Southern States PBA
118th US Congress Update May 2023
Jun 1, 2023
Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc.
Governmental Affairs
118th US Congress Update
May 2023
NEW BILLS of INTEREST
HR 3079 Back the Blue Act 2023
This bill would make it a crime to murder a US Judge, Federal Law Enforcement Officer, or federally funded law enforcement officer.
Intro: 5/5/2023 Rep. Bacon (NE-2) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Carl (AL-1), Barr (KY-6), Allen (GA-12), Hudson (NC-9)
HR 3170 Helper Act 2023
This bill would amend the National Housing Act to establish a mortgage insurance program for first responders.
Intro: 5/10/2023 Rep. Rutherford (FL-5) Status: Financial Services
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Jackson (NC-14), Wexton (VA-10)
Republicans: none
HR 3381 National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Program
This bill would establish the National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Program
Intro: 5/16/2023 Rep. Nehls (TX-22) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Davis (NC-1)
Republicans: Ezell (MS-4), Ferguson (GA-3), Carl (AL-1)
HR 3539 State/Local Law Enforcement Collective Bargaining Rights
This bill would provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions
Intro: 5/18/2023 Rep. Stauber (MN-8) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Manning (NC-6)
Republicans: none
HR 3639 To establish and expand child care programs for parents who work nontraditional hours.
This bill’s text is not yet available
Intro: 5/24/2023 Rep. Hinson (IA-2) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
S 1569 Back the Blue Act 2023
This bill would make it a crime to murder a US Judge, Federal Law Enforcement Officer, or federally funded law enforcement officer.
Intro: 5/11/2023 Sen. Cornyn (TX) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: McConnell (KY), Graham (SC), Tillis (NC), Blackburn (TN), Boozman (AR), Capito (WV), Britt (AL), Hyde-Smith (MS), Kennedy (LA), Cotton (AR), Budd (NC), Scott (SC), Hagerty (TN), Cassidy (LA), Tuberville (AL), Wicker (MS)
S 1617 Protect Federal, State, and Local Public Safety Officers
This bill text is not yet available.
Intro: 5/16/2023 Sen. Sullivan (AK) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
S 1733 Assault on Law Enforcement Officer Deportable Offense
This bill would make assault on a law enforcement officer a deportable offense.
Intro: 5/18/2023 Sen. Budd (NC) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Tillis (NC), Capito (WV), Blackburn (TN), Hagerty (TN), Britt (AL)
New Firearm Bills
House
3096 Firearms Under Consumer Product Safety Regulations
3122 Background Check on Gun Show Purchases
3155 Prohibit Semi-Auto Firearm Sale to Under 25 yr old
3269 “Modernize” Federal Firearm Laws (include less-than-lethal)
3492 Prohibit Federal Funds for State Firearm Owner Databases
3687 Regulate Juvenile Possession of Firearm
Senate
1460 Firearms Under Consumer Product Safety Regulations
1680 Prohibit Federal Funds for State Firearm Owner Databases
BILL UPDATES (Changes in Red)
Labor
HR 719 Amend Labor Management Relations Act
This bill would amend the Labor Management Relations Act to prohibit neutrality agreements.
Intro: 2/1/2023 Rep. Good (VA-5) Status: Education and workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Sponsor Good, Ogles (TN-5)
HR 721 Union Integrity Act
This bill would amend the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to provide whistleblower protection for union employees.
Intro: 2/1/2023 Rep. Good (VA-5) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Sponsor Good, Ogles (TN-5)
HR 1200 Labor Union Free Choice
This bill would preserve and protect the free choice of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities.
Intro: 2/27/2023 Rep. Wilson (SC-2) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Sponsor Wilson, Duncan (SC-3),Ferguson(GA-3), Graves (LA-6), Carter (GA-1), Ezell (MS-4), Timmons (SC-4), DesJariais (TN-4), Comer (KY-1), Mooney (WV-2), Moore (AL-2), Wittman (VA-1), Mace (SC-1), McHenry (NC-10), Ogles (TN-5), Norman (SC-5), Fry (SC-7), Clyde (GA-9), Good (VA-5), Guest (MS-3), Allen (GA-12), Fleischmann (TN-3), Strong (AL-5), Womack (AR-3), Bishop (NC-8), Green (TN-7), Hudson (NC-9), Letlow (LA-5), Carl (AL-1), Edwards (NC-11), Massie (KY-4), Scott (GA-8)
S 532 Labor Union Free Choice
This bill would preserve and protect the free choice of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities.
Intro: 2/27/2023 Sen. Paul (KY) Status: Calendared
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Sponsor Paul, Blackburn (TN), Wicker (MS), Scott (SC), Boozman (AR), Hyde-Smith (MS), Tuberville (AL), Cassidy (LA)
HR 2700 Employee Rights Act
This bill would reform collective bargaining definition.
Intro: 4/28/2023 Rep. Allen (GA-12) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Sponsor Allen, Scott (GA-8), Duncan (SC-3), Good (VA-5), Comer (KY-1), Hudson (NC-9), Loudermilk (GA-11), Wilson (SC-2), Ferguson (GA-3), Norman (SC-5), Carter (GA-1), Ezell (MS-4), Mace (SC-1), Moore (AL-2), Letlow (LA-5)
S 1201 Employee Rights Act
This bill would reform collective bargaining definition.
Intro: 4/19/2023 Sen. Scott (SC) Status: Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Sponsor Scott, Cassidy (LA), Hyde-Smith (MS), Hagerty (TN), Budd (NC), Tuberville (AL), McConnell (KY), Wicker (MS), Blackburn (TN), Paul (KY), Britt (AL), Boozman (AR)
Working Conditions
HR 58 Amend Homeland Security to Report on State/Local Law Enforcement
This bill would require an annual reporting of state and local law enforcement activities.
Intro: 1/9/2023 Rep. Jackson-Lee (TX-18) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
HR 130 Thin Blue Line Act
This bill would provide additional aggravating factors for the imposition of the death penalty based on the status of the victim.
Intro: 1/9/2023 Rep. Buchanan (FL-16) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Norman (SC-5), Graves (LA-6), Kustoff (TN-8), Johnson (LA-4), Ezell (MS-4), Crawford (AR-1), Mace (SC-1), Comer (KY-1), Carter (GA-1), Barr (KY-6), Rose (TN-6), Rogers (AL-3)
HR 233 Amend the Revised Statute to Codify Qualified Immunity in Section 1979
This bill would amend the Revised Statute to codify the defense of qualified immunity in the case of any action under section 1979.
Intro: 1/10/2023 Rep. Banks (IN-3) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Guest (MS-3), Kustoff (TN-8), Clyde (GA-9), Barr (KY-6), Hudson (NC-9)
HR 355 Back the Blue Act
This bill would enhance action against those who assault or kill a law enforcement officer.
Intro: 1/13/2023 Rep. Bacon (NE-2) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Carl (AL-1), Barr (KY-6), Allen (GA-12), Hudson (NC-9)
HR 374 Abolish BATFE
This bill would abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives.
Intro: 1/17/2023 Rep. Gaetz (FL-1) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Collins (GA-10), Moore (AL-2)
HR 741 Bonus Protection Act
This bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide that an employee’s “regular rate” for purposes of calculating overtime compensation will not be affected by certain additional payments.
Intro: 2/2/2023 Rep. Calvert ((CA-41) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
HR 743 Protect and Serve Act
This bill would amend title 18, United States Code, to punish criminal offenses targeting law enforcement officers.
Intro: 2/2/2023 Rep. Rutherford (FL-5() Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Allen (GA-12), Letlow (LA-5), Foxx (NC-5), McHenry (NC-10), Edwards (NC-11), Norman (SC-5), Carter (GA-1), Graves (LA-6), Carl (AL-1), Guthrie (KY-2), Barr (KY-6), Ezell (MS-4), Hudson (NC-9)
HR 781 Amend Fair Labor Standards Act
This bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify the status of an independent contractor.
Intro: 2/2/2023 Rep. Ferguson (GA-3) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Sponsor Ferguson, Miller (WV-1), Scott (GA-8), Moore (AL-2), Carl (AL-1)
HR 843 Federal Law Enforcement Body Cams
This bill would require Federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras.
Intro: 2/6/2023 Rep. Norton (DC) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Beyer (VA-8)
Republicans: none
HR 852 Civilian Traffic Enforcement
This bill would direct the Attorney General to establish a grant program for civilian traffic violation enforcement.
Intro: 2/7/2023 Rep. Torres (NY-15) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
HR 1084 Amend Fair Labor Standards Act
This bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude certain activities from hours worked.
Intro: 2/17/2023 Rep. Hinson (IA-2) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
S 262 Worker Surveillance and Data
This bill would prohibit, or require disclosure of, the surveillance, monitoring, and collection of certain worker data by employers.
Intro: 2/2/2023 Sen. Casey (PA) Status: Health, Education & Labor
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
S 1084 Eliminate Profiling
This bill would eliminate racial, religious, and other discriminatory profiling by law enforcement.
Intro: 3/30/2023 Sen. Cardin (MD) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Kaine (VA)
Republicans: none
HR 2494 POLICE Act of 2023
This bill would make the assault of a law enforcement officer a deportable offense.
Intro: 4/6/2023 Rep. Garbarino (NY-2) Status: Passed House
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Bishop (NC-8), Norman (SC-5), Greene (GA-14), Edwards (NC-11)
HR 2572 Supporting Women COPS Act
This bill would establish a Task Force on Women in Law Enforcement to study and develop national hiring standards for law enforcement officers.
Intro: 4/10/2023 Rep. Ross (NC-2) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Sponsor Ross, Foushee (NC-4)
Republicans: none
Benefits
HR 82 Social Security Fairness Act
This bill would eliminate the “windfall elimination” provision and other modifications to Social Security benefits.
Intro: 1/9/2023 Rep. Graves (LA-6) Status: Ways & Means
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Spanberger (VA-7), Bishop (GA-2), Adams (NC-12), Ross (NC-2), Connolly (VA-11), Williams (GA-5), Carter (LA-2), Thompson (MS-2), Wexton (VA-10), Manning (NC-6), Davis (NC-1), McBath (GA-7), Scott (VA-3), Beyer (VA-8), Cohen (TN-9), McGarvey (KY-3), McClellan (VA-4), Jackson (NC-14), Johnson (GA-4)
Republicans: Sponsor Graves (LA-6), Comer (KY-1), Letlow (LA-5), Higgins (LA-2), Johnson (LA-4), Massie (KY-4), Moore (AL-2), Barr (KY-6), Carl (AL-1), Rogers (KY-5), Crawford (AR-1), Scott (GA-8), Guest (MS-3), Wittman (VA-1), Fleischmann (TN-3), Kiggans (VA-2), Guthrie (KY-2), Kelly (MS-1)
HR 472 PTSD & Acute Stress Disorder Treatment for Public Safety Officers
This bill would require the Attorney general propose treatment program for public safety officers experiencing PTSD or Acute Stress Disorder.
Intro: 1/24/2023 Rep. Joyce (OH-14) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Ross (NC-2), Manning (NC-6)
Republicans: none
S 166 Amend Family & Medical Leave Act
This bill would amend FMLA to provide leave for loss of unborn child.
Intro: 1/31/2023 Sen. Cotton (AR) Status: Finance
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Boozman (AR), Budd (NC), Hyde-Smith (MS), Wicker (MS)
S 167 Prohibit Vaccination Mandates for COVID-19
This bill would Prohibit Vaccination Mandates for COVID-19.
Intro: 1/31/2023 Sen. Cruz (TX) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
HR 789 Amend Family and Medical Leave Act
This bill would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and title 5, United States Code, to permit leave to care for a domestic partner, parent-in-law, or adult child, or another related individual, who has a serious health condition, and to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement and family wellness leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities or meet family care needs.
Intro: 2/2/2023 Rep. Hayes (CT-5) Status: Education and Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Thompson (MS-2), Cohen (TN-9)
Republicans: none
HR 957 Amend IRS Rules on Retirement Plans
This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the amount excluded from gross income by reason of distributions from governmental retirement plans for health and long-term care insurance for public safety officers.
Intro: 2/9/2023 Rep. Spanberger (VA-7) Status: Ways & Means
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Sponsor Spanberger
Republicans: none
S 242 Caring For Families
This bill would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and title 5, United States Code, to permit leave to care for a domestic partner, parent-in-law, or adult child, or another related individual, who has a serious health condition, and to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement and family wellness leave to participate in or attend their children’s and grandchildren’s educational and extracurricular activities or meet family care needs.
Intro: 2/2/2023 Sen. Durbin (IL) Status: Health, Education,& Labor
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
HR 1642 Law Enforcement & Firefighter Recreation Pass
This bill would provide for an annual National Recreational Pass for law enforcement officers and firefighters, free of charge.
Intro: 3/28/2023 Rep. McClintock (CA-5) Status: Natural Resources
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Johnson (LA-4)
HR 1719 Federal Benefits For Exposure-Related Cancers
This bill would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide public safety officer benefits for exposure-related cancers.
Intro: 3/22/2023 Rep. Pascrell (NJ-9) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
HR 2395 Minimum Salary for Overtime Pay Exemption
This bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish a minimum salary threshold for bona fide executive, administrative, and professional employees exempt from Federal overtime compensation requirements, and automatically update such threshold each year.
Intro: 3/29/2023 Rep. Takano (CA-39) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Adams (NC-12)
Republicans: none
S 597 Social Security Fairness Act
This bill would amend title II of the Social Security Act to repeal the Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions.
Intro: 3/1/2023 Sen. Brown (OH) Status: Finance
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Warnock (GA), Kaine (VA)
Republicans: Cassidy (LA), Kennedy (LA)
S 645 Fighting PTSD
This bill proposes a program for making treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder available to public safety officers.
Intro: 3/7/2023 Sen. Grassley (IA) Status: PASSED Senate – House Desk
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Ossoff (GA), Warnock (GA)
Republicans: Kennedy (LA), Blackburn (TN)
S 738 Tax Deduction Union Dues and Business-Related Expenses
This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow workers an above-the-line deduction for union dues and expenses and to allow a miscellaneous itemized deduction for workers for all unreimbursed expenses incurred in the trade or business of being an employee.
Intro: 3/9/2023 Sen. Casey (PA) Status: Finance
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Warnock (GA)
Republicans: none
S 894 Officer Concussion and TBI Health Act
This bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect and disseminate information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers.
Intro: 3/21/2023 Sen. Cornyn (TX) Status: Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Boozman (AR)
S 930 Federal Benefits for Exposure-Related Cancers
This bill would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide public safety officer benefits for exposure-related cancers.
Intro: 3/22/2023 Sen. Klobuchar (MN) Status: Judiciary
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
S 1041 Minimum Salary for Overtime Pay Exemption
This bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish a minimum salary threshold for bona fide executive, administrative, and professional employees exempt from Federal overtime compensation requirements, and automatically update such threshold each year.
Intro: 3/29/2023 Sen. Brown (OH) Status: Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
S 1137 Law Enforcement Mental Health & Wellness Program
This bill would establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program.
Intro: 3/30/2023 Sen. Peters (MI) Status: Homeland Security
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
HR 2548 TBI and Concussion in Law Enforcement Study
This bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect and disseminate information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers.
Intro: 4/10/2023 Rep. Crenshaw (TX-2) Status: Energy & Commerce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Davis (NC-1)
Republicans: Strong (AL-5)
HR 2577 Law Enforcement Wellness and Mental Health Study
This bill would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program.
Intro: 4/13/2023 Rep. Thompson (MS-2) Status: Homeland Security
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: Sponsor Thompson
Republicans: none
HR 2868 Amend ERISA
This bill would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to clarify the treatment of certain association health plans as employers.
Intro: 4/25/2023 Rep. Walberg (MI-5) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: Foxx (NC-5), Good (VA-5), Allen (GA-12)
HR 2949 Public Service Loan Forgiveness
This bill would ensure that borrowers who have performed qualifying public service are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Intro: 4/27/2023 Rep. Houlahan (PA-6) Status: Education & Workforce
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
S 1331 Public Service Loan Forgiveness
This bill would ensure that borrowers who have performed qualifying public service are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Intro: 4/27/2023 Sen. Menendez (NJ) Status: Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
Cosponsors from SSPBA states:
Democrats: none
Republicans: none
Firearm Bills
House
38 National Concealed Carry
46 Mental Health Info to NCIC
151 Changes to Shotgun Regulation
173 Changes to Rifle Regulation
283 Prohibit Federal “Red Flag”
354 National Conceal Carry for Law Enforcement
363 Prohibit Firearms for Pot Users
381 Redefine Pistol/Modified Rifle
385 Prohibit Firearm “User” Fees
569 Handgun Licensing
584 Ammunition Purchase Restrictions
625 Regulate Ammo Magazines
646 Redefine “Firearms” in National Firearms Act
660 Safe Storage Law
667 Expand 3-Day Waiting Period
698 Regulate Assault Weapons
715 Firearm Background Checks
790 Repeal Firearm Transfer Act
974 Remove Obstacles for Firearm Enforcement
1145 Federal Safe Storage
1258 Protect Gun Owners Rights
1302 Retain Firearm Purchases
1361 Gun Buyback
1478 Firearm License
1508 Travelers Gun Act
1650 Officer Weapon Carry on School Property
1678 Protect Gun Owners
1699 Create Federal Office of “Gun Violence”
2392 Waiting Period to Receive Firearm
2418 Require Report Lost or Stolen Firearm – 48 Hr.
2477 Allow Law Enforcement CCW on School Property
2538 Firearm Liability Insurance Required
2753 Additional Requirements on Firearm Dealers
2870 Prohibit Rifle or Shotgun under 21 year old
2897 Prohibit Firearm from Violent Misdemeanor
Senate
14 Prohibit Firearms to under 21 Year Olds
25 Assault Weapons Ban
117 Fund Handgun Licensing
118 Enhance Firearm Law Enforcement
163 Redefine “Firearms” in National Firearms Act
173 Safe Storage Law
214 National Concealed Carry
298 Restrict Large Capacity Magazine
494 Background Check All Firearm Purchases
598 Firearms Records
741 Travelers Gun Act
840 Support 2nd Amendment
951 Create Federal Office of “Gun Violence”
To read text of listed bills click on the Library of Congress link below then enter bill #.
April 2, 2024
The Southern States Police Benevolent Association is committed to keeping you informed of federal legislation that may affect your work-life, pay and benefits.
moreMarch 1, 2024
The Southern States Police Benevolent Association is committed to keeping you informed of federal legislation that may affect your work-life, pay and benefits.
moreFebruary 2, 2024
The Southern States Police Benevolent Association is committed to keeping you informed of federal legislation that may affect your work-life, pay and benefits.
more