Bills of The Day:

Heirs Empowerment and Inheritance Rights Act of 2024 (HEIR Act of 2024)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8117
Date Introduced: April 23, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Fletcher
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Williams of Georgia, Mr. Cleaver

Summary: This bill mandates the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to amend regulations to assist homeowners who lack traditionally accepted documentation to prove property ownership when applying for Community Development Block Grant programs for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Mitigation (CDBG-MIT). It specifies acceptable forms of documentation, including a signed affidavit of ownership and letters from recognized local institutions and organizations. The term "heir property" is defined as residential property passed by intestacy and held by multiple heirs as tenants in common. The bill requires developing and using a standardized affidavit of ownership form, ensuring applicants are informed and provided copies in relevant languages. It prohibits requiring notarization of the affidavit and exempts it from public comment and publication requirements.

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

American Nuclear Workforce Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8129
Date Introduced: April 26, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Donalds
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. DesJarlais, Mr. Norman, Mr. Williams of New York, Mr. Nehls

Summary: This bill mandates the Secretary of Energy to establish an initiative encouraging states to enhance nuclear science and technology education in specified schools. It involves partnering with higher education institutions to incorporate relevant degrees for the nuclear industry. The initiative promotes engagement with local nuclear power plants for student tours and outreach about professional opportunities in the nuclear sector. It includes a mentorship program that pairs industry volunteers with students and collaborates with the Nuclear Energy University Program. States are encouraged to work with institutions that have research and test reactors to prepare students for nuclear careers. The initiative considers the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Uniform Curriculum Program Guide.

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

Stop Wasteful and Outdated Medical Training on Animals Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8116
Date Introduced: April 23, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Nehls

Summary: This bill amends Title 28 of the United States Code to prohibit the use of federal funds for live tissue training for Department of Justice personnel. Live tissue training, which involves inflicting wounds on live animals to teach treatment of human casualties, is restricted unless the Attorney General determines in writing that such training is medically necessary and cannot be replicated using human-based training methods like simulators or cadavers. The bill defines "Federal funds" as direct and indirect financial assistance and specifies that "human-based training methods" do not involve animals.

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

Motorist Tax Abuse Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8120
Date Introduced: April 23, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Malliotakis
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Gottheimer

Summary: This bill amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to prohibit cordon pricing, a form of congestion pricing, in the Central Business District Tolling Program for New York City. The prohibition prevents the Secretary of Transportation from establishing or maintaining cordon pricing under the value pricing pilot program for this specific tolling program. The intent is to eliminate additional toll charges for motorists entering New York City's central business district, addressing concerns over the financial burden on drivers.

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

Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8124
Date Introduced: April 23, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Smith of New Jersey
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Suozzi

Summary: This bill expands the sanctions under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 to include additional human rights abuses such as forced sterilization, forced separation of children, and human trafficking for organ removal. It mandates the denial of U.S. entry to individuals complicit in forced abortions or sterilizations and authorizes support for victims. The bill promotes the preservation of the cultural and linguistic heritage of ethnic groups oppressed by China, mandates documenting atrocities in Xinjiang, and prohibits U.S. government contracts with entities involved in human rights abuses. It requires the Secretary of State to counter Chinese propaganda and develop a strategy to deter forced organ harvesting in Xinjiang.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Financial Services, Ways and Means, Oversight and Accountability, and House Administration.