Clinical Trial Modernization Act
Key claim: The Clinical Trial Modernization Act would authorize grants for clinical trial outreach to underrepresented communities, exempt trial participation expenses from anti-kickback laws, and exclude up to $2,000 in trial compensation from federal income tax.
Abstract
(HR3521 · 119th Congress) Clinical Trial Modernization Act This bill authorizes a grant program and provides certain exemptions to support the participation of individuals in clinical trials. Specifically, the bill authorizes a grant program to support outreach, education, and recruitment efforts for clinical trials that may benefit certain underrepresented populations or communities in need, such as rural or tribal areas. The bill also exempts from anti-kickback laws for federal health care programs (1) remuneration that is offered to cover participants’ expenses to participate in clinical trials, (2) the provision of free digital health technologies to support participation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials, and (3) payment for participants’ cost-sharing obligations in relation to clinical trials. Finally, the bill exempts up to $2,000 in remuneration that is received for participating in a clinical trial from income tax. Latest action (2025-05-20): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Why this matters
The Clinical Trial Modernization Act introduces a targeted income exclusion (up to $2,000) for clinical trial compensation, using the tax code as a lever to broaden participation in medical research. It illustrates a pattern of narrow, category-specific income exclusions layered onto the federal tax base — similar in structure to the Poll Worker Tax Cut — and raises reporting-threshold questions for small participant stipends.