Albany, NY – Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni announces his bill, A6047, which would increase the availability and transparency of tick-borne illness statistics and health insurance coverage, has passed the Assembly. The Senate version of the bill, S1786, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, unanimously passed earlier this year.

The legislation requires the New York State Department of Health, in conjunction with the Tick-borne Disease Institute and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, to publish a report outlining the number of diagnosed cases of tick-borne illnesses, the incidence of tick-borne illness in each county, and the estimated tick population and future expected populations.

The bill also requires the Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services to review the costs of, and insurance coverages for, Lyme and other tick-borne related diseases.

Assemblyman Schiavoni has been on the forefront of addressing the rise of tick-borne illnesses for over a decade now, having experience as a North Haven Village Trustee, Southampton Town Councilman, and as the East End Mayors and Supervisors appointment to the Suffolk County Tick Control Advisory Committee from 2018-2024.

Assemblyman Schiavoni noted, “The presence of tick-borne illnesses on the East End is staggering and is, in my opinion, a public health crisis. We need to fight this and the only way to do so is to have timely and correct information at our fingertips.”

 “As the climate crisis worsens the risk of tick-borne infections will only increase, making it incredibly important we have as much information as possible," said Senate sponsor Michelle Hinchey."Representing the Hudson Valley, I've seen the impact firsthand.This bill will help New York have the information we need, including understanding the full cost of Lyme and tick-borne illnesses.I thank my Assembly colleague Tommy Schiavoni for carrying this legislation with me and urge the Governor to sign it as summer approaches."

Scott R. Campbell, PhD, Laboratory Chief of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory noted, “This bill will better help evaluate the presence and trends of tick-borne illnesses in New York State, as well as the public health impact of tick-borne disease on Suffolk County residents and all New York residents.”

The bill will now be delivered to the Governor in consideration of signing into law.