National Plan for Epilepsy Act
Latest action (4 Aug 2026): Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
What this bill does
S. 494, the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review federal programs, research, and activities related to epilepsy—covering prevention, early identification, diagnosis, and treatment—and to update those programs and strategic plans as needed. The review must examine research findings and knowledge gaps, disparities among populations with epilepsy, coordination between federal agencies, opportunities to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, and ways to improve surveillance and care. The Secretary must consult federal agencies and outside stakeholders, including patient advocates and non-federal experts, in conducting the review.
The bill primarily affects HHS and other federal health agencies, which would take on new review and coordination responsibilities, as well as the broader epilepsy research and patient-advocacy community, whose input would be formally solicited. It does not create new programs or funding directly but aims to improve coordination and identify gaps in existing federal efforts.
Within two years of enactment, the Secretary must report findings to the Senate HELP Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including a summary of stakeholder input, recommendations for improving federal coordination, and any statutory barriers to implementing changes. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on August 4, 2026, and now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
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.
Timeline
4 Aug 2026
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
22 Jul 2026
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 494 do?
- S. 494, the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review federal programs, research, and activities related to epilepsy—covering prevention, early identification, diagnosis, and treatment—and to update those programs and strategic plans as needed. The review must examine research findings and knowledge gaps, disparities among populations with epilepsy, coordination between federal agencies, opportunities to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, and ways to improve surveillance and care. The Secretary must consult federal agencies and outside stakeholders, including patient advocates and non-federal experts, in conducting the review. The bill primarily affects HHS and other federal health agencies, which would take on new review and coordination responsibilities, as well as the broader epilepsy research and patient-advocacy community, whose input would be formally solicited. It does not create new programs or funding directly but aims to improve coordination and identify gaps in existing federal efforts. Within two years of enactment, the Secretary must report findings to the Senate HELP Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including a summary of stakeholder input, recommendations for improving federal coordination, and any statutory barriers to implementing changes. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on August 4, 2026, and now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Has S. 494 become law?
- Not yet. As of 4 Aug 2026, S. 494 is passed senate (house next).
- Who sponsored S. 494?
- S. 494 was sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt [R-MO] (Republican-MO), with 27 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 494?
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (4 Aug 2026).
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