Maine Congressional Bills

in committee · Maine · House Jul 24, 2024

HJRES 193: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that there is no immunity from criminal prosecution for an act on the grounds that such act was within the constitutional authority or official duties of an individual, and providing that the President may not grant a pardon to himself or herself.

H.J. Res. 193 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate legal immunity for federal officials, including the President, from criminal prosecution for actions taken while performing official duties. It also prohibits the President from granting a pardon to themselves. The amendment would apply to all federal officers (such as the President, Vice President, and members of Congress) except for Congress members acting in their legislative role as defined in the Constitution. If ratified by 38 states, this change would become part of the U.S. Constitution, requiring no further congressional action.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Joseph D. Morelle (D) · 155 co-sponsors

in committee · Maine · House Jul 24, 2024

HRES 1385: Designating the week of August 4 through August 10, 2024, as "National Farmers Market Week".

HRES 1385 designates the week of August 4-10, 2024, as "National Farmers Market Week" to recognize the economic and community role of farmers markets. The resolution highlights that farmers markets generated $1.7 billion in income for U.S. farmers in 2020, supported 8,771 markets nationwide by 2019, and connect urban and rural communities while promoting sustainable farming and nutrition access. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these markets’ contributions to local economies, public health, and community engagement. The resolution aims to raise awareness of farmers markets’ importance, directly affecting farmers, vendors, and consumers who rely on these venues.

in committee · Maine · House Jul 24, 2024

HRES 1384: Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of the month of September 2024 as "PCOS Awareness Month".

This resolution designates September 2024 as "PCOS Awareness Month" to highlight polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition affecting an estimated 5-10 million U.S. women and girls. It recognizes PCOS as a serious health issue linked to infertility, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, mental health challenges, and other related conditions. The resolution urges increased public and medical education about PCOS, improved diagnosis, and research into better treatments, without creating new laws or funding. It directly supports women and girls living with PCOS by promoting awareness of its wide-ranging health impacts.

David Scott (D) · 28 co-sponsors

in committee · Maine · Senate Jul 24, 2024

S 4760: Restoring Civility on Campus Act of 2024

The Restoring Civility on Campus Act of 2024 requires the Department of Education to accelerate investigations of discrimination complaints on college campuses related to antisemitism or Islamophobia (violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act). It mandates that the Office for Civil Rights send investigators to affected campuses within 30 days of a complaint and publish detailed public reports every 30 days on findings, criminal actions, and disciplinary outcomes. The bill also imposes a $1 million fine per violation for colleges failing to properly report bias-related crimes under the Clery Act, with audits focusing on incidents after October 7, 2023. These requirements apply to all colleges participating in federal student aid programs and expire two years after the bill’s enactment.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Maine · Senate Jul 24, 2024

S 3696: DEFIANCE Act of 2024

S 3696, the DEFIANCE Act of 2024, creates a federal civil remedy for individuals harmed by non-consensual disclosure of intimate images or digital forgeries. It directly affects people whose authentic intimate images are shared without consent or who are subjected to AI-generated "deepfake" images that appear real. Key provisions allow victims to sue for $150,000 in liquidated damages, privacy protections (like pseudonyms), and injunctions against disclosure, with a 10-year statute of limitations. The law supplements existing state laws but does not override them, focusing solely on civil remedies for these specific harms.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · Maine · House Jul 18, 2024

HJRES 148: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Treasury relating to "Clean Vehicle Credits Under Sections 25E and 30D; Transfer of Credits; Critical Minerals and Battery Components; Foreign Entities of Concern".

HJRES 148 is a joint resolution seeking to block a Treasury Department rule that would have modified clean vehicle tax credits. The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2024, aimed to restrict credits for vehicles using critical minerals or battery components sourced from "Foreign Entities of Concern" and to limit credit transfers. This resolution would nullify that rule, preventing it from taking effect and preserving the existing structure of the clean vehicle credit program under Sections 25E and 30D of the tax code. It directly affects electric vehicle buyers, manufacturers, and dealers participating in the federal tax credit program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · Maine · House Jul 18, 2024

HR 9060: Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2024

HR 9060 extends tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel producers and users through 2025, replacing the previous 2024 expiration date. It amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the biodiesel credit (Section 40A) and biodiesel mixture credit (Section 6426) for fuels sold or used after December 31, 2024. The bill also adds a provision preventing double benefits by requiring the credit amount to be zero for fuels already claiming another credit under Section 45Z(a). This directly affects biodiesel producers, refiners, and businesses using these fuels for tax purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Mike Carey (R) · 29 co-sponsors

in committee · Maine · House Jul 18, 2024

HR 9071: UAS Threat Disclosure Act

HR 9071, the UAS Threat Disclosure Act, requires the Director of National Intelligence to declassify all pre-May 2024 security assessments about drones made by or controlled by Chinese entities within 90 days. It directs the declassified information - including security reports and agency actions - to be published online and submitted to Congress. The bill specifically targets "covered unmanned aircraft systems," defined as drones produced or influenced by China’s government or Communist Party. This makes security findings about Chinese-linked drone threats publicly accessible, while allowing national security exemptions. The law affects public transparency regarding Chinese drone security risks but does not alter drone regulations or impose new restrictions.

passed · Maine · Senate Jul 15, 2024

S 3068: VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023

This bill requires lenders using the Uniform Residential Loan Application to add a specific disclaimer below the military service question: "If yes, you may qualify for a VA Home Loan. Consult your lender regarding eligibility." It directly affects military service members and veterans applying for home loans, aiming to increase awareness of VA loan eligibility. The bill mandates this change within six months of enactment and requires a GAO study within 18 months to assess whether at least 80% of lenders include the disclaimer on the form.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Mike Braun (R) · 26 co-sponsors

passed · Maine · Senate Jul 12, 2024

SRES 765: A resolution relating to the death of the Honorable James Mountain Inhofe, former Senator for the State of Oklahoma.

SRES 765 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma following his death on July 9, 2024. The resolution commemorates his 28-year Senate service (1994-2023) and 52 years in public office, highlighting his work on defense policy, aviation legislation, infrastructure projects, and support for military bases in Oklahoma. This procedural resolution expresses the Senate's condolences and formally recognizes his legacy, rather than enacting any policy changes.

James Lankford (R) · 99 co-sponsors

in committee · Maine · Senate Jul 11, 2024

S 4673: Special District Grant Accessibility Act

This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance within 180 days clarifying how federal agencies recognize "special districts" (local government entities like water districts or fire protection areas with specific functions and budget autonomy) as eligible for federal grants. Agencies must then implement this guidance within one year, adjusting their policies to treat these districts as qualifying local governments for grant programs. The OMB Director must also report to Congress within two years on how well agencies followed the new guidance. The bill directly affects special districts seeking federal grants by standardizing their eligibility status across all federal agencies.

in committee · Maine · Senate Jul 11, 2024

S 4675: United States Postal Service Stop and Study Act

S 4675, the United States Postal Service Stop and Study Act, requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to obtain prior approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) before implementing permanent network changes. These changes include consolidating facilities, centralizing operations, or reducing transportation routes, but exclude temporary service adjustments. The bill mandates that USPS submit detailed proposals to the PRC, which must issue a review opinion within 180 days, and USPS must pause all such changes until after this review and its formal response to the PRC's findings. The law directly affects USPS operations and the PRC's oversight role, ensuring changes undergo formal evaluation before implementation.

Maine Congressional Bills

Bill results