The MANNARINO Act requires states to ban the sale of scented or flavored nitrous oxide products and other non-exempt nitrous oxide items in order to receive certain federal public health grants. The law allows exemptions for nitrous oxide used in medical, veterinary, dental, food manufacturing, industrial, or automotive applications. If a state fails to implement these sales prohibitions, the Secretary of Health and Human Services can reduce its federal grant allotment by up to 10 percent. These requirements would take effect starting in the third fiscal year after the bill is enacted.
The Partnerships for Better Health Act directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Agriculture to establish a grant program that funds local coalitions to integrate chronic disease prevention, management, and social support services. Eligible lead entities, such as community health centers, nonprofit hospitals, and food banks, must partner with clinical, nutritional, and public health organizations to deliver coordinated care, nutrition education, and "Food is Medicine" programs. Grant priority is given to communities facing high chronic disease prevalence, food insecurity, or persistent poverty, while recipients are required to serve populations with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. The bill authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and mandates that grantees use evidence-based models and report on specific health, social, and utilization outcomes.
The SMASH 2.0 Act reauthorizes and updates the federal Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health program, which provides funding to state and local health departments to control mosquito populations. Key provisions allow the use of innovative technologies for prevention, allocate funds for technical training and education for public health workers, and increase the program's funding level to $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a strategic plan to stockpile emergency supplies for controlling vector-borne diseases and establishes a mechanism for coordination with the Strategic National Stockpile. These changes aim to enhance the capacity of health agencies to manage mosquito-related health risks through better planning, training, and resource availability.
The No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act updates federal health laws to ensure newborns receive immediate coverage for medical services within 30 days of birth. This legislation directly affects parents enrolled in group health plans, individual insurance policies, or employer-sponsored plans by mandating that these providers cover their newborns without requiring prior enrollment. The bill also requires insurers to offer a special enrollment period lasting at least 60 days after the initial coverage window and to notify parents immediately if a newborn is not enrolled when medical claims are submitted. By amending the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code, the law standardizes these protections across different types of health insurance coverage.
The Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to networks of organizations that use technology to improve health outcomes. These networks must consist of at least three entities with experience in collaborative learning and capacity building models. Recipients are required to use a shared dataset at the end of the grant period to demonstrate the impact of their work on significant public health issues such as infectious or chronic diseases. Additionally, the act extends the funding period for these grants from 2022 through 2026 to 2027 through 2031.
The RCORP Authorization Act establishes a new program to provide funding for preventing, treating, and recovering from opioid and other substance use disorders in rural areas. This program allows the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants to states, tribal organizations, and other eligible entities for up to five years. The funds can be used for planning, implementing evidence-based treatment models, addressing emerging public health issues, and providing technical assistance, but they cannot be used to buy or improve real property. The legislation authorizes $165 million annually for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 to support these efforts.
The Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment for Veterans Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to launch a two-year pilot program aimed at expanding access to virtual opioid treatment for enrolled veterans who face barriers to in-person care. This initiative requires the VA to conduct outreach, build referral networks, and coordinate with other federal agencies to connect veterans with telehealth programs that combine medication and counseling in a single visit. The bill also mandates a study on treatment barriers and requires annual reports to Congress on the program's progress until the opioid crisis is no longer considered a public health emergency.
This bill proposes to increase funding for a federal grant program designed to address shortages in the dental workforce. Specifically, it would raise the annual budget allocation from $13.9 million to $15 million for the years 2027 through 2031. The funds are intended to remain available until they are spent, supporting initiatives that help train and recruit dental professionals.
The Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act prevents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from cutting staff in specific divisions during the year following a major foodborne illness outbreak. It defines a staffing reduction as removing one percent or more of employees in those disease surveillance units within a 60-day window. This measure aims to ensure that personnel levels remain stable so agencies can effectively monitor and respond to public health threats related to food safety.
This bill modifies the Public Health Service Act to simplify the process for reviewing biosimilar drugs, which are generic versions of existing biologic medicines. By removing a specific requirement and renumbering a related clause, the legislation aims to reduce regulatory hurdles for manufacturers seeking approval for these products. The change directly impacts pharmaceutical companies and the FDA, potentially allowing for a more efficient evaluation of biosimilars without altering the fundamental safety standards.