The PROACTIV Artificial Intelligence Data Act of 2025 requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a voluntary framework within one year for AI developers and data collectors to detect, remove, and report child pornography in datasets used to train artificial intelligence systems. This framework, created with input from law enforcement, nonprofits, and industry stakeholders, will provide specific guidelines for handling such content in AI training data. The bill also grants limited liability protection to AI developers and data collectors who follow the framework, though this protection does not apply if they acted intentionally, recklessly, or negligently, or violated existing child pornography laws. The law explicitly excludes AI deployers (who integrate AI into products) and end users from these requirements.
The Lower Internet Costs Act (HR 5550) requires broadband providers to clearly show the total price of service as a single line item on customer bills and in promotional materials, including the regular price after introductory offers end. It prohibits specific "covered fees" like network maintenance charges, local government right-of-way fees, and equipment repair fees. The bill applies to all broadband subscribers and providers, mandating transparent pricing for both standard plans and bundled services (e.g., internet plus TV). Key provisions include requiring providers to disclose price changes 60 and 30 days in advance for limited-time offers and specifying that taxes or equipment fees aren’t included in the stated total price.
This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to protect worker privacy during union elections. It requires employers to provide labor organizations with a voter list containing only employees' names and one optional contact detail (like email or phone number) within two business days of an election approval, in a searchable electronic format. The bill also prohibits labor organizations from selling or misusing this contact information for political purposes or after an election concludes. These provisions directly affect employers (who must provide lists), labor organizations (who receive and must handle data responsibly), and employees (whose personal information is protected).
The Expanding Cybersecurity Workforce Act of 2025 establishes a new program under CISA to promote cybersecurity careers to underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities, older adults (40+), and those from low-income or nontraditional educational backgrounds (like community colleges or HBCUs). The program requires CISA to tailor outreach to regional needs, partner with schools, unions, and community organizations, and report annually on workforce impact. It authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2031 to support these efforts, aiming to diversify the cybersecurity workforce through targeted recruitment and training.
The SCAM Act requires online platforms that accept payment for advertisements to verify advertiser identities (including government ID and business documentation) and implement systems to detect and remove scam ads within 72 hours of reporting. It mandates platforms to conduct investigations, remove verified fraudulent ads within 24 hours, and maintain active impersonation detection programs. The law directly affects major social media and digital advertising platforms by imposing new verification and monitoring obligations to prevent deceptive ads targeting consumers. Enforcement falls to the Federal Trade Commission, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices under existing law.
This bill would protect Members of Congress, their immediate family members, designated congressional employees, and candidates for Congress from having their personal information publicly disclosed. It requires government agencies to remove protected information - including home addresses, phone numbers, school schedules, and geolocation data - from public records within 72 hours of a request. The bill also prohibits data brokers and businesses from selling or displaying this protected information online without consent, with exceptions for news reporting and information voluntarily shared by the individual. Individuals affected by violations would have the right to seek legal action to enforce the law.
The Middle Mile for Rural America Act extends the deadline for funding rural broadband infrastructure projects under the Rural Electrification Act from 2023 to 2031. This directly affects rural communities by providing more time to build the backbone internet networks that connect local areas to broader high-speed services. The key mechanism is amending Section 602(g) of the Rural Electrification Act to update the program's timeframe, allowing eligible projects to qualify for support through 2031. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to support existing infrastructure funding, without adding new programs or resources.
This bill reforms how the Technology Modernization Fund is used to upgrade outdated federal computer systems. It requires agencies to identify and report high-risk legacy systems to a central office, which then compiles a national inventory and prioritizes the most critical systems for modernization. Agencies that receive funds must repay the fund under specific terms to ensure it remains fully operational until 2032. The bill also blocks funding for projects with fraudulent claims about their technology plans or costs.
HR 915, the Small Business Technological Act of 2025, expands the use of Small Business Administration (SBA) Section 7(a) loans to cover business software, cloud computing services, and AI-powered tools that handle payroll, HR, sales, billing, accounting, and inventory management. It directly affects small businesses seeking loans for operational technology upgrades, allowing them to use SBA funds for these specific tech services without changing existing loan purposes. The bill amends the Small Business Act to explicitly permit these uses under Section 7(a), clarifying that existing loans for similar purposes before the law's enactment remain valid. It does not expand loan use for research, development, or working capital beyond current definitions.
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA to formally coordinate research and development through agreements and collaborative projects. It authorizes joint funding competitions for specific areas like nuclear propulsion, quantum computing, Arctic science, wildfire resilience, and space weather forecasting, directly affecting DOE and NASA operations. Key mechanisms include mandatory interagency agreements, merit-based funding for federal labs and universities, and shared data infrastructure. The bill also mandates a biennial report to Congress detailing coordination progress and future collaboration opportunities, with no new funding or tax changes.
