HR 2165, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025, amends the Clean Air Act to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from writing future tailpipe emissions regulations that mandate specific vehicle technologies (like electric or hydrogen systems) or limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill requires the EPA to update its regulations within 24 months to ensure new rules comply with these restrictions. This directly affects the EPA’s regulatory authority and automakers, as it limits how emissions standards can be structured. The law aims to preserve consumer choice in vehicle types by preventing regulations from favoring one engine technology over others.
This bill (HJRES 100) is a procedural resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule on "Negative Option Rule" marketing practices. It specifically targets the FTC’s rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 90476, November 15, 2024), which required companies to get explicit customer consent before charging them for recurring services. If passed, the resolution would nullify the FTC rule, meaning it would have no legal effect and companies would no longer be required to comply with its provisions. This directly affects businesses using automatic billing or subscription models that previously had to obtain affirmative opt-in consent from customers.
This bill imposes a $550 tax on each heavy battery module (over 1,000 pounds) and a $1,000 tax on each electric vehicle sold by manufacturers, producers, or importers. It directly affects EV manufacturers and battery suppliers, with taxes applying to sales after December 31, 2025. Revenue from these taxes will be transferred to the Highway Trust Fund. The bill excludes hybrid vehicles that use both internal combustion engines and rechargeable batteries from the electric vehicle definition.
HR 3577, the END CELLS Act, prohibits providing, facilitating the introduction of, or possessing wireless communications devices (like cell phones) in U.S. detention facilities (e.g., prisons) in violation of federal or state law. It imposes civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation (capped at $1 million total) and criminal fines of up to $50,000 per violation for violations. The bill specifically targets contraband devices used to bypass security, while exempting authorized law enforcement activities and state enforcement powers. It applies to all correctional, detention, or penal facilities within the United States. The law takes effect after its enactment date.
HR 1730, the No Alipay Act of 2025, bans U.S. persons from using Alipay's payment services for any financial transactions. It directly affects U.S. citizens, legal residents, U.S.-based businesses, and anyone physically in the U.S., prohibiting them from engaging in transactions involving Alipay's money transfer or payment processing services. The bill defines "financial transactions" broadly to include any movement of funds affecting interstate or foreign commerce. This legislation would prevent U.S. persons from utilizing Alipay for payments, transfers, or other financial activities covered under its scope.
HR 2841, the "Putting Trust in Transparency Act," requires nonprofits receiving any federal funding to publicly disclose unredacted donor information (including name, zip code, and contribution amount) within 60 days of filing their annual IRS Form 990. This applies specifically to tax-exempt organizations that receive federal funds, making their major donors' details accessible to the public. Nonprofits failing to file the required Schedule B of Form 990 face automatic revocation of their tax-exempt status after a 60-day grace period. The bill aims to increase transparency around how federal funds are leveraged by nonprofits, requiring disclosure that was previously restricted under IRS rules. It amends tax code provisions to enforce this disclosure and maintain public access to donor information.
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Government Transparency
HR 2939, the Drone Espionage Act, updates existing espionage law to explicitly prohibit taking or transmitting video footage of defense information. It amends Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 793 by inserting "video" after "photographic negative" in the definition of prohibited materials. This change directly affects individuals who capture or share video of classified military or defense-related information, whether using drones or other devices. The bill makes no new criminal penalties but ensures video evidence is covered under current espionage statutes.
The RESTRICT Act (HR 6879) requires U.S. companies to obtain a license before exporting advanced computer chips to countries listed in a specific export control group (as of January 2025) and to regions like Hong Kong and Macau. It also blocks licenses for exports to entities primarily located in countries of concern (including those same nations plus Hong Kong and Macau). U.S. companies may avoid the license requirement if they meet strict conditions, such as limiting foreign ownership to 10% and implementing security measures to prevent misuse. The law expires five years after enactment.
HR 4006, the Mission UNPLUGGED Act, prohibits students in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools from using personal electronic devices like smartphones during regular school hours. The policy allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, disabilities (as documented in IEPs or 504 plans), English language learning support, and extracurricular activities. DODEA must implement the policy within 180 days of enactment, with $1.2 million authorized for 2026 to fund device storage solutions and support, and must submit annual reports on implementation, costs, and effects on student performance and well-being.
Stop Misappropriating Ratepayer Tariffs for Excessive Resources Act or the SMARTER Act This bill requires nonregulated utilities and state regulators of utilities to consider implementing a standard to prohibit electric utilities from recovering costs relating to the deployment of any smart grid system from their consumers. It also repeals the current requirement for states to consider authorizing electric utilities to recover costs relating to the deployment of certain smart grid systems from their consumers. Within a year, each nonregulated utility and state regulatory authority must consider adopting the prohibition. Within two years, they must determine whether or not to implement the prohibition. However, the deadlines do not apply if a state has already considered or implemented a comparable standard.
