Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1]
Republican · OK · 12 bills sponsored
PROTECT Our Kids Act
# PROTECT Our Kids Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would prohibit federal education funding to elementary and secondary schools that receive support from the Chinese government. Specifically, it targets schools that partner with Chinese government-funded cultural or language institutes (such as Confucius Institutes), operate Chinese learning centers, or accept teaching materials, personnel, funds, or other resources from Chinese government entities or their representatives. The Department of Education can grant waivers for schools with existing contracts if they demonstrate the arrangement benefits the school. **Who it affects:** Public and private K-12 schools that currently have partnerships with Chinese government-funded educational or cultural programs would need to end those relationships to maintain federal funding eligibility. This could impact schools offering Chinese language instruction and cultural exchange programs. **Current status:** The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is now pending action in the Senate. It was introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) in the 119th Congress.
Choice Arrangement
# HR 5463: Choice Arrangement - Summary I appreciate your request, but I'm unable to provide a meaningful summary of this bill. The information provided is quite limited—it only shows the bill number, sponsor, and status, but doesn't include the actual text, purpose statement, or details about what provisions it would contain. Without access to the bill's substantive content, I can't accurately explain what it would do, who it would affect, or its key provisions. **What I can tell you:** HR 5463 is a House bill sponsored by Representative Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) that is currently in committee review. To get a proper summary, I'd recommend checking official sources like Congress.gov, which provides full bill text, summaries, and legislative history for all federal bills. If you have the bill text or a more detailed description available, I'd be happy to summarize it for you in plain language!
American Franchise Act
# American Franchise Act (HR 5267) Summary **What It Would Do** The American Franchise Act is a bill currently under review in Congress that would affect how franchises operate in the United States. However, specific details about the bill's provisions are not available in the information provided. To understand exactly what changes it would make to franchise laws or regulations, you would need to review the full text of the bill on Congress.gov or similar legislative tracking websites. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and the bill may be modified, rejected, or advance further depending on committee action. **Next Steps** If you're interested in learning more, you can find the complete bill text and any available committee information on Congress.gov by searching for "HR 5267" to see the specific franchising issues it addresses and which groups it would impact.
Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025
# Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025 (HR 5142) - Summary **What It Does** The Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025 is a proposed law aimed at addressing challenges in the home health care industry. While specific details about the bill's provisions are limited in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on improving the financial stability and operations of home health agencies—companies that provide medical care and assistance to patients in their homes rather than in hospitals or facilities. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact home health care agencies, their employees, patients who receive home-based medical services, and Medicare/Medicaid programs that pay for much of this care. Home health services are especially important for elderly patients, people recovering from surgery, and those with chronic conditions who prefer treatment at home. **Current Status** HR 5142 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK). Without the bill's detailed text available, specific provisions cannot be confirmed at this time. For complete information about what changes the bill would make, interested parties should consult Congress.gov or wait for more details to become public.
Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act
# Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act (HR 3512) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to regulate "litigation funding" — money that third-party companies provide to individuals or lawyers to help cover costs of lawsuits in exchange for a percentage of any settlement or judgment. Supporters argue these arrangements can be predatory, charging excessive fees or encouraging frivolous lawsuits. The bill would establish federal rules to govern these agreements, likely including requirements for transparency, fee caps, and disclosure requirements so borrowers understand the true cost of accepting this type of funding. **Who It Affects** The legislation would impact plaintiffs seeking lawsuit financing, litigation funding companies, and potentially the courts that handle civil cases. Consumer advocates worry about vulnerable individuals who might be pressured into unfavorable deals, while the funding industry argues these services provide crucial access to justice for people who couldn't otherwise afford to pursue valid claims. **Current Status** As of now, HR 3512 remains in committee and has not moved forward for a full House vote. The bill reflects an ongoing debate about balancing consumer protection with access to the legal system.
Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act of 2025
# Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act of 2025 - Summary ## What the Bill Would Do This bill would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover prescription digital therapeutics—essentially medical software apps designed to prevent, manage, or treat health conditions. Currently, these digital treatments have limited coverage under these government health programs. If passed, the bill would establish rules for how much the government pays manufacturers for these digital therapeutics and require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a payment system that considers factors like how often patients use the apps. ## Who It Affects and Key Provisions The bill primarily affects seniors and low-income individuals on Medicare and Medicaid, as well as software companies that develop medical apps. It requires manufacturers to report information about which private insurance companies cover their products, with penalties for failing to comply. The goal is to make prescription digital therapeutics more accessible and affordable for patients who might benefit from them, while ensuring transparency about how these products are being used and paid for across different insurance types. ## Current Status The bill is currently in committee (as of the information provided), meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK).
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat distributions from health savings accounts for funeral expenses of the account beneficiary as qualified distributions.
# HR 2436 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would allow people to withdraw money from their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to pay for funeral expenses without facing tax penalties. Currently, HSA funds are designated specifically for medical expenses, and withdrawing money for other purposes—including funeral costs—results in taxes and penalties. This bill would make funeral expenses a "qualified distribution," meaning withdrawals for this purpose would be treated the same as medical expense withdrawals. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects HSA account holders and their families. HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts typically offered to people with high-deductible health insurance plans, so it would mainly benefit middle and working-class individuals with these types of accounts. Funeral homes and crematoriums could also be indirectly affected as a new funding source becomes available to grieving families. **Current Status** HR 2436 was introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) and is currently in committee. The bill has not yet been voted on by the House and remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025
# Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025 (HR 1924) **What the Bill Does:** This bill would change how Medicare pays for care at long-term care hospitals (LTCHs)—specialized facilities that treat patients recovering from serious illnesses or injuries. Currently, Medicare pays these hospitals at a reduced "site-neutral" rate (similar to what regular hospitals receive). The bill would exempt certain high-acuity discharges from this lower payment rate starting October 1, 2026, meaning LTCHs could receive higher reimbursement for their sickest patients. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects long-term care hospitals, Medicare beneficiaries (seniors 65+), and potentially Medicare's budget. It could influence the quality and availability of specialized care for seriously ill seniors by making it more financially viable for LTCHs to treat the most critical patients. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. As a Republican-sponsored measure, it reflects concerns from some lawmakers that lower payment rates may discourage LTCHs from treating the sickest patients who require the most intensive care.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.
# HR 1867 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would permanently remove the requirement that Medicare patients see a mental health provider in person before receiving care through telehealth (video calls or phone consultations). Currently, Medicare rules require at least one in-person visit before a patient can use remote mental health services. If passed, this bill would eliminate that requirement entirely. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (seniors 65 and older and some disabled individuals) who seek mental health services, as well as mental health providers who treat Medicare patients. It could expand access to psychiatric care, counseling, and therapy for seniors, particularly those in rural areas or with mobility challenges. **Current Status** HR 1867 was introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has no specified provisions beyond removing the in-person requirement, making it a relatively straightforward amendment to existing Medicare rules.
Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act
# Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would reverse FDA rule changes that now allow mifepristone (the medication abortion pill) to be mailed to patients by pharmacies. Currently, the drug can be dispensed by mail during the COVID-19 emergency period. The bill would restore the previous requirement that mifepristone must be picked up in person at a clinic, medical office, or hospital. Mifepristone is used to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation when combined with another medication. **Who It Affects and Key Details:** This legislation would primarily affect people seeking medication abortion and the pharmacies and medical facilities that provide it. Supporters argue it's a safety measure, while opponents contend the mail-dispensing option is equally safe and improves access, particularly for people in rural or underserved areas. The bill would essentially undo pandemic-era FDA flexibility and restore stricter in-person requirements. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Enhancing Energy Recovery Act
# Enhancing Energy Recovery Act (HR 1003) - Summary **What the bill would do:** Unfortunately, the bill summary provided doesn't include specific details about what this legislation actually proposes. The listing shows it's called the "Enhancing Energy Recovery Act," which suggests it likely relates to energy production or conservation, but without access to the bill's text or description, I cannot accurately describe its provisions or intended effects. **Current status and next steps:** HR 1003 is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full vote in the House yet. It was introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) in the 119th Congress. **To learn more:** For accurate details about what this bill would actually do, who it affects, and its specific provisions, I'd recommend checking Congress.gov (where you can read the full bill text) or the bill sponsor's official website.
Student Empowerment Act
# Student Empowerment Act Summary **What It Does** The Student Empowerment Act would expand what parents can pay for using 529 education savings plans with tax-free money. Currently, these accounts allow up to $10,000 per year for elementary and secondary school tuition. This bill would add coverage for homeschooling tuition and various educational expenses like curriculum materials, books, online courses, tutoring, testing fees, and dual enrollment programs—all potentially paid with pre-tax dollars. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects families with school-age children who have 529 savings plans, particularly those considering or currently using homeschooling or supplemental education services. It could make these education options more financially accessible by allowing tax benefits to extend beyond just tuition to broader educational costs. **Current Status** HR 939 is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) in the 119th Congress.