This bill, known as the ABLE MATCH Act, aims to help individuals with disabilities save money by providing a federal tax credit that is automatically deposited into their ABLE savings accounts. The program targets low-income earners by offering a 100% match on up to $2,000 of annual contributions, provided their income falls below 200% of the federal poverty limit, with the credit amount gradually decreasing for higher incomes. To support wider adoption, the legislation also authorizes the Treasury to award $5 million annually in grants to states for promoting these accounts and includes a requirement for collecting demographic data on account holders. These changes are designed to increase financial security for people with disabilities by encouraging savings without jeopardizing their eligibility for other government benefits.
The Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act prohibits federal agencies from buying, using, or contracting for automated surveillance systems that rely on license plate recognition, facial recognition, biometric identification, or other technologies designed for mass tracking. It also prevents state, local, and tribal governments from using federal funds to acquire or operate these same surveillance tools. If federal agencies obtain data in violation of these rules, the law requires them to delete the information within 30 days and bars its use as evidence in any court or administrative proceeding.
The Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative through fiscal year 2031. This program, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, will support the collection and analysis of subsurface data using advanced technologies like modern sensing and digital geochemistry to map critical minerals and geothermal resources. The bill also updates the initiative's scope to include the 3D Hydrography Program and allocates $84 million for operations between 2027 and 2031.
The Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act directs the Department of Energy to study how artificial intelligence and high-performance computing can improve the reliability and efficiency of the national power grid. This assessment will specifically examine how these technologies can speed up the process of connecting new power sources to the grid and identify any technical or cybersecurity barriers to their use. Within one year of passing, the Department of Energy must submit a report to Congress outlining its findings and offering recommendations to overcome identified limitations and encourage wider adoption of these tools. The bill primarily affects federal agencies responsible for energy oversight and the electric power industry, aiming to gather data rather than immediately changing laws.
The Advanced Transmission Technology to Reduce Rates Act directs the Department of Energy to create a public clearinghouse that lists projects, funding options, and analyses regarding advanced transmission technologies. This resource is designed to assist electric utilities, transmission organizations, and state regulators in planning deployments and understanding the potential impacts on grid efficiency and costs. Additionally, the bill allows certain funding actions for these technologies to be exempt from standard environmental review requirements and requires the Department to establish best practices for reducing wildfire risks from power lines. Crucially, the legislation explicitly states that these measures are informational and do not grant the government authority to force utilities to adopt specific technologies or follow the new wildfire safety guidelines.
The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create regional joint boards made up of state commission representatives and a commission member to study how electric utilities predict energy demand. These boards will investigate methods to improve the accuracy and transparency of these forecasts to ensure reliable and affordable electricity service, then report their findings to Congress within a year. Once the report is submitted, the law mandates that state regulators incorporate these recommended forecasting standards into their oversight of electric utilities, while exempting nonregulated utilities from certain requirements. Additionally, the bill updates existing energy laws to include procedures for improving the accuracy and transparency of load forecasting in state energy conservation plans.
The SCALE Biology Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create a new biometrology laboratory program focused on engineering biology and biomanufacturing. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of biological data while developing technical standards, safety guidelines, and measurement tools to support industry innovation and national security. The bill authorizes funding over several years to establish research facilities, train experts, and collaborate with universities and private companies to advance the field. Additionally, the legislation updates existing definitions related to biotechnology and biosafety to ensure clarity across federal programs.
This bill, known as the STOP Nitazenes Act, directs the federal government to permanently classify nitazenes and related synthetic opioids as Schedule I controlled substances, placing them in the same legal category as heroin and fentanyl. The legislation specifically targets a broad range of chemical compounds, including etonitazene and other variants, by defining them as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids and requiring the Attorney General to publish a list of qualifying substances. Under the bill, any nitazene substance temporarily scheduled under emergency provisions would be made permanently scheduled upon enactment, ensuring long-term federal control. The law also mandates that the Attorney General issue implementing rules within one year, allowing for immediate interim enforcement while providing opportunities for public comment before final regulations are established.
This bill would establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park System, to honor philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools that educated over 600,000 African American children in the segregated South from 1912 to 1932. The park would include three restored schools (in Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia) and a visitor center in Chicago, Illinois, to preserve these sites and share their history through exhibits and educational programs. It also creates a national network to connect remaining Rosenwald Schools, enabling coordinated interpretation and resource-sharing across the country.
This bill reauthorizes and modifies the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2035, extending funding deadlines and increasing grant percentages for battlefield preservation. It raises the maximum federal share for battlefield acquisition, interpretation, and restoration grants from 50% to 75% and sets a $2 million annual appropriation for these programs. The bill also mandates new studies to identify, assess, and propose preservation options for sites tied to the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and Mexican-American War (1846-1848), requiring consultation with states, tribes, and preservation groups. The studies must be completed within two years and reported to Congress, focusing on site significance, threats, and potential preservation strategies.
This bill reauthorizes and updates the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2036, extending funding for battlefield preservation grants. It increases the maximum grant percentage for battlefield interpretation projects from 50% to 75% and sets $2 million annually for battlefield restoration grants through 2036. The bill also requires the National Park Service to study French and Indian War (1754-1763) and Mexican-American War (1846-1848) sites across the U.S., assessing their significance, threats, and preservation options. These studies must involve state governors, tribal governments, local officials, and historic preservation groups, with a final report due to Congress within two years of funding. The program directly affects federal, state, tribal, and local entities managing historic battlefields.
The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 establishes a program to protect migratory whales and other large cetaceans through improved mapping, monitoring, and mitigation measures. It requires the creation of detailed, high-resolution maps of whale habitats, including calving grounds and migration routes, which will be integrated into vessel navigation systems to prevent collisions. The bill authorizes $8 million annually through 2030 for mapping, surveys, and a $10 million grant program to fund new detection technologies that reduce harmful interactions between whales and ocean users. It also mandates regular reporting to Congress on the program's effectiveness and progress in filling knowledge gaps about whale habitats.
