Legislative Activity

The "Fair SHARE Act of 2025" introduces a tax on electric vehicles and heavy battery modules to support the Highway Trust Fund. Effective January 1, 2026, the act levies a $1,000 tax on each electric vehicle and a $550 tax on battery modules exceeding 1,000 pounds. Revenue generated will be allocated to the Highway Trust Fund. The bill aims to ensure that electric vehicle users contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the nation's road infrastructure.

The "Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025" temporarily waives distance requirements for certain rural community hospitals seeking critical access hospital designation, provided they participated in a demonstration program as of the enactment date. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a section of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 does not apply to critical access hospitals.

The She DRIVES Act mandates immediate updates to federal motor vehicle safety standards by requiring the use of new crash test dummies, specifically incorporating both male and female dummies in front and side impact tests. This legislation aims to improve vehicle crashworthiness by basing new injury criteria on real-world data that better reflects diverse body types. Furthermore, the bill establishes a roadmap for the Department of Transportation to continuously review and adopt more advanced testing devices used internationally.

The "Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act" enhances the existing paid family and medical leave credit by allowing the credit to be calculated based on wages paid or total premiums paid for qualifying insurance policies. It modifies eligibility criteria for both employers and employees, and requires outreach programs to increase awareness of the credit. This bill also ensures that employers cannot deduct the portion of paid premiums equal to the credit amount.

The Amtrak Transparency Act amends Title 49 of the U.S. Code, modifying requirements for Amtrak's Board of Directors meetings, including quorum rules, public notice for meetings, and annual meetings with state transportation heads. It mandates public disclosure of discretionary bonuses paid to officers and non-bargaining unit employees. Additionally, Amtrak must disclose vendor agreements over $250,000 to states or State-Amtrak Committees for state-supported route services upon request.