Bills of The Day:

Combating Implicit Bias in Education Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7844
Date Introduced: March 29, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Norton
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill aims to establish a competitive grant program managed by the Secretary of Education to help local educational agencies implement training for educators, principals, and staff at elementary and secondary schools to tackle implicit bias. The training is designed to eliminate discrimination in disciplinary actions, access to gifted programs, and distribution of academic resources. It also seeks to enhance the overall school climate and foster positive interactions between students and school staff, ultimately boosting student academic achievement and attainment. The bill includes provisions for periodic reviews of the program's effectiveness and allocates $10 million annually for 2025-2027.

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

Child Tax Credit Integrity Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7813
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Van Drew
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Hageman, Mrs. Miller of Illinois, Mr. Nehls, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Gosar, Mr. Moore of Alabama

Summary: The proposed legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to necessitate the provision of a Social Security number (SSN) for each qualifying child and the taxpayer (or both spouses in the case of a joint return) when claiming the child tax credit. An exception is made for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, allowing the credit with an SSN from either spouse. This amendment aims to strengthen the verification process for claiming this credit, ensuring that it is provided only to those with valid SSNs issued by the Social Security Administration. The change will take effect for tax years beginning after the bill's enactment.

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

Clock Hour Program Student Protection Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7810
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Smucker
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Meuser, Mr. Van Orden, Mr. Lawler

Summary: The bill proposes an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965, specifically addressing the clock hour requirements for programs that prepare students for gainful employment in recognized professions. It allows these programs to be eligible for Title IV funds if they exceed the state-required minimum instruction hours but do not exceed 150% of these hours or the hours required by a federal agency, whichever is greater. This amendment is intended to ensure that training programs providing necessary professional skills do not lose eligibility for federal funds due to slightly exceeding state or federal training hour requirements.

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

Shrinkflation Prevention Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7825
Date Introduced: March 26, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Perez
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Deluzio

Summary: This bill mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to define and regulate shrinkflation as an unfair or deceptive act. Shrinkflation is identified as the reduction in the size or quantity of a product without a corresponding decrease in price, which may mislead consumers. The bill requires the FTC to issue regulations within 18 months to prohibit such practices, treating violations akin to other deceptive practices under federal law. This action aims to protect consumers from subtle price increases and ensure transparency in product pricing and quantity.

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

Bridge Protection Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7851
Date Introduced: March 29, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Van Drew
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: The "Bridge Protection Act" proposes amending title 23 of the United States Code to include new safety measures for bridge projects funded under this title. It specifically mandates that bridge projects valued over $50 million and crossing navigable waters incorporate protective features to prevent allisions (collisions with stationary objects) with critical bridge supports. These protective features must be designed to withstand impacts from the largest vessels that regularly traverse beneath these structures. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and durability of significant bridge projects by minimizing the risk of structural damage from vessel impacts.

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