Rep. Aaron Bean

Maddy summaryHR 5437, the *Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act*, prohibits lawsuits against manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products (like countertops) for injuries caused by silica dust exposure during third-party fabrication (e.g., cutting or grinding by fabricators). It directly affects stone slab manufacturers and sellers by shielding them from civil liability when injuries result from fabricators violating workplace safety laws. The bill’s key provision bans such lawsuits in federal or state courts and requires dismissal of pending cases. It aims to protect this industry, which employs thousands, from claims they cannot control, emphasizing that safety regulations apply to fabricators - not the original sellers.

Maddy summaryThe Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026 would allow health insurance plans starting in 2027 to operate without requiring a network of doctors and hospitals. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in qualified health plans by permitting them to see any provider that accepts the plan's payment rates, rather than being restricted to a specific list of in-network providers. To ensure consumers understand their coverage, the bill mandates that these plans clearly explain potential out-of-pocket costs and offer tools to help members find participating providers. Additionally, the legislation updates federal rules to prevent the government from penalizing plans that choose not to maintain a provider network.

Maddy summaryThe DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026 aims to reduce fraud in Medicare by requiring all providers to submit electronic claims for specific medical equipment and supplies starting in 2027. A key provision mandates that claims for these items be submitted within 90 days of service, with certain exceptions for items needing prior authorization or monthly rental payments. To ensure the system works effectively, the bill requires the Comptroller General to submit a report to Congress by 2030 evaluating how the new screening technology identifies errors, waste, or potential abuse. These changes directly affect Medicare suppliers and administrative contractors by altering how and when they must file claims for covered durable medical equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add pharmacist services to Medicare Part B coverage for beneficiaries, specifically covering pharmacist-led testing and treatment for illnesses like flu, COVID-19, or strep throat during public health emergencies. It defines covered services as those performed under state law, often requiring collaboration with a physician, and sets payment at 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of physician payment rates. Pharmacists would be prohibited from balance billing for these services, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries pay only their standard copayment. The changes would take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act authorizes the creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women’s history, to be located within the National Mall Reserve in Washington, D.C. If the site is managed by another federal agency, the bill requires that agency to transfer the land after notifying Congress and relevant committees. The museum must ensure exhibits and programs accurately represent diverse women’s experiences by consulting a broad range of experts and community voices. The Smithsonian will submit biennial reports to Congress detailing how the museum meets these representation standards.

Maddy summaryThe PLAN Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to launch a public education campaign encouraging Americans to plan for future long-term care needs. This initiative will use various media channels, including television, social media, and community partnerships, to provide objective information about care options and financial planning tools. The bill specifically targets working-age adults, family caregivers, and low-to-middle-income individuals who might struggle to afford care later in life. Additionally, the legislation requires the government to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the campaign's progress and reach. Funding for these educational activities will be drawn from existing appropriations under the Older Americans Act.

Maddy summaryThe Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act expands a federal tax credit for advanced manufacturing to include eleven new critical minerals, such as boron, copper, and uranium, while also adding specific rules for phosphate. It allows companies that extract ore in the United States to claim these credits for the extraction costs themselves, provided they certify that the ore is refined into a qualifying mineral and sold to an unrelated buyer. Additionally, the bill removes a previous penalty that reduced tax credit amounts for metallurgical coal, ensuring these materials receive the same financial support as other critical minerals. These changes are designed to encourage domestic production and processing of essential raw materials and will take effect for minerals produced and sold after December 31, 2025.

This resolution expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.

Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and manufacture of vehicles and related technology from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to address national security concerns. The law defines prohibited items as connected vehicles, their software, and hardware components and sets different effective dates, with vehicle bans starting in 2027 and hardware restrictions beginning in 2030. A government official can grant exceptions for specific items after reviewing security risks and notifying Congress, while the agency must publish annual reports on enforcement actions and compliance.