Bills of The Day:

AI Transparency in Elections Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3875
Date Introduced: March 6, 2024
Sponsor: Klobuchar (D-MN)
Co-Sponsor(s): Murkowski (R-AK)

Summary: This bill seeks to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to enhance transparency in political advertising that utilizes content generated substantially by artificial intelligence (AI). It mandates the inclusion of a disclosure if generative AI has been used to create any image, audio, or video content. The legislation defines key terms, including "covered communication," "generative artificial intelligence," and what constitutes being "substantially generated by artificial intelligence." It specifies requirements for how the disclaimer should be presented in different media types to ensure clarity and visibility. The bill also outlines the enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for non-compliance. It mandates the Federal Election Commission, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to release specific regulations within 90 days after the enactment. Additionally, it includes provisions for biannual reports to assess compliance and enforcement effectiveness and offers recommendations for potential modifications.

Next Action: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Literacy Improvement for Transformation Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3907
Date Introduced: March 12, 2024
Sponsor: Heinrich (D-NM)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This legislation authorizes the Secretary of Education to implement a grant program to ensure each elementary and secondary school employs at least one full-time reading, literacy, or biliteracy specialist. It emphasizes the recruitment, development, and retention of such specialists, particularly from underrepresented communities within the educational sector. The bill defines various terms relevant to its application, including "high-need local educational agency" and "biliteracy," and outlines the eligibility criteria for entities seeking grants. Prioritization for grant awards is detailed, focusing on areas showing significant need based on student reading proficiency levels. Fund utilization includes hiring specialists, professional development, and enhancing biliteracy teaching strategies. A requirement is set for specialists to dedicate a majority of their time to direct work with teachers and students to improve outcomes, along with annual reporting requirements for grant recipients to track progress and effectiveness.

Next Action: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Students Bill of Rights Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7612
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Houchin (R-IN)
Co-Sponsor(s): McClain (R-MI), Owens (R-UT)

Summary: This bill proposes amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 to safeguard the First Amendment rights of students and student organizations at public institutions of higher education. It outlines several protected rights, including non-discriminatory practices in recognizing student organizations regardless of their inability to secure faculty advisors or affiliations, implementing an appeal process for denied recognitions and establishing clear, content- and viewpoint-neutral criteria for distributing funds to student organizations. The bill also addresses the assessment of security fees for events, ensuring they are not determined based on the event's content or anticipated reactions, and sets standards for the protection of guests and speakers. It establishes a mechanism for enforcement, including a civil action for policy violations, the requirement for institutions to report such judgments to the Secretary, and potential revocation and restoration of eligibility for federal funding. The Secretary is tasked with reporting to Congress on violations and actions taken. The definition section clarifies terms such as "covered public institution" and "recognized student organization."

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Facilitating the Reshoring of Energy Grid Component Manufacturing Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7611
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Higgins (R-LA)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill introduces a program under the Department of Energy to support the manufacturing of energy grid products and components within the United States by providing up to $8 billion in loans. It targets projects aiming to reequip, expand, or establish manufacturing facilities for a wide range of energy grid products, including transformers, switchgear, converters, and various steel and insulating materials. The program prioritizes projects that expand manufacturing through new facilities or the reopening of idle ones. A minimum of 5% of the loans are reserved each fiscal year for small manufacturers, defined as firms employing fewer than 500 individuals. The bill outlines the application process, loan terms, and conditions, including the requirement for fair labor practices and a conflict-of-interest certification to ensure the absence of political influence. Additionally, it mandates outreach efforts to potential applicants and requires a biennial report to Congress detailing the program's status and impact, including job creation metrics and project updates.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Appropriations.

Linemen Legacy Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7610
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Higgins (R-LA)
Co-Sponsor(s): Norcross (D-NJ)

Summary: This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to officially classify utility line technicians as emergency response providers. Specifically, it expands the definition of emergency response providers to include utility line technicians who respond to major disasters or emergencies declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This change recognizes the critical role of linemen in restoring essential services in the aftermath of disasters, ensuring they receive the same recognition and support as other emergency response providers.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.