Sen. John W. Hickenlooper

This resolution congratulates the students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff of public charter schools across the United States for (1) making ongoing contributions to public education, (2) making impressive strides in closing the academic achievement gap in U.S. schools, and (3) improving and strengthening the public school system. The resolution supports the ideals and goals of the 23rd annual National Charter Schools Week.

This resolution expresses that the Senate has heard of the death of the Honorable Orrin G. Hatch, former U.S. Senator for the state of Utah. The resolution also expresses that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Hatch for his unwavering dedication to Utah as a Senator and a public servant and accomplishments in legislating with principle and dedication for the good of the people of the United States. The resolution states when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hatch.

Incentivizing Small Business Retirement Savings Act This bill allows eligible small employers an additional pension plan startup cost tax credit for a specified percentage of their contributions to an pension plan established for the benefit of their non-highly compensated employees. The amount of such credit may not exceed $1,000 per employee and is subject to a phaseout if the employer has more than 50 employees.

Simplifying Small Business Retirement Savings Act This bill requires pooled employer retirement plans to designate a named fiduciary to collect contributions to the plan and implement written contribution collection procedures that are reasonable, diligent, and systematic. Current law requires a plan to designate one or more trustees to perform these tasks. The bill also revises the requirements for combined annual reporting for a group of plans.

Heating Efficiency and Affordability through Tax Relief Act or the HEATR Act This bill allows a new tax credit through 2031 for energy efficient consumer and commercial heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act This bill requires the President to report to Congress on atrocities committed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Specifically, the report must describe in detail (1) U.S. government efforts to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence related to war crimes and other atrocities committed during the invasion; (2) media, public diplomacy, and information operations to make the Russian people, including their military and political leaders, aware of efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for such atrocities; and (3) the process for a domestic, foreign, or international court or tribunal to obtain information from the U.S. government related to such atrocities.

Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act This bill provides for the conservation of specified lands in Colorado. Specifically, the bill designates specified federal lands within the White River National Forest as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, the proposed Williams Fork Mountains Wilderness as a potential wilderness area, the Tenmile Recreation Management Area, the Porcupine Gulch Wildlife Conservation Area, the Williams Fork Mountains Wildlife Conservation Area, the Camp Hale National Historic Landscape, the Sheep Mountain and Liberty Bell East Special Management Areas, the Curecanti National Recreation Area, and the interpretive site located beside U.S. Route 24 as the Sandy Treat Overlook. The bill adjusts the boundary of the White River National Forest and the Rocky Mountain National Park Potential Wilderness. The bill provides for the inclusion of additional federal lands in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The bill provides for the cancellation of all Thompson Divide oil or gas leases. The bill establishes the Greater Thompson Divide Fugitive Coal Mine Methane Use Pilot Program to promote the capture, beneficial use, mitigation, and sequestration of fugitive methane emissions to reduce methane emissions, improve air quality, and improve public safety, among other things.

Maddy summarySRES 600 is a Senate resolution supporting Workers' Memorial Day to honor workers killed or injured on the job. It cites statistics showing 4,764 workplace fatalities in 2020 and emphasizes the need to strengthen health and safety protections, particularly highlighting OSHA's limited resources (only inspecting workplaces once every 236 years). The resolution encourages OSHA, employers, and community organizations to increase awareness about preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. It does not create new laws but serves as a symbolic call to action for safer working conditions.

Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address chronic wasting disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations. Specifically, the bill directs USDA to establish a program to research and manage the disease. Under the program, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with state or tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture, institutions of higher education, and research centers to support research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of the disease. In addition, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with such agencies and departments to support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies that address the disease. USDA must also develop and maintain materials to inform the public on chronic wasting disease and techniques to help prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, USDA must solicit public feedback on potential updates and improvements to standards of the chronic wasting disease herd certification program.

Maddy summarySRES 593 is a Senate resolution honoring former U.S. Senator Kaneaster Hodges, Jr. of Arkansas, who served from 1977 to 1978. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also calls for the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents.