Responsible Legislating Act
Responsible Legislating Act
Plain Language Summary
# Responsible Legislating Act (HR 185) Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill makes several changes across different federal areas if passed. It would increase contribution limits for certain retirement accounts (specifically Roth IRAs and similar plans), making it easier for people to save for retirement. The bill also strengthens penalties for human trafficking and sexual coercion crimes that occur near schools, adding up to five additional years in prison for these offenses. Additionally, it directs the Department of Commerce to report on efforts to attract foreign investment in U.S.
semiconductor manufacturing, and requires the Federal Maritime Commission to evaluate related maritime issues. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect working Americans with retirement accounts (especially through employer plans), people working in the semiconductor industry and manufacturing sector, and the criminal justice system regarding specific sex offense prosecutions. Various federal agencies would have new reporting or evaluation requirements. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House. The bill addresses a wide range of topics, which is reflected in the many subject areas it touches—from banking and labor to defense and homeland security.
CRS Official Summary
Responsible Legislating ActThis bill establishes or modifies various federal programs and requirements, including those related to retirement accounts, penalties for certain sex offenses, foreign investment and ownership, and appropriations.The bill makes changes to retirement account contributions and distributions, including increasing the maximum amount that may be contributed to a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to include certain contributions to a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) or Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan, subject to limitations. The bill establishes an enhanced penalty—an additional prison term of up to five years—for certain interstate human trafficking offenses or coercion of sexual activity that occurs in a school zone or related area.The Department of Commerce must report on efforts to increase foreign direct investment in semiconductor-related manufacturing and production. The Federal Maritime Commission must evaluate the effect of foreign ownership of marine terminals at the 15 largest U.S. container ports on U.S. economic security.The bill provides additional appropriations for the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, State, Defense, Homeland Security, and Energy.The bill extends mandatory livestock market reporting requirements through FY2025.The bill revises the required frequency of meetings held by a credit union's board of directors by decreasing the frequency for existing credit unions with satisfactory soundness ratings. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) enhanced-use leasing authority is reauthorized through 2033.The bill requires hearings on the bill's implementation within one year of the date of enactment.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.