Section 192.027

Title XII PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

Chapter 192

Effective - 28 Aug 2026, see footnote   

  192.027.  Lyme disease research and eradication fund — use of moneys — report. — 1.  There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Lyme Research and Eradication Fund", which shall consist of moneys appropriated to it by the general assembly, as well as any grants, bequests, gifts, or donations.  The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund.  In accordance with sections 30.170 and 30.180, the state treasurer may approve disbursements.  The fund shall be a dedicated fund and money in the fund shall be used solely by the department for the purposes of implementing the provisions of this section.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080 to the contrary, any moneys remaining in the fund at the end of the biennium shall not revert to the credit of the general revenue fund.  The state treasurer shall invest moneys in the fund in the same manner as other funds are invested.  Any interest and moneys earned on such investments shall be credited to the fund.

  2.  The department shall use the moneys in the fund to distribute grants to public four-year institutions of higher education, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations for Lyme disease research, including, but not limited to, the following:

  (1)  Development of improved diagnostics, therapies, and treatments;

  (2)  Studies on novel therapies, such as those inspired by natural host immunity; and

  (3)  Eradication strategies, including, but not limited to, tick population control through acaricides, deer management programs, and environmental interventions.

  3.  No less than twenty percent of the funds shall be utilized to support eradication efforts in rural counties.

  4.  The department shall submit a report to the general assembly no later than March first of each year detailing fund expenditures, research outcomes, and progress toward Lyme disease eradication in the state.

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(L. 2026 H.B. 2372)