Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB404

Introduced
1/20/23  
Refer
1/20/23  

Caption

Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2023 This bill revises the duties of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors to include holding public meetings. The board must provide public notice at least six days before such a meeting, unless the meeting is designated as an emergency. The TVA provides low-cost electricity in seven southeastern states. It also provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system.

Impact

If enacted, HB404 would require the TVA to provide public notice of at least six days prior to any meeting unless it is declared an emergency. This provision is intended to ensure that stakeholders and community members are adequately informed and have the opportunity to attend and engage with the board during discussions that affect their communities. By making board meetings open to the public, the bill aims to foster greater accountability and transparency in how the TVA conducts its business and addresses community needs.

Summary

House Bill 404, known as the Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2023, seeks to amend the operations of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors to enhance transparency and public participation. The bill mandates that the TVA Board must hold a minimum of four public meetings each year. These meetings are aimed at facilitating greater public involvement in the decision-making processes of a vital agency that provides low-cost electricity and manages resources across seven southeastern states.

Contention

Debate around HB404 could focus on balancing transparency with operational efficiency. Proponents argue that making meetings public and providing advance notice aligns with public interest and encourages community engagement. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the potential for operational delays or complications arising from having to navigate public meetings for decisions that require expediency. Another point of contention could involve how 'emergency meetings' are defined and whether the criteria for such meetings could be abused to circumvent public transparency.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB1373

Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025

US HB144

Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency ActThis bill expands reporting requirements for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). TVA is a government corporation that provides electricity in Tennessee and in portions of several surrounding states. It also provides flood control, navigation, and land management services for the Tennessee River system.The bill reinstates the requirement for TVA to file an annual financial statement and report with Congress in March. (The requirement was terminated by the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995.)The bill also modifies the requirement that the report include the names, salaries, and duties of employees earning more than $1,500 a year. Under the bill, this information is only required for employees earning more than the maximum rate of basic pay for grade GS-13 of the General Schedule.

US HB4693

Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency Act

US SR242

A resolution commending the Tennessee Valley Authority on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933.

US HR400

Commending the Tennessee Valley Authority on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933.

US SB1354

Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency Act

US HB226

Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act This bill takes specified lands and easements in Monroe County, Tennessee, into trust for the use and benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These lands include the Sequoyah Museum, the Chota Memorial, the Tanasi Memorial, and land to provide support for these properties and cultural programs. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) maintains its right to carry out river control and development on these lands, including temporarily and intermittently flooding certain lands. The bill specifies the structures that may be constructed with the TVA's written consent on certain lands subject to flooding. Additionally, the TVA must be compensated for lost hydropower capacity from future development of these lands. Further, the bill specifies that the United States is not liable for loss or damage resulting from certain activities, such as the permanent flooding of adjacent lands. In addition, the bill outlines the TVA's continuing responsibilities, including those related to environmental remediation. Finally, the bill prohibits gaming on these lands.

US HB410

Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act or the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act This bill provides statutory authority for requirements for hospitals and health insurance plans to disclose certain information about the costs for items and services. Specifically, hospitals must publish in their list of standard charges certain rates negotiated with insurers, discounts for cash payments, and billing codes. Further, hospitals generally must publish the standard charges for the services provided by the hospital that may be scheduled in advance. Additionally, insurance plans must publish the in-network and out-of-network charges for covered items and services and the negotiated prices for covered prescription drugs. Plans must provide a tool for consumers to search for this cost information. Consumers also may request additional information about the costs of specific items or services under their plans.

US HB975

Credit Union Board Modernization Act This bill reduces the required frequency of meetings held by the board of directors of certain credit unions. Under the bill, new credit unions and credit unions with a low soundness rating must meet monthly, as required under current law. All other credit unions must hold at least six meetings annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter.

US HB336

Finish the Wall Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities related to the construction of a barrier system along the U.S.-Mexico border and addresses other border-related issues. DHS must resume all such construction activities that were planned or underway prior to January 20, 2021. DHS must also expend all funds appropriated or explicitly obligated since October 1, 2016, for construction of this barrier system. DHS may not cancel contracts for activities related to such construction entered into on or before January 20, 2021. Furthermore, within 14 days of this bill's enactment, DHS must certify to Congress that U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities that process adults taken into custody at the border are fully compliant with certain laws related to the collection of DNA. (Among other things, these laws allow for the collection of DNA samples from non-U.S. persons detained under U.S. authority.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.