Maryland & Virginia both had bills introduced by well meaning legislators, pushed by NatCap, that didn't know enough to realize reporting cases of Lyme disease was already a law and had been for years. If NatCap wants to be actively involved in politics, it should first know the facts, research the history and not encourage legislators to sponsor a bill that is already a law.
Virginia- Lawyer's comment:
"The one remaining bill that was not incorporated in House Bill 512, and was thus heard alone by the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Subcommittee meeting, was House Bill 36, sponsored by Delegate Robert G. Marshall of the 13th District.53 Delegate Marshall’s bill sought to require that Lyme disease be included among the Virginia Board of Health’s list of reportable diseases.54 The Medical Society opposed this bill as well, arguing that House Bill 36 was duplicative of already existing law. Specifically, the Medical Society pointed out in oral testimony that Delegate Marshall’s proposed statutory requirement was unnecessary, since the Health Board’s regulations already require that certain health care providers report Lyme disease to specified health agencies.55 The Subcommittee ultimately agreed with this conclusion and recommended tabling the bill by a voice vote.56"
Link Here- https://sites.google.com/site/lymelegislation/lawyers-opinions (Just above section titled "Future Outlook")
Maryland- Maryland legislator Karen Montgomery, after her previous "bad" Lyme bill failed to pass and she threw a hissy-fit over it, kicking Lyme patient advocates in the process, later sponsored a bill to make Lyme disease reportable in Maryland. HUH?
As in Virginia, Lyme disease is and has been reportable for years. This bill was introduced before the legislative session began, giving her, her staff and NatCap lawyers and members time to check the facts, which they all failed to do. See left hand menu on this site titled "Karen Montgomery".