Bills of The Day:

Alternatives to Prevent Addiction In the Nation Act or the "Alternatives to PAIN Act"
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3832
Date Introduced: February 29, 2024
Sponsor: Tillis (R-NC)
Co-Sponsor(s): Kelly (D-AZ)

Summary: The Act seeks to amend the Medicare program to improve access to non-opioid pain management drugs under Part D, starting January 1, 2025. This legislation aims to remove financial barriers for patients requiring non-opioid pain treatments by exempting these drugs from deductibles and placing them on the plan's lowest cost-sharing tier. It defines "qualifying non-opioid pain management drugs" as FDA-approved for reducing pain, not acting on opioid receptors, without therapeutic equivalents in the U.S., and priced below a specific cost threshold. Additionally, the act prohibits the use of step therapy that would require using opioids first and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, ensuring patients have timely access to non-opioid pain management options.

Next Action: The bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance for consideration.

Strategic Plan for Aging Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3827
Date Introduced: February 28, 2024
Sponsor: Gillibrand (D-NY)
Co-Sponsor(s): Casey (D-PA)

Summary: The "Strategic Plan for Aging Act" proposes to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Assistant Secretary for Aging to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations. These grants aim to support creating or implementing Multisector Plans for Aging and Aging with a Disability. These comprehensive plans, involving cross-sector stakeholders, including aging and disability experts, are designed to address the diverse needs of older individuals, including those with disabilities. The legislation outlines the goals and requirements for these plans, including enhancing access to services, supporting aging in place, improving public health, and ensuring dignity and autonomy for the elderly. Additionally, it mandates a consultative process with stakeholders, regular assessments, and technical assistance from the Assistant Secretary, ensuring these plans are effectively developed and implemented.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration.

Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7520
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Pallone (D-NJ)
Co-Sponsor(s): Rodgers (R-WA)

Summary: The "Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024" seeks to safeguard the sensitive personal data of U.S. individuals from being traded by data brokers to foreign adversaries or entities controlled by such adversaries. The legislation broadly defines sensitive data, encompassing health information, financial details, biometrics, geolocation, private communications, and more. It assigns enforcement responsibilities to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts. This bill also clarifies terms including data broker, foreign adversary country, and sensitive data, aiming to prevent misuse of critical personal information and protect U.S. residents' privacy against foreign threats.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.

Federal AI Governance and Transparency Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7532
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Comer (R-KY)
Co-Sponsor(s): Raskin (D-MD), Mace (R-NC), Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Higgins (R-LA), Connolly (D-VA), Langworthy (R-NY), Mr. Khanna (D-CA)

Summary: This incredibly bipartisan bill aims to amend Title 44, Chapter 35, United States Code, to set governance requirements for Federal AI systems, ensuring their alignment with the Constitution, laws, civil rights, and privacy protections. It mandates performance-driven actions, ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of AI risks. The Act tasks the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with overseeing AI system policies, issuing guidance, and requiring agencies to develop plans for AI governance, including AI governance charters for high-risk AI systems. It emphasizes the public's right to understand AI applications and mandates regular training for agency officials on AI management.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability for consideration.

Connect the Grid Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3855
Date: February 29, 2024
Sponsor: Markey (D-MA)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: Proposes interconnecting the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) with neighboring power grids to improve reliability and environmental and economic outcomes. This Act mandates a minimum transfer capability between ERCOT and adjacent power systems and outlines priorities for the siting and construction of new transmission facilities. It emphasizes using grid-enhancing technologies, renewable energy sources, and community involvement, particularly focusing on environmental justice communities and Indigenous peoples. The Act proposes increased borrowing authority for transmission facilitation and requires studies on the benefits of interconnecting with Mexico's power grid. ERCOT is not connected to other grids to maintain autonomy over its power infrastructure and avoid federal regulation, operating as an independent power grid within Texas. This isolation limits ERCOT's ability to import or export electricity during crises or peak demands, potentially leading to power shortages and reliability issues within the Texas grid.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for consideration.