Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 (HR 139) – The purpose of this legislation is to make daylight savings time (DST) permanent for most of the country. States and territories presently exempt from DST may choose the standard time for those areas. This latest version of the bill was introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) on Jan. 3, 2025. The Act passed in the House on July 14 and faces a mix of cross-aisle opposition and support in the Senate.
Lulu’s Law (S 1003) – Introduced on March 12, 2025, by Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), this Act authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue emergency alerts to mobile phones in the event of a shark attack (similar to other alerts, such as severe weather, missing children, etc.). The bill passed in the Senate on July 8, 2025, in the House on May 20 and was signed into law on June 26.
Artist Act (S 254) – The Artist Act amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 by prohibiting states from imposing bans specifically on Alaska Native handicrafts and marine mammal ivory products. The bill is designed to protect the cultural practices and livelihood of Native American artists that create handicrafts and clothing using marine mammal ivory, bone or baleen. Introduced by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) on Jan. 24, 2025, the bill passed in the Senate on Oct. 8, 2025, and in the House on June 3. It was enacted by the president on June 12.
A bill to amend chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code, to authorize an increase of the retirement age for members of the Capitol Police (S 4530) – Prior to this amendment, members of the Capitol Police were required to retire either at age 57 or, if older than 57, upon completing 20 years of service. A previous waiver enabled officers to continue working until age 60. This bill increases the retirement age to between ages 57 and 62, when such a waiver is in the public interest. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on May 14. It passed in the Senate on May 15, the House on May 19, and became law on May 29.
American Access to Banking Act (HR 4544) – This law is designed to increase the number of community banks by making it easier to start them. Introduced by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) on July 17, 2025, it passed 405-4 in the House on May 20 and is currently under consideration in the Senate.
Community Bank Deposit Access Act of 2025 (HR 5317) – This bill would create exemptions to FDIC rules that allow banks greater flexibility in funding loans. Specifically, the Act would alter how certain types of deposits are treated so they are no longer classified as brokered deposits. The legislation was introduced by Rep. French Hill (R-AR) on Sept. 11, 2025. It passed in the House on May 20 and currently resides in the Senate.
