Sen. John R. Curtis

Maddy summaryThe PATH Act modifies federal funding rules for fixed guideway transit projects, such as light rail and subway lines, to better support high-growth communities. It allows agencies to use population density, population growth rates, and local development plans when forecasting how many people will use a new transit line. By updating these criteria, the bill aims to make it easier for cities with rapidly growing populations to qualify for capital investment grants. This change directly affects transit agencies and local governments seeking federal money to build or expand rail systems in expanding areas.

Maddy summaryThe Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025 would transfer approximately 124 acres of federal land in Utah to the city of Price for public use. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the land, as shown on a specific map dated May 8, 2025, without following standard federal land transfer rules. The city would gain full ownership of the land, which it could then use for public purposes as determined by the city council, subject to any existing rights like easements or private claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to develop a strategy within 18 months for using livestock grazing to reduce wildfire risks on federal lands. The strategy must include targeted grazing in high-risk areas (like the wildland-urban interface), controlling invasive grasses such as cheatgrass, and using technologies like virtual fencing to adjust grazing placement. It affects federal land managers, ranchers with grazing permits, and communities in fire-prone regions by integrating grazing into wildfire management plans. The bill does not change existing grazing programs but adds specific provisions for risk reduction during droughts, wildfires, or post-fire recovery. It mandates consultation with states, tribes, firefighting agencies, and local stakeholders to coordinate this approach.

Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act This bill directs the Forest Service to convey approximately 24 acres of land within the Dixie National Forest to Brian Head Town, Utah, along with any improvements made to the land. The town must use the land for a public works facility or any other uses determined to be necessary by the town. The Forest Service must convey the land to the town without consideration (such as payment).

Maddy summaryS 1135 directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail as part of the National Trails System. The trail, a 280-mile system following the historic Bonneville bench from the Idaho-Utah border to Nephi, Utah, would be the focus of this study. The bill requires the study to assess whether formal designation is practical but does not authorize any immediate action or change in trail status.

Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.

Maddy summaryThe Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve transparency and predictability in certifying new aircraft and technologies. It directs the FAA to publish a plan within 180 days to streamline handling technical issues during certification, set standard timelines for key steps (like applicant responses), and convert stable issues into published policies. The bill also mandates updated guidance on delegating certification tasks to ensure safety and efficiency, especially for emerging sectors like advanced air mobility. The FAA must consult with industry stakeholders and report annually to Congress on implementation progress.

Maddy summaryThe Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026 amends the Clean Air Act to officially recognize prescribed fires and cultural burning as "exceptional events," meaning air quality issues caused by these deliberate, managed burns will no longer be counted as violations of pollution standards. The bill requires the EPA to update its regulations within a year to clarify how these fires are defined and to streamline the process for states to petition for exemptions when wildfires or prescribed fires impact air quality. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new "Smoke Ready Communities" grant program that provides up to 90 percent federal funding to states, tribes, and local entities to help communities prepare for and mitigate wildfire smoke hazards in public buildings like schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2969) requires that state laws governing motor vehicle use - including off-highway vehicles - apply on roads within national park and federal land units (referred to as "System units"). It directly affects drivers traveling on roads in these areas, such as national parks managed by the National Park Service. The key provision mandates that state vehicle regulations, including definitions of terms like "off-highway vehicle," become the governing rules for vehicle operation on those roads, replacing any conflicting federal standards. Violating these state laws on System unit roads would be prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Olin Graham from South Carolina. It formally acknowledges his extensive career in the military, state government, and Congress, noting his service as a Senator and his roles as Chairman of the Judiciary and Budget committees. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and requests that this tribute be shared with the House of Representatives and Graham's family.