H.R. 9672
Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act of 2026
Sponsor: Lloyd Doggett
2 cosponsors
Official summary
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Text of the bill
(a) Special masters
(1) Establish minimum number of special masters. Section 2112(c)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–12(c)(1)) is amended by striking not more than 8 and inserting not less than 10.
(2) Terms. Section 2112(c)(4) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–12(c)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
(4) The appointment of any individual as a special master shall be for an initial term of 4 years, subject to termination under paragraphs (2) and (3). An individual appointed as special master may be reappointed to serve one or more additional terms of up to 8 years each, pursuant to paragraph (1), and subject to termination under paragraphs (2) and (3).
(3) Additional reporting requirements. Section 2112(c)(6)(E) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–12(c)(6)(E)) is amended—
(A) by inserting after disposition of petitions, the following: the number of petitions filed that are pending disposition, the number of hearings scheduled with respect to a pending disposition,; and
(B) by inserting , including recommendations on whether additional special masters are needed to ensure an expeditious and fair resolution of petitions or otherwise improve the Program after in the Program.
(b) Recommendations from CDC. Section 2114(e)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–14(e)(2)) is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(A) by striking routine administration to children and inserting administration to children, adults, or pregnant women; and
(B) by striking within 2 years of and inserting within 6 months of; and
(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking routine administration to children and inserting administration to children, adults, or pregnant women.
(c) Increase in compensation
(1) Compensation for death. Section 2115(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–15(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
(2) In the event of a vaccine-related death, an award of $600,000.
(2) Compensation for pain and suffering. Section 2115(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–15(a)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
(4) For actual and projected pain and suffering and emotional distress from the vaccine-related injury, an award not to exceed $600,000.
(d) Increase statute of limitations. Section 2116(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–16(a)(2)) is amended by striking 36 months and inserting 5 years.
(e) Program integrity
(1) Including medical records in petitions. Section 2111(a)(2)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–11(a)(2)(A)) is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting that includes the medical records and other information required under subsection (c) (including, if applicable, an identification of unavailable records and explanation of unavailability pursuant to subsection (c)(3)) after unless a petition.
(2) Decision timing for special masters. Section 2112(d)(3)(A)(ii) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–12(d)(3)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking the petition was filed and inserting on which the petition and the medical records and other information required to be filed with such petition under section 2111(c) was filed.