S. 494 · Where this bill is now
In the House
Passed the Senate Aug 4, 2026. Received Aug 10, 2026; no House vote yet
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryCreates national plan to address epilepsy
The government would develop a coordinated national plan to prevent, diagnose, treat, and eventually cure epilepsy. HHS would pull together research and services across different federal agencies, get input from the public, and set up an advisory council of experts to guide the effort. The plan and council would stay in place through the end of 2035.
How it affects you
People with epilepsy and their families could benefit from better coordinated federal efforts to understand and treat the condition. Researchers working on epilepsy would have a more unified federal strategy to work with. The government would report regularly on progress, so the public and Congress can see how these efforts are advancing.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Feb 10, 2025)
National Plan for Epilepsy Act
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035.
Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments.
Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts.
Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 494
AN ACT
National Plan for Epilepsy Act
Sponsor: Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) · Introduced Feb 10, 2025 · Health · 3 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Aug 10, 2026: “Held at the desk.”