The ORTHO Act directs the Federal Trade Commission to create new rules requiring dentists to perform an in-person examination before providing most dental services or medical devices through teledentistry. This requirement includes exceptions for emergency care, approved public health programs, and specific orthodontic diagnoses that must still be confirmed by an in-person visit and review of X-rays before a patient begins using an appliance. Violations of these rules would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices, allowing both the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the law through civil penalties and potential damages. The bill also clarifies that states retain the ability to adopt additional regulations that are consistent with these federal standards.
The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 updates the Clean Air Act to broaden the definition of renewable biomass eligible for carbon credits. It specifically allows materials from forest management, such as slash, storm debris, and wood residuals, to be counted as renewable fuel if they come from sustainably managed lands or public forests designated for fuel reduction. The bill also includes vegetation cleared from defensible space around buildings and from wildfire risk reduction projects in the wildland-urban interface. By clarifying these categories and establishing certification requirements, the legislation aims to increase the supply of biomass available for generating renewable energy credits.
The Alzheimer's Early Detection Act of 2026 requires private health insurance plans and Medicaid programs to cover specific tests that detect biological markers for Alzheimer's disease. These tests, which can be performed on blood or tissue samples, are intended to help with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment management of the condition. The law mandates that insurers treat these tests like other standard medical benefits, meaning patients cannot face higher costs, separate waiting periods, or step therapy hurdles specifically for this care. Additionally, the bill requires insurance companies to approve requests for these tests within 72 hours and directs the National Institutes of Health to study the value of such testing over three years.
This bill abolishes the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, a group that previously oversaw federal audit and inspection activities, replacing it with a new structure led by the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General. Under the new system, the Office of Management and Budget will set policies and standards for Inspector General workforces, while the Comptroller General will establish rules for conducting inspections. The legislation also creates a dispute resolution process for multi-agency audits and assigns the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to manage professional training academies for these officials. Additionally, the bill transfers the Council's remaining funds and assets to other agencies and ensures that current legal proceedings and contracts involving the Council remain valid after the change.
This bill, known as the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act, modifies the rules for how new taxes and fees proposed by the District of Columbia government are reviewed by Congress. It requires that any D.C. law imposing or increasing a tax or fee must receive explicit approval from a joint resolution passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate within 60 days, or else the law will not take effect. Additionally, the bill limits the time for debating these specific approval resolutions to one hour, split evenly between supporters and opponents. These changes directly affect the District of Columbia government's ability to enact new financial measures without prior congressional consent.
This bill requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) administering prescription drug benefits for federal employee health plans to reimburse pharmacies at specific rates, including the national average drug cost plus a small percentage or $50, whichever is lower. It prohibits PBMs from favoring their own pharmacies, restricting patient choice, or reducing pharmacy payments after claims are processed. The bill establishes $10,000 civil penalties for violations, with debarment from federal health plans after 10 penalties in 10 years. This directly affects PBMs, in-network pharmacies, and federal health benefit plans covering millions of federal employees and their families. The law aims to ensure fair reimbursement practices and maintain pharmacy choice under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
This concurrent resolution formally recognizes the significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men in the United States. The document cites data showing that Black women earn roughly 65 cents for every dollar earned by white men and highlights how this disparity impacts their ability to support families and accumulate wealth. By referencing existing laws like the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act, the bill reaffirms Congress's support for equal pay for equal work without proposing new legislation or policy changes. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the economic challenges faced by Black women due to dual discrimination based on race and gender.
This concurrent resolution formally recognizes the persistent wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men in the United States. It highlights data showing that Black women earn significantly less than their male counterparts and reaffirms Congress's support for existing laws that prohibit pay discrimination based on sex or race. The document does not create new laws or change policy but serves as a symbolic statement to raise awareness about the economic disparities faced by Black women.
The CLAIM Act protects insurance companies and related financial institutions from federal penalties if they provide services to businesses involved in the legal cannabis industry. Specifically, it prevents federal agencies from stopping insurers from offering policies to cannabis manufacturers, producers, or other legitimate state-authorized cannabis businesses, and it shields these entities from being discriminated against or having their policies cancelled solely due to their involvement in the cannabis sector. The legislation also clarifies that engaging in this business does not make insurers liable under federal law, while explicitly stating that it does not force insurers to offer such coverage. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on barriers facing minority and women-owned cannabis businesses and submit a report with recommendations to improve their access to financial services and licensing.
The AIDEN Act requires the U.S. Attorney General to administer a standardized survey to federal prisoners during their intake process to document their personal history with child welfare interventions, such as foster care placement or abuse investigations. The bill mandates that states conduct similar surveys for individuals in state custody and submit annual reports to the Department of Health and Human Services to maintain eligibility for certain Justice Department grants. Collected data is stripped of personally identifiable information before being shared with state governments, where it serves as an evidentiary resource for evaluating and improving local child welfare agency planning and support services.
The Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals in the criminal justice system by restricting financial incentives for states that use restraints on pregnant inmates. Under the bill, states receiving federal justice grants would face a 25 percent funding penalty if they fail to implement laws limiting the use of shackles on pregnant individuals, with those withheld funds redirected to compliant states. The legislation also directs the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice to create and fund programs in at least six federal facilities and across various state and local prisons that provide specialized prenatal care, mental health support, and reentry assistance. These programs are designed to address specific health disparities, particularly for racial and ethnic minority groups, by offering culturally competent care, nutrition counseling, and opportunities to maintain contact with newborn children. Additionally, the act requires an independent oversight organization to monitor program implementation and mandates a Government Accountability Office report to analyze maternal and infant health data within the correctional system.
The MOMMIES Act expands Medicaid and CHIP coverage for low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals by extending continuous benefits for one year after childbirth and mandating full coverage of oral health services. To support these changes, the bill includes maintenance of effort provisions that prevent states from restricting eligibility or reducing benefits for this population, alongside a temporary 100 percent federal funding match for states that increase spending on these services. Additionally, the legislation establishes a five-year demonstration project to fund maternity care home models that integrate medical and social support services, while also requiring studies and guidance on improving access to doula services and telehealth for maternity care.
