hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Fairness for Farm Workers Act

Bill: 117-s-4480
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Fairness for Farm Workers Act
 
 
This bill extends overtime pay protections to agricultural workers.
 
 The bill requires employers, beginning in 2023, to compensate agricultural workers for hours worked in excess of their regular hours (i.e., 55 hours in 2023, 50 hours in 2024, 45 hours in 2025, and 40 hours in 2026) at not less than one and one-half times the employee's regular rate. For employers with 25 or fewer employees, the overtime pay requirements begin in 2026. These overtime pay requirements do not apply, as under current law, to employees who are the parent, spouse, child, or other member of the employer's immediate family. 
 
The bill also repeals the exemption from overtime pay requirements for employers in various agriculture-related industries, including certain small farms, irrigation projects, sugar processing, and cotton ginning and compressing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. CR S3163-3164)
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
INsulin For Our Recurring Medical Needs Act

Bill: 117-s-4481
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

INsulin For Our Recurring Medical Needs Act or the INFORM Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to compile and publish on its website information about publicly available pharmaceutical affordability assistance programs, including for insulin. HHS also must distribute various printed materials with such information to health facilities, including community health centers, medical clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Coordinating Substance Use and Homelessness Care Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4482
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Government information and archives
Homelessness and emergency shelter
Housing and community development funding
Intergovernmental relations
Mental health
Performance measurement
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Coordinating Substance Use and Homelessness Care Act of 2022

 
This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award competitive grants to improve coordination of health care and homelessness services for individuals who are homeless, have significant behavioral health issues (e.g., substance use disorders), and voluntarily seek assistance. Entities eligible for these grants include local and tribal governments, public housing agencies that administer housing choice vouchers, and certain nonprofits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3164)
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Debt Cancellation Accountability Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4483
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Debt Cancellation Accountability Act of 2022

 
This bill prohibits the Department of Education from providing class-based loan forgiveness unless funds have been specifically requested and appropriated for this purpose. 
Class-based loan forgiveness
 refers to the cancellation, waiver, assumption, discharge, reduction, or other forgiveness of any obligation due on Federal Family Education Loans, Federal Direct Loans, or Federal Perkins Loans (1) on a class-wide basis and for a class of two or more loan borrowers, and (2) that totals more than $1 million.
 
The prohibition does not apply to targeted loan forgiveness programs established under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and in effect before the enactment of this bill if the loan forgiveness is granted for a single borrower on a case-by-case basis.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Securing Employee Retirement Returns Act

Bill: 117-s-4484
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Securing Employee Retirement Returns Act

 
This bill revises the fiduciary duties for a retirement or employee benefit plan that is regulated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. 
 
The bill generally requires a fiduciary to select and maintain investments for a plan based solely on pecuniary factors. Under the bill, a 
pecuniary factor
 is a factor that is expected to have a material effect on the risk or return of an investment based on appropriate investment horizons that are consistent with the plan's investment objectives and funding policy.
 
The bill allows a fiduciary to use nonpecuniary factors in certain circumstances, such as when a fiduciary (1) is unable to distinguish between investment alternatives on the basis of pecuniary factors alone, or (2) is selecting or maintaining investment alternatives for a defined contribution plan that permits a participant or beneficiary to choose from a broad range of investment alternatives. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4485
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Housing and community development funding
Housing discrimination
Housing industry and standards
Low- and moderate-income housing
Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022

 
This bill prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their source of income, veteran status, or military status in the sale or rental of housing and other related real estate transactions and services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4486
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022

 
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and others to undertake efforts to reduce health disparities.
 
For example, the bill (1) requires more detailed reporting of demographic and health disparities data, including related to public health emergencies; (2) directs certain components of HHS to support health workforce diversity; and (3) increases access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care.
 
The bill also modifies eligibility and other requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, nutrition assistance, and other programs to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations. The bill includes specific provisions with respect to 
 
 
noncitizens;
 
maternal, infant, and child health;
 
mental and behavioral health; 
 
specified conditions that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, such as certain cancers, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, and diabetes;
 
investments in communities facing health and other inequities; and
 
nondiscrimination in the provision of services in federally supported health programs.
 
 
Additionally, the bill (1) revises health information technology programs to address health disparities, and (2) supports health impact assessments and other efforts pertaining to environmental justice and social determinants of health (i.e., nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, such as income and educational attainment).
 
The bill also requires various studies and reports on issues related to health care and health disparities, including a report by the Government Accountability Office on health workforce diversity.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Election Mail Act

Bill: 117-s-4487
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Election Mail Act

 
This bill addresses the delivery and processing of election mail. Among other provisions, the bill requires same-day processing of mail-in ballots by the U.S. Postal Service, establishes certain standards for mail-in ballots, and requires states to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by election day and arrive within seven days after the election.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Grandfamilies Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4489
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Families

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Grandfamilies Act of 20

22

 
 This bill expands access to specified programs for children living with grandparents or other family members who are not their legal guardian. Specifically, the bill provides that a child of a relative eligible for Old-Age and Survivors Insurance benefits is eligible for such benefit payments if that child (1) began living with such relative before age 18, (2) receives at least 50% of their support from such relative, and (3) has lived with such relative pursuant to a court order for at least 12 months.
 
 Additionally, the bill revises the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility requirements for children living with specified caretaker relatives. First, the bill lessens the requirement for TANF applicants to assign their rights to child support when such assignment may impact the likelihood of reunifying the child with their noncustodial parent, such as where the noncustodial parent is working to gain financial stability so they may reunify with their child. Further, when a child, but not the caretaker relative, receives TANF benefits (i.e., child-only cases), or if the caretaker relative is 55 or older, the bill (1) excludes such caretaker&rsquo;s income from that child&rsquo;s eligibility determination, (2) removes the 5-year cap on assistance, and (3) exempts such caretaker relatives from TANF work requirements.
 
 The bill also (1) encourages states to enact temporary guardianship laws, (2) provides grants for state plans to support caretaker relatives, and (3) requires the Administration for Community Living to provide grants for establishing cross-sector partnerships that support families with caretaker relatives.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Act

Bill: 117-s-4490
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Act

 
This bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to award grants to state and local educational agencies, public libraries, and qualified nonprofit organizations to develop and promote media literacy and digital citizenship education for elementary and secondary school students.
 

Media literacy
 includes the ability to access relevant information, analyze media content, evaluate the accuracy of information, and make educated decisions based on information obtained from media and digital sources.
 

Digital citizenship
 includes the ability to safely, responsibly, and ethically use communication technologies and to participate in the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life related to technology and the digital world. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-07-28
text: Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2022-07-28
text: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2022-07-28
text: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Preventing Terrorist Transfers to Afghanistan Act

Bill: 117-s-4491
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Preventing Terrorist Transfers to Afghanistan Act

 
This bill prohibits Department of Defense funds from being used to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release of any individual detained in the custody or control of the Department of Defense at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody or control of Afghanistan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act

Bill: 117-s-4492
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act

 
This bill requires various studies and reports on the exposure, hazards, and management of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to conduct a two-phase study and report on the research and development needed to advance human exposure estimation and toxicity hazard estimation of individual or total PFAS.
 
The bill also requires the NSF and the Environmental Protection Agency to jointly enter into an agreement with NASEM to conduct a study and submit a report on the research and development needed to advance the understanding of the extent and implications of environmental contamination by PFAS, how to manage and treat such contamination, and the development of safe alternatives.
 
Finally, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must submit an implementation plan for federal PFAS research, development, and demonstration activities, taking into account the recommendations of the NASEM reports.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Veterans Online Information and Cybersecurity Empowerment Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4493
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Adult education and literacy
Computer security and identity theft
Computers and information technology
Digital media
Internet, web applications, social media
News media and reporting
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Veterans Online Information and Cybersecurity Empowerment Act of 2022 or the VOICE Act of 2022

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to promote digital citizenship and media literacy among veterans by awarding grants to eligible entities, which include civil society organizations and congressionally chartered veterans service organizations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Facilitating Large-Scale Water Recycling and Reuse Projects Act

Bill: 117-s-4494
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Water Resources Development

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Facilitating Large-Scale Water Recycling and Reuse Projects Act

 
 
 This bill modifies the Bureau of Reclamation's Large-Scale Water Recycling Program, which provides grants to water and power delivery authorities in certain western states for the planning, design, and construction of large-scale water recycling and reuse projects that have a total cost of $500 million or more. Specifically, the bill removes the program's sunset provision and revises eligibility requirements. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting Americans' Data From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4495
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Protecting Americans' Data From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2022

 
This bill establishes certain export controls on personal data of U.S. nationals and individuals living in the United States. Among other requirements, the bill directs the Department of Commerce to identify categories of personal data that could be exploited by foreign governments and harm U.S. national security if exported, reexported, or in-country transferred in a quantity that exceeds the threshold established by Commerce.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act

Bill: 117-s-4496
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Water Resources Development

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act

 
This bill increases the authorization of appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation to participate, in partnership with the Las Vegas Wash Coordinating Committee, in the implementation of the Las Vegas Wash wetlands restoration and Lake Mead improvement project. The Las Vegas Wash in Nevada connects the Las Vegas Valley with Lake Mead.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Payment Choice Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-4497
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Payment Choice Act of 202

2

 
This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of less than $2,000, and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Such businesses are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location.
 
The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief and civil penalties.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Kids’ Mental Health Improvement Act

Bill: 117-s-4498
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2022-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: 

Kids' Mental Health Improvement Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue certain guidance and reports on ways to expand access to behavioral health services (particularly for children), including guidance to states on (1) how to expand mental, emotional, and behavioral health services and telehealth services under Medicaid; and (2) existing regulatory flexibilities for hospitals and other providers to support children in crisis or in need of more intensive services. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2022-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to prohibit any requirement that a member of the National Guard receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

Bill: 117-s-4499
Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Introduced: 2022-07-11 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2022-07-11
text: 
This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to require a member of the National Guard to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, the Department of Defense is prohibited from taking any adverse action (e.g., punishment) against a member of the National Guard because the member refuses to receive such a vaccination.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-07-11
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2022-07-11
text: Introduced in Senate
Youth Voting Rights Act

Bill: 117-s-4500
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced: 2022-07-11 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2022-07-11
text: 

Youth Voting Rights Act

 
This bill expands voting access for youth.
 
Specifically, the bill establishes a private right of action to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on age.
 
Additionally, the bill directs each state to
 
 
designate as voter registration agencies all offices within public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that provide assistance to students, 
 
implement a preregistration process to allow minors who are 16 years or older to register to vote in federal elections that take place when or after the preregistered individual turns age 18, and 
 
ensure the availability of polling places on campuses of IHEs (with the availability of waivers). 

 
The bill prohibits durational residency requirements for voting in all federal elections. Currently, this prohibition applies only to voting for the offices of President and Vice President. 
 
States and local jurisdictions with voter identification requirements must treat IHE-issued student identification cards as voter identification.
 
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities.
 
The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on trends related to voter registration, absentee voting, and provisional voting. The EAC must also collect and make publicly available certain data from states.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-07-11
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2022-07-11
text: Introduced in Senate