HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 404

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LYME DISEASE.

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is a tickborne illness, which is passed through the food chain including to cats, dogs, horses, and people; and

WHEREAS, the ticks that carry Lyme disease can be found on publicly owned lands including State parks, wildlife areas, and forests; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the human infection rate for Lyme disease in Delaware is 6 times the national average; and

WHEREAS, it is probable that people have been infected with Lyme disease while enjoying state owned lands; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that since 2008 Lyme disease and its associated medical costs have the cost the State of Delaware over a billion dollars; and

WHEREAS, there are new ways to intervene in the spread of Lyme disease by limiting the infection of Lyme in animals, which in turn can prevent people from contracting the disease as well.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Chapter 1, Part I, Title 3 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 106. Lyme disease control.

The Department must establish a Lyme disease intervention fund, in an amount to be determined by the Joint Finance Committee. The Department must administer the fund with the goal of reducing the prevalence of Lyme disease and the animals known to carry Lyme disease on State-owned lands in places people are likely to contract the disease. The Department must investigate the most effective, environmentally sensitive, and innovative options in the use of the fund. The Department must coordinate with the Division of Public Health and the Department of Natural Resources in carrying out this mission.

SYNOPSIS

To address the significant spread and impact of Lyme Disease in Delaware, this bill creates a Lyme Disease intervention fund. The fund shall be overseen by the Department of Agriculture and shall have the goal of reducing the prevalence of Lyme disease and potential for contracting Lyme disease on State owned lands. The Department shall investigate the best ways to do that, focusing on ones that are the most effective, environmentally sensitive, and innovative. The Department of Agriculture will coordinate its efforts in the administration of the fund with the Division of Public Health and the Department of Natural Resources. The Joint Finance Committee shall determine the yearly amount of the fund.