Bills of The Day:

Free Credit Scores for Consumers Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8143
Date Introduced: April 29, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Beatty
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary:
This bill aims to establish requirements regarding the provision and transparency of credit scores and educational credit scores to consumers. It mandates that consumer reporting agencies provide both credit scores and educational credit scores free of charge upon consumer request, along with explanatory information on how these scores are calculated and how they can vary. The bill requires agencies to prominently disclose the differences between credit scores used by creditors and those sold to consumers. Additionally, it expands the availability of free credit reports and scores in various situations, such as when a consumer is unemployed or has disputed information. The legislation also mandates that private educational lenders, motor vehicle lenders, and residential mortgage lenders provide free copies of any consumer reports and credit scores used for underwriting before consumers sign agreements.

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

Embassy in a Box Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4202
Date Introduced: April 23, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Risch
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill mandates the Department of State to develop and implement an "embassy in a box" approach to support new diplomatic missions efficiently. It requires the Department to expedite the provision of necessary resources and authorities for new missions, particularly in strategic locations. The bill outlines the need for a comprehensive report to Congress on the processes and authorities involved in establishing new missions, including waivers of bureaucratic procedures and necessary equipment and staff support. The bill also delegates specific authorities to the Director of the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions to ensure the smooth and quick establishment of new missions, utilizing the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 and its 2022 amendments.

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

All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4200
Date Introduced: April 19, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Lee
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Marshall

Summary: This bill amends Title 5 of the United States Code to enhance the transparency of federal rule-making processes. It requires the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to publish detailed monthly and annual reports on all proposed and finalized federal rules. Agencies must submit information on the objectives, legal basis, costs, and economic impacts of each rule they plan to propose or finalize. The bill mandates that a rule may not take effect until it has been publicly available for six months, with exceptions for emergency, national security, criminal law enforcement, or international trade agreement rules. The legislation aims to provide greater public insight into the costs and benefits of federal regulations and ensure accountability in the rule-making process.

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

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act)
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4292
Date Introduced: May 8, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Lee
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Cramer, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Budd, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Scott of Florida

Summary: This bill amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. It defines acceptable forms of documentary proof, including U.S. passports, military IDs, and birth certificates, among others. States must verify citizenship before registering individuals to vote. The bill mandates that state motor vehicle departments and voter registration agencies include verification processes for U.S. citizenship. The Election Assistance Commission is tasked with issuing guidance to states on implementing these requirements, and the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration must provide necessary information to state officials. The bill includes provisions for removing non-citizens from voter rolls and establishes penalties for officials who register non-citizens.

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

Combating High Inflation Limiting Daycare Act of 2024 (CHILD Act of 2024)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7465
Date Introduced: February 28, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Bice
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Feenstra, Ms. Houlahan, Mr. Moolenaar, Mr. Torres of New York

Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the maximum contribution limits for dependent care assistance programs from $5,000 to $10,000 for single filers and $2,500 to $5,000 for married individuals filing separately. It introduces an inflation adjustment mechanism, ensuring that these limits are annually indexed to inflation based on the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) of the Code, using 2022 as the base year. Additionally, the bill removes outdated provisions from the current tax code to streamline the implementation of these changes.

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