Bills of The Day:

Medicaid Program Improvement Act
House of Congress: House
Bill Code: H.R. 8111
Date Introduced: April 23, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Miller-Meeks
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Cartwright

Summary: This bill amends the Social Security Act to ensure the reliability of address information provided under the Medicaid program. It mandates that, starting January 1, 2026, state Medicaid plans must regularly obtain address information for enrollees from reliable data sources as outlined in federal regulations and act on any changes accordingly. Additionally, it requires managed care organizations to transmit any address information they receive directly from or verify with enrollees to the state. These amendments aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of contact information for Medicaid beneficiaries.

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

Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp Act of 2024
House of Congress: House
Bill Code: H.R. 8100
Date Introduced: April 19, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Walberg
Co-Sponsor(s): Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Bergman, Mr. Kildee, Mrs. McClain, Ms. Stevens, Mr. Moolenaar, Ms. Slotkin, Mr. Huizenga, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Ms. Stefanik

Summary: This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp, priced at the standard 1-ounce letter rate plus a differential of at least 25%. Proceeds from stamp sales will fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, supporting efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes, combat invasive species, and mitigate harmful algal blooms. The stamp will be available for a minimum of five years, starting within a year of the bill's enactment, and will feature images of each of the five Great Lakes. Proceeds are designated for the Environmental Protection Agency, ensuring they supplement rather than replace existing federal funding.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources.

Flood Insurance Relief Act
House of Congress: House
Bill Code: H.R. 8102
Date Introduced: April 20, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Donalds
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an above-the-line deduction for flood insurance premiums. The deduction applies to premiums paid for both federal and private flood insurance, including related fees and surcharges. However, this deduction is not available to taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes exceeding $200,000 (or $400,000 for joint filers). The bill specifies that certain existing deductions and exclusions must be considered in determining eligibility for this deduction. This change aims to provide financial relief to homeowners facing flood risks by lowering their taxable income.

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

Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4351
Date Introduced: May 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Murray
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Lujan, Mr. Romney

Summary: This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization for certain poison control programs through fiscal years 2025 to 2029. Specifically, it reauthorizes funding for the national toll-free number and other communication capabilities, promotes the utilization of poison control centers, and continues the poison control center grant program. These programs are vital for providing emergency assistance and information regarding poison exposures and maintaining public health and safety.

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

Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act
House of Congress: House
Bill Code: H.R. 8420
Date Introduced: May 16, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Carbajal
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Bacon

Summary: This bill provides emergency supplemental appropriations for the hiring and rehiring of additional career law enforcement officers for fiscal year 2024. A total of $162,000,000 is allocated for grants under section 1701 of Title 1 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The funds will support the recruitment of new officers and the rehiring of former officers. Agencies utilizing these funds must perform background checks and ensure psychological evaluations for all officers hired or rehired. The appropriations are designated as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committees on Appropriations and the Budget.