US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB4754

Introduced
7/19/23  

Caption

Downwinders Parity Act of 2023

Impact

The passage of HB4754 is expected to enhance access to healthcare benefits for many individuals in these previously excluded communities, thereby addressing longstanding inequities in health compensation related to radiation exposure. The updated definitions within the bill provide a clearer pathway for affected individuals to gain recognition and access to compensation, which can help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with medical care for radiation-related illnesses. Proponents of the bill assert that it is a crucial step towards accountability and providing necessary resources for recovery.

Summary

House Bill 4754, also known as the Downwinders Parity Act of 2023, seeks to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to expand the definition of eligible areas and communities. By broadening the criteria, the bill aims to include individuals from communities that have been affected by radiation exposure due to historical nuclear testing. This legislative effort is intended to provide justice and support to those who have long been advocating for recognition and compensation for health issues related to radiation exposure.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from multiple advocacy groups and affected communities, there may be notable contention regarding the implementation of the provisions. Some lawmakers have voiced concerns about the potential financial implications of extended eligibility for compensation, which may create budgetary pressures on state resources. Further, there is debate around the need for adequate outreach efforts to ensure that newly eligible individuals are informed about the benefits available to them, as mandated by a section of the bill requiring a report from the Attorney General on outreach efforts. These discussions suggest that while the bill is a positive step forward, its success will depend on effective communication and execution of its provisions.

Companion Bills

US SB463

Related Downwinders Parity Act of 2023

US HB1751

Related Downwinders Parity Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB1362

Downwinders Parity Act of 2025

US HB4290

Downwinder Commemoration Act of 2025

US HB227

Federal Employee Combat Zone Tax Parity Act This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, the compensation of a federal employee who served in a combat zone or was hospitalized as a result of wounds, disease, or injury incurred while serving in a combat zone. The bill terminates the exclusion two years after the end of combatant activities in such zone.

US HB39

Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to distribute a payment of $25,000 to U.S. merchant marines who engaged in qualified service during World War II. To be eligible, an individual must apply for the benefit and must not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. The bill sets forth what constitutes qualified service, including time frame of service and licensing requirements.

US HB160

SALT Fairness Act of 2023 This bill repeals the temporary restrictions in taxable years 2018 through 2025 on the deductibility of state and local taxes.

US HB162

National Digital Reserve Corps Act This bill establishes a National Digital Reserve Corps in the General Services Administration (GSA) to address the digital and cybersecurity needs of executive agencies. The GSA must establish standards for reservist eligibility and must ensure reservists have the necessary resources and security credentials for service. Reservists must agree to serve for three years and for at least 30 days per year as an active reservist, with up to $10,000 in annual compensation; reservists who fail to accept an offered appointment or complete required duties are subject to fines. The GSA may cover the costs of continuing education for reservists to support their service. The Department of Labor must issue regulations that ensure the reemployment, continuation of benefits, and nondiscrimination in reemployment of active reservists. In August 2021, President Joe Biden established the U.S. Digital Corps within the GSA to support the technological needs of executive agencies, including cybersecurity needs. The corps offers entry-level positions through two-year fellowships, with the option to convert to full-time career positions after completion of the fellowship.

US HB166

Fair Lending for All Act This bill modifies provisions related to prohibited credit discrimination. The bill adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and an applicant's location based on zip code or census tract as classes protected against discrimination with respect to credit transactions. (Currently, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because an applicant receives public assistance.) The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of prohibited credit discrimination. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is required to review loan applications for compliance with specified consumer laws and to establish an Office of Fair Lending Testing.

US HB219

No Patient Left Alone Act of 2023 This bill requires hospitals, as a condition of Medicare participation, to have certain written policies and procedures that provide for patient visitation rights and to inform patients of such rights, including any applicable restrictions.

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

US HR11

Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.