S 3680, the *Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026*, requires federal agencies using or funding complex algorithms (like AI systems) to establish civil rights offices focused on bias. These offices must monitor and address algorithmic bias related to protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, disability) that affect government programs or economic opportunities. Agencies must submit biennial reports to Congress detailing bias risks, mitigation steps, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations, and join an interagency working group on algorithmic fairness. The bill directly affects covered federal agencies, not private companies or the general public.
This bill amends Washington, D.C.'s policing law to change rules for police vehicle pursuits. It removes previous restrictions on pursuits and requires officers to only pursue a suspect if they reasonably believe it won't create unacceptable risk to others or be futile, or if another method would be more effective. The bill also mandates a Department of Justice report within three years evaluating technology like PursuitAlert that alerts the public during police pursuits. These changes directly affect D.C. police officers making real-time decisions during vehicle chases. The law updates existing policy without altering other policing standards.
The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal grants to fund community-based violence intervention programs that aim to reduce gun violence through evidence-based strategies. It creates a National Community Violence Response Center to coordinate efforts and provide technical assistance, while directing funding to communities disproportionately affected by violence, particularly those with high homicide rates. The bill includes provisions for hospital-based violence intervention programs, trauma-informed services, and job training programs for opportunity youth (ages 16-25 not in education or employment) to address root causes of violence. Funding for these programs totals $300 million in 2026, increasing to $700 million annually through 2033 for the Department of Health and Human Services, plus $1.5 billion for job training programs through the Department of Labor.
The GOSAFE Act prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (those holding more than 10 rounds). It defines gas-operated firearms as those that use gas from fired cartridges to cycle the action, requiring the Attorney General to publish a list of prohibited firearms within 180 days. The bill establishes a process for manufacturers to seek approval for new firearm designs before selling to civilians and creates a "Firearm Safety Trust Fund" to cover related costs. Certain firearms are exempt, including single-shot, muzzle-loading, and firearms with permanently fixed magazines holding 10 or fewer rounds. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 or up to 12 months in prison.
The ALVIN Act prohibits the federal government from providing any new funding to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. It requires the office to repay all federal funds it has spent since January 1, 2022, and cancels any unspent allocated funds previously provided to the office. This bill directly affects the Manhattan DA's Office by eliminating its federal funding sources and imposing repayment obligations for past spending. The key provisions are a funding ban and a mandatory repayment requirement for post-2022 expenditures.
HR 1283, the "Protecting Our Children in an AI World Act of 2025," updates federal laws to address AI-generated child sexual abuse material. It eliminates a legal defense allowing defendants to claim AI-created content wasn't "real" child pornography (by amending 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(c)), and expands the definition of prohibited "sexually explicit conduct" to include simulated obscene exhibitions of certain body parts. This directly affects defendants in federal prosecutions involving AI-generated child pornography and ensures such material is treated as illegal under current laws. The bill makes clear that AI-generated content falls under existing prohibitions without requiring proof of real children.
HRES 837 is a non-binding House resolution expressing the House's recognition of the connection between firearm violence and intimate partner violence. It highlights statistics showing firearms are used in 66% of intimate partner homicides, disproportionately impact women (especially Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic women), and honors victims like Gladys Ricart. The resolution recommends Congress strengthen background checks, restrict firearm access for those under domestic violence restraining orders, fund research on this intersection, and prioritize related legislation like H.R. 4166. It does not create new law but urges action based on the documented risks. The resolution directly addresses congressional policy priorities, not affected individuals.
The Laken Riley Act expands mandatory detention for immigrants convicted of certain property crimes like burglary, theft, or shoplifting by adding these offenses to existing immigration detention criteria. It requires the federal government to issue detainers for such individuals and take custody if not detained by local authorities. The bill also grants state attorneys general standing to sue federal officials in federal court if they believe immigration enforcement actions (like releasing detained immigrants) cause the state financial harm exceeding $100. This creates new legal pathways for states to challenge federal immigration decisions through expedited lawsuits.
This bill prohibits federal funding for any state, local, tribal, or private entity operating an injection center that violates the Controlled Substances Act's Crack House Statute (21 U.S.C. 856), which bans drug use in buildings. It directly affects organizations running facilities where illegal drug use occurs, cutting off all federal grants or programs from such entities. The law does not create new drug offenses but withholds existing federal funds from facilities operating in violation of current law. It applies broadly to all federal funding streams, not just specific programs.
Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment Act or the WISE Act This bill expands eligibility for U nonimmigrant visas (victims of criminal activity) and prohibits immigration enforcement activities in specified areas. Generally, U visas are for victims of specified crimes (e.g., rape, trafficking, or domestic violence) who assist with the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The bill adds hate crimes, child abuse, and elder abuse as crimes that may qualify a victim for a U visa and removes criteria related to the victim's assistance with the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must provide work authorization to U visa applicants, whereas currently DHS may grant work authorization but is not required to do so. The bill also eliminates the annual numerical cap on U visas. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that certain individuals, including U visa applicants and T visa (victims of human trafficking) applicants, shall not be detained while the application is pending. Additionally, the bill provides immigration-related protections, such as by extending the admission period and providing work authorization, to the spouse or child of a nonimmigrant visa holder who subjected that spouse or child to battery or extreme cruelty. Further, the bill prohibits, with some exceptions for exigent circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection from conducting immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of a school, health care facility, place of worship, or other location specified in the bill.
