Dennis John Benigno Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 8, 2025
Bottom line
The bill continues federal support for TBI prevention, surveillance, and services, with an increased focus on identifying and addressing disparities in risk and long-term outcomes, while also providing flexibility for state programs.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes the federal Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program through fiscal year 2030, expanding surveillance and registry activities to include populations at higher risk due to occupational or circumstantial factors. It updates state grant program requirements, mandates reports on high-risk populations, and requires a study on the incidence and prevalence of long-term TBI symptoms and conditions.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that reauthorizing the TBI program is crucial for continuing vital research, prevention efforts, and support services for individuals affected by TBI. The bill's enhancements, such as focusing on high-risk populations and long-term effects, ensure the program remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving understanding of TBI and its impact on diverse communities.
Opponents contend
No specific organized opposition is typically raised against the reauthorization of public health programs like the TBI program, especially when they address a widely recognized health issue. Potential general opposition might stem from broader concerns about federal spending or the scope of federal involvement in state health matters, but these are not specific to this bill's policy changes.
The bill is relatively short and straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions within typical legislative review periods.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the 'Dennis John Benigno Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2025.' This title provides a concise and recognizable name for the legislation, aiding in its identification and discussion within legislative and public discourse.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a clear and concise short title aids in public understanding and legislative discourse, while also serving to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to TBI awareness and advocacy.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the naming of legislation, as it is a standard procedural element.
Section 2(a)
Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury Program Updates
This provision amends Section 393B of the Public Health Service Act to expand the scope of the TBI prevention program. It now includes collecting data on the 'prevalence' of TBI, aims for 'reduction of associated injuries and fatalities,' and extends the program's authorization to 2030. Crucially, it expands data collection to include populations at higher risk due to occupational or circumstantial factors, causes and risk factors, and related mental health and other conditions arising from TBI.
Section 2(b)
National TBI Surveillance and Registries Program Renaming and Expansion
This section renames the national TBI surveillance program to 'The Bill Pascrell, Jr., National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries.' It expands the program's objectives to explicitly identify populations at higher risk for TBI and collect data on causes and risk factors, including the occupation of the individual when relevant. It also mandates that the Secretary, through the CDC, make aggregated information on TBI and concussion publicly available on the CDC website, including tailored prevention strategies for high-risk populations.
Section 2(c)
Authorization of Appropriations for TBI Programs
This provision amends Section 394A of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for the TBI prevention and surveillance programs. Specifically, it extends the period for which funds are authorized to be appropriated for these activities for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, ensuring continued federal financial support for these critical public health initiatives.
Section 3(a)
State Grants for TBI Projects Updates
This section amends Section 1252 of the Public Health Service Act, which governs State grants for TBI projects. It requires states applying for grants to consider populations at higher risk for TBI in their outreach programs and explicitly includes Tribal entities in the definition of eligible consortia. New requirements include a 'maintenance of effort' for non-Federal expenditures and allows the Secretary to waive up to 50% of matching funds if it prevents a state from carrying out the program. The definition of 'traumatic brain injury' is also updated and allows the Secretary to revise it after consultation. Appropriations for these grants are reauthorized for FY2026-2030.
Section 3(b)
State Grants for Protection and Advocacy Services Reauthorization
This provision amends Section 1253(l) of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for State grants for protection and advocacy services for individuals with TBI. The reauthorization extends funding eligibility for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, ensuring the continuation of these vital legal and advocacy services.
Section 4
Report to Congress on High-Risk TBI Populations
This section mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services submit a comprehensive report to Congress within two years of the Act's enactment. The report must provide an overview of populations at higher risk for TBI (e.g., individuals affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, public safety officers), outline existing CDC surveys and activities addressing data gaps for these groups, detail outreach and education efforts, and identify challenges associated with reaching these populations.
Section 5
Study on Long-Term Symptoms or Conditions Related to Traumatic Brain Injury
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study, either directly or through a contract, on the long-term impacts of TBI. The study will examine the incidence and prevalence of chronic symptoms, the research evidence base for chronic effects across the lifespan, correlations between TBI and other conditions (like dementia and mental health issues), existing services for individuals with long-term symptoms, and identify gaps in current research. A public report detailing the study's findings, conclusions, and recommendations must be submitted to Congress and made publicly available within two years.