Analyzing Kinetic Impact Projectiles Against Americans Act
Impact
The bill requires a detailed analysis focused on various aspects of kinetic impact projectiles, including the frequency and severity of injuries they cause, the contexts in which they are employed, and a demographic breakdown of affected individuals. This analysis is anticipated to enhance understanding of public health risks associated with these weapons and inform future regulatory or policy changes. Furthermore, a report summarizing the findings is to be presented to relevant congressional committees and made publicly accessible, ensuring transparency and accountability in how such projectiles are used.
Summary
House Bill 10197, known as the Analyzing Kinetic Impact Projectiles Against Americans Act, mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study on the health care impacts of kinetic impact projectiles in the United States. This initiative arises from concerns regarding the potential health effects associated with the use of such projectiles, which include rubber bullets and bean bag rounds deployed primarily by law enforcement agencies during civil unrest or crowd control situations.
Contention
While proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of understanding the ramifications of kinetic impact projectiles for public safety and health, critics may argue that such studies could lead to restrictions on law enforcement practices. The debate is likely to center around the balance between maintaining public order and ensuring civilian safety, as well as concerns related to law enforcement oversight and accountability. The allocation of $2 million for the study in the fiscal year 2025 may also attract scrutiny regarding budget priorities amid competing needs in health care and public safety.
Additional_note
In summary, HB10197 aims to delve into the implications of kinetic impact projectiles on health care, with the potential to influence legislation affecting law enforcement's operational protocols and public health policy executive decisions.
Aviation-Impacted Communities ActThis bill increases access to noise mitigation measures for aviation-impacted communities. Under the bill, an aviation-impacted community is a community that is located not more than one mile from any point at which a commercial or cargo jet route is 3,000 feet or less above ground level.The bill expands noise mitigation program funding under the Airport Improvement Program to include aviation-impacted communities that are not currently within the 65 day-night average sound level (DNL) standard.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must conduct outreach to aviation-impacted communities to inform them of the opportunity to be a designated community. A designated community must form a community board to provide information to airport operators and the FAA concerning aviation impacts (e.g., aircraft noise).A community board may petition the FAA to conduct a community assessment and, based on the assessment, the FAA must devise an action plan that alleviates or addresses the community’s concerns.In addition, the FAA must enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and provide the FAA with a framework and diagnostic tool for conducting community assessments.The FAA must provide grants for necessary noise mitigation in a designated community for residences, hospitals, nursing homes, adult or child day care centers, schools, and places of worship. Further, the FAA and airport operators must provide (1) noise mitigation grants for communities subject to significant frequency of overhead flights, and (2) noise mitigation for residences impacted by significant nighttime aircraft noise.
Prohibits the possession of imitation firearms, projectiles, or ammunition on or within a certain distance of school property or at school-sponsored functions (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)