Federal epilepsy plan and advisory council proposed through 2035
Passed one chamberS. 494Latest action
Sponsor: Eric Schmitt · Senator · MO
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: National Plan for Epilepsy Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 494 would require a national epilepsy action plan through 2035 and a new advisory council reporting to Congress.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 494 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a formal written plan coordinating epilepsy research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention across federal agencies including NIH, CDC, FDA, and the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The plan would run through the end of 2035. The bill also establishes an Advisory Council that must meet at least four times a year, hold public meetings, and submit regular recommendations to Congress.
Who does it affect?
The bill most directly affects the roughly 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy, along with their families and caregivers. It would also affect doctors, researchers, and federal agencies required to share data and coordinate efforts.
Why does it matter?
The bill creates a structured coordination mechanism for existing and future federal epilepsy efforts but does not establish or fund new programs on its own. The Secretary would be required to submit yearly progress reports to Congress, adding an ongoing accountability layer to federal epilepsy policy.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 10, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · Aug 10, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.