Summary of H.R. 1327

Official Name

"Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act"

What This Bill Does

This law extends and makes permanent the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which was originally created to provide financial help to people (such as first responders, workers, and victims) who got sick or were injured because of their involvement in or near the 9/11 attacks.

Key Points Explained Simply

• Fund Extension: The Fund is now authorized to operate and pay claims all the way through the year 2092, instead of ending sooner. This means people affected by 9/11 health issues can continue to apply for compensation for many decades.
• Unlimited Funding as Needed: Instead of a fixed dollar amount, the Fund can now receive as much money as necessary each year to pay all claims.
• Longer Time to File Claims: People can submit claims for compensation until October 1, 2090, giving more time for those who develop illnesses down the road to get help.
• Making Up for Past Shortages: If some claims were previously paid less than they should have been due to not enough money, affected claimants will get additional payments once enough funds become available.
• Special Cases: The person in charge of the Fund (called the "Special Master") can allow some claims to receive more money than normally allowed if there are special reasons.
• Income Limits Adjusted: The income limits for eligibility will be adjusted for inflation over time to keep them fair and up to date.
• Appointments: The Attorney General can appoint a Special Master and up to two deputies to run the Fund, without normal government hiring rules, to allow flexibility.

Why This Is Important

Many people who responded to or were impacted by the September 11, 2001, attacks have suffered long-term health problems that developed over years. This law ensures they and their families will continue to receive financial support for medical care and other losses well into the future.

In Short

This bill guarantees that the financial support program for 9/11 victims is available for many decades, with enough funding, flexibility for special cases, and fair adjustments to meet the needs of claimants over time.

Explanation of H.R. 1595

This bill, also known as the "Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2019" or the "SAFE Banking Act of 2019," aims to protect depository institutions (such as banks and credit unions) that provide financial services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses and service providers.

The purpose of this bill is to increase public safety by allowing cannabis businesses to have access to financial services, reducing the amount of cash they have on hand. Currently, many cannabis businesses operate on a cash-only basis because they are unable to access banking services due to the federal illegality of cannabis.

Specifically, this bill prohibits federal banking regulators from terminating or limiting the insurance coverage of a depository institution solely because it provides financial services to a cannabis-related legitimate business. It also prohibits regulators from discouraging or penalizing depository institutions from providing financial services to these businesses. Additionally, it protects depository institutions from adverse action based on providing financial services to cannabis-related businesses or individuals associated with those businesses.

The bill also provides safe harbor protection for depository institutions that provide financial services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses. It defines "cannabis-related legitimate business" as a business that engages in activities related to cannabis that are legal under state or local laws.

Moreover, the bill requires the Financial Institutions Examination Council to develop guidance and examination procedures for depository institutions that provide financial services to cannabis-related businesses and service providers.

The bill also includes provisions relating to the insurance industry, reporting requirements for suspicious activity, and protections for hemp businesses following the legalization of hemp in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

Overall, the bill aims to provide protections and access to financial services for cannabis-related legitimate businesses, reduce the reliance on cash in the industry, and increase public safety.

Explanation of H.R. 5 - Equality Act

This bill, known as the Equality Act, aims to:

• Prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy in various settings such as public accommodations, housing, employment, and credit opportunities.
• Recognize that LGBTQ individuals and women face discrimination in various aspects of their lives, including access to public accommodations, employment, and housing.
• Address issues like conversion therapy, employment discrimination, child welfare services, and homelessness faced by LGBTQ individuals.
• Ensure equal rights and protection under the law regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

This bill passes various amendments to existing laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to provide more comprehensive protection against discrimination.