-07-21: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Last Updated: 2026-07-29T16:34:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 1493

Purpose

This legislation reauthorizes and updates federal programs under the Public Health Service Act focused on preventing, detecting, and treating traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It emphasizes improved data collection on incidence, prevalence, causes, and risk factors, with particular attention to higher-risk populations.

Key Provisions

National TBI Surveillance Program: Renames and expands the program to include data on higher-risk groups, occupational factors, and short- and long-term outcomes. Requires public availability of aggregated data on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
State Grant Programs: Updates grants for TBI projects to consider higher-risk populations, adds Tribal entities, introduces maintenance-of-effort requirements, and allows waivers for up to 50% of matching funds in certain cases. Updates the definition of TBI to include acquired injuries from anoxia, infection, or other sources, while excluding congenital or degenerative conditions.
Authorizations of Appropriations: Provides $9,250,000 annually for surveillance programs and $13,118,000 annually for state programs, both for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Congressional Report: Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a report within two years on higher-risk populations (such as those affected by domestic violence or public safety officers), data gaps, outreach efforts, and challenges.
Long-Term Effects Study: Mandates a study on chronic symptoms or conditions linked to TBI, including correlations with dementia or mental health issues, available services, and research gaps, with a public report due within two years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Extends program authorizations through 2030 and increases focus on prevalence, risk factors, and higher-risk populations (including occupational or circumstantial factors).
Adds requirements for maintenance of effort by states and American Indian consortia, along with limited matching fund waivers.
Updates the TBI definition and mandates public dissemination of aggregated information.
Introduces new reporting and study requirements not present in prior authorizations.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in data collection, public reporting, and conducting studies, potentially requiring additional resources for surveillance and outreach.
Citizens: May improve prevention strategies and services for individuals at higher risk of TBI, such as public safety officers or survivors of domestic violence, through better data-driven programs and long-term care insights.
International Relations: No direct effects identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Individuals with TBIs and higher-risk groups, including public safety officers and victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
State governments and American Indian consortia receiving grants.
Federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Healthcare providers, educators, community organizations, and third-party payers involved in TBI services.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill operates within established federal health authority under the Public Health Service Act, with no apparent constitutional conflicts.
Emphasis on aggregated public data raises standard privacy considerations under existing health information laws, but limits are placed on individual-level details.
Reauthorization reflects ongoing bipartisan support for public health programs addressing injury prevention.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

2026-07-21: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
2026-07-20: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-07-20: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4646-4647)
2026-07-20: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4646-4647)
2026-07-20: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1493.
2026-07-20: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4646-4648)
2026-07-20: Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-07-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 625.
2026-07-02: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-720.
2026-07-02: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-720.
2026-05-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 0.
2026-05-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2025-02-21: Introduced in House
2025-02-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

An Act To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-07-20 — PDF (14 pages)
To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (11 pages)
An Act To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-07-21 — PDF (12 pages)
To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-07-02 — PDF (14 pages)