Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB123

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would fundamentally change how toxic assessments are carried out in the United States, allowing for a more decentralized approach within the EPA. Instead of a one-size-fits-all methodology for chemical assessments, the bill fosters tailored evaluations based on scientific evidence relevant to each program office's specific focus—be it air, water, land management, or pollution prevention. Such a shift could enhance the accuracy and responsiveness of the assessments relevant to the public health and environmental standards.

Summary

House Bill 123, also known as the Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act, seeks to enhance the assessment of chemical toxicity by transferring specific responsibilities to relevant program offices within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill mandates that certain evaluations regarding the toxicity of chemical substances, which were previously conducted through the Integrated Risk Information System, be delegated to these program offices. This change is aimed at ensuring assessments are more specific to the needs and priorities of the various EPA offices while integrating all scientific evidence available for more robust evaluations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 123 include the potential bureaucratic implications of splitting assessments among various program offices. Critics may argue that this could lead to inconsistencies and duplicate efforts or that the focus may become fragmented, ultimately diminishing the quality of assessments. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that the bill would improve the quality and relevance of scientific assessments by ensuring they align directly with the operational focus and expertise of each EPA office.

Congress_id

119-HR-123

Policy_area

Environmental Protection

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Regulatory framework

The act requires the establishment of a steering committee within the EPA to oversee the coordination of assessments, ensuring that efforts are consolidated and duplication is minimized. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of adhering to scientific standards throughout this process, ensuring that third-party assessments undergo independent reviews and reflect the best available science, thereby enhancing the transparency and trust in the chemical assessment process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB120

Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.

US HB159

Chance to Compete Act of 2023 This bill modifies examination requirements and other components of the federal hiring process for positions in the competitive service. Specifically, the bill provides that a qualifying examination includes a résumé review that is conducted by a subject matter expert. Additionally, beginning two years after the bill's enactment, the bill prohibits examinations from consisting solely of a self-assessment from an automated examination, a résumé review that is not conducted by a subject matter expert, or any other method of assessing an applicant's experience or education; an agency may waive these requirements when necessary but must report any such waivers and may not use waivers to fill more than 10% of agency positions. Agencies may use subject matter experts to develop position-specific technical assessments that allow applicants to demonstrate job-related skills, abilities, and knowledge; assessments may include structured interviews, work-related exercises, procedures to measure career-related qualifications and interests, or other similar assessments. The bill also allows agencies to establish talent teams to support and improve hiring practices. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must create online platforms through which agencies may share and customize technical assessments and share the résumés of qualifying applicants. The OPM must also create online platforms with information about (1) the types of assessments used and hiring outcomes, (2) educational requirements for certain positions and related justifications, and (3) authorities and programs that support agency recruitment and retention.

US HB6532

Renewable Chemicals Act of 2023

US HB3457

Supercomputing for Safer Chemicals Act SUPERSAFE Act

US HB8360

No Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics Act

US SB59

Chance to Compete Act of 2023 This bill modifies examination requirements and other components of the federal hiring process for positions in the competitive service. Specifically, the bill provides that a qualifying examination includes a résumé review that is conducted by a subject matter expert. Additionally, beginning two years after the bill's enactment, the bill prohibits examinations from consisting solely of a self-assessment from an automated examination, a résumé review that is not conducted by a subject matter expert, or any other method of assessing an applicant's experience or education. Agencies may use subject matter experts to develop position-specific technical assessments that allow applicants to demonstrate job-related skills, abilities, and knowledge; assessments may include structured interviews, work-related exercises, procedures to measure career-related qualifications and interests, or other similar assessments. The bill also allows agencies to establish talent teams to support and improve hiring practices. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must create online platforms through which agencies may share and customize technical assessments and share the résumés of qualifying applicants. The OPM must also create online platforms with information about the types of assessments used and hiring outcomes.

US SB1685

SUPERSAFE Act Supercomputing for Safer Chemicals Act

US HB123

Alternative Data for Additional Credit FHA Pilot Program Reauthorization Act This bill establishes a pilot program for an additional credit rating system for use by mortgage lenders. Specifically, the program must utilize one or more commercially available credit scoring models that apply additional credit information about borrowers who have insufficient credit histories for purposes of determining their creditworthiness for mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

US HB421

Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2023 This bill restricts the use of telehealth for chemical abortions (also known as medication abortions). Specifically, it requires a provider who dispenses or prescribes medication for a chemical abortion to physically examine the patient, be physically present at the location of the chemical abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit for the patient. The bill provides an exception for a chemical abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, injury, or condition. The bill establishes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both—for a provider who does not comply with the requirements. A patient who undergoes a chemical abortion may not be prosecuted.

US HR1604

Recognizing the 40th year since the 1984 Bhopal chemical disaster and helping to ensure that no other community suffers another chemical disaster, by supporting the designation of December 3 as National Chemical Disaster Awareness Day.

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Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.

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