Rep. Terri A. Sewell

Maddy summaryHRES 911 is a symbolic resolution supporting National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually on February 7 to address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on African American communities. It encourages state and local governments, public health agencies, and media to promote HIV testing, education, and community engagement within Black communities. The resolution commends organizations providing HIV services and aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy’s goals to reduce new infections, improve care access, and address health disparities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a call to action to combat HIV/AIDS through prevention, treatment, and reducing stigma.

Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act This bill provides a 90% federal matching rate for Medicaid maternal health care expenditures that exceed 2021 levels. Qualifying services must be provided by maternity care providers or perinatal health workers (e.g., doulas) and include prenatal and postpartum telehealth services, home visits, and behavioral health care.

Stop the Wait Act of 2022 This bill allows individuals with disabilities to begin receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in the month they become eligible for the benefits. It also allows these individuals to immediately enroll in Medicare if they cannot afford minimum essential coverage. (Under current law, an individual must generally wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.)

Access to AEDs Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to local educational agencies and private elementary and secondary schools, in partnership with a health care entity, to promote student access to defibrillation in elementary and secondary schools.

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 870 honors Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on its 114th anniversary of community service, recognizing its founding in 1908 and current membership of over 87,000 active members worldwide. The resolution specifically acknowledges the sorority's service initiatives, including programs supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and women's health, as part of its ongoing community impact.

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Korean American Day and honors the 119th anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.

This bill establishes the Digital Literacy and Equity Commission to conduct a study on digital literacy and equity, including the state of digital literacy and information literacy in the United States.

Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any civil damages, restitution, or other monetary award (including compensatory or statutory damages and restitution imposed in a criminal matter) awarded pursuant to an order of mandatory restitution or in a criminal proceeding for peonage, slavery, or human trafficking.

PrEP Access and Coverage Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover prescription drugs that prevent HIV, including related screenings, diagnostic procedures, administrative fees, and clinical follow-ups, without any cost-sharing obligation for the plan holder. Further, insurance plans must not impose any preauthorization requirement for this coverage. These coverage requirements also apply to public health insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Additionally, the bill prohibits denying, limiting, or qualifying coverage or increasing premiums for disability insurance, long-term care insurance, or life insurance policies based on an individual taking medication for HIV prevention. The bill further requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to states, or directly to eligible local organizations, to provide uninsured individuals and underinsured individuals access to prescription drugs and related services that prevent HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also must develop a public awareness campaign that focuses efforts in communities with a high need for HIV prevention treatment.