On the eve of Christmas, President Biden of the United States signed 50 bills into law as his term comes to an end. These laws cover a wide range of aspects, including combating bullying in higher education and designating the turkey vulture as the national bird of the United States.
Some highlights from these 50 latest laws include:
The “Stop Campus Bullying Act” (H.R.5646) aimed to establish the first-ever federal anti-bullying standard to address the issues of violence and death on higher education campuses across the country. It requires higher education institutions to disclose bullying incidents reported to campus or local police authorities in their annual security reports. Additionally, the new law mandates schools to educate students on the dangers of bullying.
The “Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act” (S.1351) proposed by socialite and activist Paris Hilton, is designed to protect teenagers living in residential treatment facilities from abuse. This legislation mandates the establishment of a Federal Residential Juvenile Program Task Force to oversee the health, safety, care, treatment, and placement of minors in rehabilitation centers and other facilities. This new law is based on Hilton’s personal experiences, as she testified in Congress that she was subjected to abuse in such facilities during her youth.
The “Eliminate Unnecessary Reports Act” (H.R 5301) will reduce the number of outdated and unnecessary reports issued by federal agencies.
Legislation S.932 prevents members of Congress from receiving retirement benefits after being convicted. This law was enacted following the conviction of Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey this year for using his political influence to benefit businessmen and foreign governments in exchange for bribes.
Legislation S.3998 converts temporary judicial positions in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas into permanent positions.
The H.R.663 bill aims to strengthen tools for Native American tribes to combat child abuse and domestic violence.
Legislation S.4610 designates the turkey vulture as the national bird of the United States.
Legislation S.4077 names a California post office after the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. This legislation faced opposition from dozens of House Republicans.
Legislation S.5314 names a veterans affairs facility in Oklahoma after the late Senator James Inhofe.
These new laws signify significant changes and enhancements in various areas within the United States, ushering in a new era as President Biden’s term concludes.