Policy Watch, February 2018

This is the beginning of an ongoing series we’d like to do called Policy Watch, where we look at potential national and state legislation and consider the ramifications of such bills on American life and politics.

Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act of 2017

 This bill was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-CA, in March 2017. “This bill amends the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 to extend the duty to report suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, to certain adults who

Nasser, who was sentenced to 175 years in prison for sexual abuse.

are authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes at a facility under the jurisdiction of a national governing body. A national governing body is an amateur sports organization that is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.”

The intended effect of the bill is to protect minor athletes from sexual abuse, in the wake of the Larry Nasser case, in which a physical therapist for the American Olympic gymnastics team sexually abused hundreds of athletes.  The bill has passed both the Senate and the House, and is currently under review to resolve differences. It is highly likely the bill will be signed into law.

HOME Act

The Home Act was introduced April 2017 by Representative David Trott, R-MI. This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem mortgage appraisal services donated by a fee appraiser to an organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions to be customary and reasonable.

On January 29, 2018 it was passed in the House of Representatives, and on January 30 was sent to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. It is possible the bill will pass in the Senate, and later be signed into law.

Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authorization Act 

 Introduced to the House of Representatives by Michael McCaul, R-TX, in December 2017, the purpose of this bill is to “amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes.”

The “Blue Campaign” is a Department of Homeland Security initiative to educate citizens on human trafficking. It passed in the House January 11, 2018, and later passed in the Senate on January 30. It is highly probable it will be signed into law.

 Securing America’s Future Act of 2018

Introduced to the House by Representative Bob Goodlatte, R-VA, in January 2018, the bill is a planned massive overhaul of the American Immigration system. The bill would end the diversity visa program, revise annual immigration amounts, and revise immigration sponsorships. The bill was referred to the Immigration and Border Security subcommittee, but it is unknown whether it will reach a vote in the House.

An informed citizen is a stronger citizen, so please let us know if there’s a bill in your state or in Washington that you would like us to highlight.

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