One significant impact of HB626 is its potential to amend existing policies under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977. By enhancing programs related to earthquake preparedness, it encourages state governments to develop mitigation strategies while aligning federal and state efforts in disaster preparedness. The bill mandates that federal agencies like FEMA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology enhance their research, data sharing, and implementation of seismic safety practices. This collaborative approach is designed to reduce the risks associated with earthquakes, ultimately protecting lives and property across vulnerable regions.
Summary
House Bill 626, known as the Breaking the Gridlock Act, aims to enhance the resilience of communities to seismic events by establishing and reorganizing governmental structures focused on earthquake preparedness and hazard mitigation. This bill proposes the creation of a Federal Task Force to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and other provisions aimed at strengthening federal programs related to seismic safety and resilience. Through its implementation, the bill seeks to coordinate efforts across multiple federal agencies to improve the nation’s infrastructure resilience against earthquakes, including advancements in early warning systems and seismic standards.
Contention
While supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step towards improving national safety and disaster response mechanisms, there may be contention surrounding the funding and allocation of resources to support the initiatives proposed within the bill. Critics may express concerns regarding the effectiveness of such measures, particularly in balancing federal oversight with local government authority in disaster preparedness. Additionally, the feasibility of the proposed early warning systems and the actual implementation of comprehensive educational initiatives may be points of debate among legislators.
Regulatory Accountability Act This bill expands and provides statutory authority for notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures to require federal agencies to consider (1) whether a rulemaking is required by statute or is within the discretion of the agency, (2) whether existing laws or rules could be amended or rescinded to address the problem, and (3) reasonable alternatives to a new rule. For proposed major or high-impact rules that have a specified significant economic impact or adverse effect on the public health or safety, an agency must publish notice of such rulemaking to invite interested parties to propose alternatives and ideas to accomplish the agency's objectives; allow persons interested in high-impact or certain major rules to petition for a public hearing with oral presentation, cross-examination, and the burden of proof on the proponent of the rule; adopt the rule that maximizes net benefits within the scope of the statutory provision authorizing the rule, unless the agency explains the costs and benefits that justify adopting an alternative rule and such rule is approved by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA); and publish a framework and metrics for measuring the ongoing effectiveness of the rule. Agencies must notify OIRA with certain information about a proposed rulemaking, including specified discussion and preliminary explanations concerning a major or high-impact rule. Further, OIRA must establish certain rulemaking guidelines. Additionally, the bill (1) revises the scope of judicial review of agency actions, and (2) establishes requirements for agencies issuing guidance.
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act This bill creates new federal crimes related to the performance of an abortion on an unborn child who has Down syndrome. It subjects a violator to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. It also authorizes civil remedies, including damages and injunctive relief. A woman who undergoes such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable.
A resolution expressing deepest condolences to and solidarity with the people of Turkiye and Syria following the devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023.