Bills of The Day:

Enhancing K-12 Cybersecurity Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 2845
Date Introduced: April 25, 2023
Sponsor: Ms. Matsui
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Nunn of Iowa

Summary: This bill mandates the establishment of a School Cybersecurity Improvement Program by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It aims to enhance cybersecurity in K-12 institutions by creating the School Cybersecurity Information Exchange. This exchange will distribute tailored cybersecurity best practices, training, and lessons learned. The initiative also includes a voluntary registry for cyber incidents affecting K-12 systems, with an aim to improve data collection and response strategies to cyber threats. Moreover, the bill outlines the creation of the K-12 Cybersecurity Technology Improvement Program to deploy cybersecurity measures against risks like ransomware, supplemented by ongoing training for school personnel on cybersecurity threats and practices.

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

Fraud Prevention and Recovery Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4089
Date Introduced: April 9, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Peters
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Durbin, Mr. Wyden

Summary: This legislation aims to intensify efforts against fraud by enhancing fraud prevention mechanisms and improving the recovery of improper payments. The bill proposes increased funding for Inspectors General to bolster investigations, particularly related to COVID-19 pandemic-related fraud. It includes establishing DOJ COVID-19 fraud strike force teams to prosecute and recover stolen funds and introduces administrative reforms to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of fraud prevention services. Key components include improvements to the "Do Not Pay" initiative, implementation of advanced identity verification systems, and grants for services aiding victims of identity theft. Furthermore, it significantly raises the monetary threshold for administrative false claims to better align with modern financial impacts.

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

Countering Antisemitism Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4091
Date Introduced: April 9, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Rosen
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Lankford

Summary: This bill establishes comprehensive measures to counter antisemitism in the United States. It aims to raise awareness about the history and impacts of antisemitism and enhance federal efforts to combat it. The legislation mandates the creation of a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism and an Interagency Task Force, tasked with coordinating federal actions and evaluating progress in combating antisemitism. It addresses the rise in antisemitic incidents and emphasizes the importance of Holocaust education and confronting Holocaust denial. The bill also seeks to improve the response to antisemitic discrimination in education, increase security for Jewish communities, and support the implementation of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

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

Student Loan Contract Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7892
Date Introduced: April 9, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Underwood
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Levin, Mr. Trone, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Davis of North Carolina, Mr. Thanedar

Summary: The bill proposes an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965, specifically renaming the master promissory notes for student loans made under part D to "student loan contracts." This change aims to clarify the contractual nature of student loan agreements, emphasizing the legal and financial commitments entailed. The student loan contract will apply only to loans made within the same award year as the initial loan contract. Additionally, a conforming amendment in Section 485(l)(2)(B) integrates the term "student loan contract" to ensure consistency across related legislative texts.

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

Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7890
Date Introduced: April 9, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Walberg
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Castor of Florida, Mr. Bucshon, Ms. Eshoo, Mr. Carter of Georgia, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Dunn of Florida, Mr. Auchincloss

Summary: This bill proposes significant amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 to enhance the protections related to the online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of children and teens. Key changes include expanding the definition of personal information and operators, introducing new requirements for verifiable consent, and increasing the responsibilities of operators in managing the data of children and teens. The bill also mandates the establishment of reasonable security practices by operators to protect personal information and requires periodic reporting by the Federal Trade Commission on enforcement and oversight related to mobile and online applications targeting children and teens.

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