Bills of The Day:

No FAMS at the Border Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7695
Date Introduced: March 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Hinson
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Pfluger

Summary: This bill seeks to amend the United States Code to restrict the deployment of Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) to the U.S. southern and northern borders for border security or immigration purposes. It specifically prohibits their deployment for assisting the Department of Homeland Security or any Federal agency in processing undocumented or other immigrants. Exceptions are made under circumstances defined as a border crisis by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who must certify in writing to specific congressional committees that such a crisis exists. This legislation includes definitions for terms such as "alien," "illegal alien," and "immigrant" based on the Immigration and Nationality Act, ensuring clarity on the bill's scope and application.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.

No AI Audits Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7694
Date Introduced: March 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Higgins of Louisiana
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Burlison

Summary: This bill proposes amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, aiming to regulate the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) use of artificial intelligence (AI) in auditing and investigating taxpayers. It mandates that any IRS guidance on the use of AI for audit or investigation purposes undergo the rulemaking requirements of section 553 of Title 5, United States Code. Furthermore, it restricts the IRS from initiating audits or investigations based on AI analysis unless the AI systems adhere to explainability principles established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Additionally, it stipulates that tax investigations or examinations must be initiated by IRS staff investigators, who must be identified in the related documentation. The legislation also calls for a Comptroller General audit and report on the IRS's use of AI, including a cost-benefit analysis and the technology's impact on taxpayer rights.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Airport Ramp Worker Safety Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7696
Date Introduced: March 15, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Hoyle of Oregon
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Van Orden, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Chavez-DeRemer, Mr. Casar

Summary: This bill mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to conduct a comprehensive Call to Action safety review of airport ramp worker safety within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The review aims to unite stakeholders to exchange best practices and take measures to enhance ramp worker safety. It encompasses an evaluation of FAA regulations, guidance, and directives related to ramp worker operations, an analysis of accidents and incidents involving ramp workers, a review of their training materials, communication devices and methods, and ramp markings for safety and hazard zones. Additionally, the review will examine aircraft jet blast and engine intake safety procedures. The process is designed to engage airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airports, labor groups, and aviation safety specialists in a feedback loop to share best practices. Following the review, the FAA is required to report findings and recommendations to relevant congressional committees and to develop and disseminate training materials on aircraft engine ingestion and jet blast hazards, emphasizing the significance of understanding danger zones and establishing safety protocols specific to various aircraft types.

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

Stop Spying Bosses Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7690
Date Introduced: March 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Deluzio
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Bonamici

Summary: The proposed legislation aims to regulate employers' surveillance, monitoring, and data collection practices concerning their workers, ensuring privacy and protection against undue surveillance. It introduces comprehensive definitions to clarify the scope, including terms for data, workplace surveillance, and automated decision systems. The bill mandates employers to disclose their surveillance activities and the purpose behind collecting workers' data. It strictly prohibits the use of surveillance to discriminate against workers for their involvement in labor organizations, their political or religious beliefs, health conditions, or immigration status. Employers are also forbidden from selling or misusing the collected data and are required to ensure data accuracy and grant workers access to their data. The legislation establishes the Privacy and Technology Division within the Department of Labor, tasked with enforcing these provisions. It outlines the roles of state attorneys general and the federal government in overseeing compliance. It offers protections for whistleblowers and introduces legal avenues for individuals and labor organizations to seek redress for violations. The bill stresses coordination with other federal and state laws and agencies to foster a uniform regulatory environment regarding workplace surveillance.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Oversight and Accountability, and House Administration.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3940
Date Introduced: March 14, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Whitehouse
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Welch, Ms. Smith, Mr. Reed, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Rosen

Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to introduce a refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Eligible individuals purchasing their principal residence in the United States can claim a credit of 10% of the home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $15,000. Restrictions apply based on the buyer's modified adjusted gross income, with a phaseout starting at 150% of the area's median income. Additional limitations are set based on the purchase price in relation to the area's median purchase price. The credit is available to buyers aged 18 and above and requires the residence to be purchased with a federally backed mortgage. Recapture provisions apply if the home is sold or no longer the principal residence within a specified period, except under certain conditions such as death, involuntary conversion, or government orders for extended duty service. The bill also allows the credit to be transferred to the mortgage lender under specific conditions. It mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for advance payments to eligible mortgage lenders. The proposed tax credit aims to support first-time homebuyers in purchasing their homes, considering both income and regional price factors to target the benefit towards those in need.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance.