Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4]
Republican · UT · 14 bills sponsored
Closing the Provider Fraud Gap Act
# Closing the Provider Fraud Gap Act (HR 7677) - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill aims to address fraud committed by healthcare providers (doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc.) against government healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The legislation would strengthen enforcement mechanisms and penalties to catch and punish providers who bill for services they didn't provide or submit false claims. The bill targets the "fraud gap"—situations where fraudulent activity occurs but goes undetected or unpunished due to gaps in the current oversight system. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts healthcare providers and the federal government's healthcare programs. Patients could indirectly benefit through reduced waste in Medicare and Medicaid, which could help preserve program funds. Honest healthcare providers might also benefit by reducing unfair competition from fraudulent ones. **Current status:** As of now, HR 7677 remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. This means it's still in the early legislative stage and would need to advance through committee review, pass the House, go through the Senate, and receive presidential approval to become law.
Say No to Indoctrination Act
# Say No to Indoctrination Act (HR 2617) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would restrict how public schools teach about sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation in elementary and secondary education. While the full legislative text isn't provided here, bills with this title typically aim to prohibit or limit classroom instruction on these topics at younger grade levels, often requiring parental notification or opt-in consent for any related curriculum. The bill reflects ongoing debates about age-appropriate content and parental control over educational materials. **Who It Affects:** The bill would directly impact public school students, teachers, and school administrators, particularly in elementary schools. It would also affect LGBTQ+ students and families, as well as parents who have varying perspectives on what should be taught in schools. The restrictions could influence curriculum decisions nationwide if passed. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 2617 is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the relevant House committee for review and discussion but has not yet been voted on by the full Congress. This is an early stage in the legislative process. *Note: For a complete picture of specific provisions, you would need to review the full bill text, as the summary here is based on the title and general subject areas.*
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2025
# Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2025 (HR 2516) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would change how colleges and universities are accredited—the process that certifies whether institutions meet quality standards. Based on the subjects listed, the bill appears to address concerns about accreditation standards related to diversity, inclusion, and religious/sexual orientation policies at educational institutions. The specific provisions aren't detailed in the summary provided, but the bill would likely modify requirements that accrediting bodies use when evaluating colleges. **Who It Affects** This bill would affect colleges and universities, accrediting agencies that evaluate them, and ultimately students attending these institutions. Depending on the bill's specific provisions, it could also impact how schools handle diversity programs, religious affiliation, and discrimination policies. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (HR 2516 in the 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT). *Note: The full text would need to be reviewed to determine the precise changes being proposed to accreditation standards.*
Alyssa’s Act of 2025
# Alyssa's Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** Alyssa's Act of 2025 (HR 6809) is currently pending in committee and has not yet been formally detailed in public records. Without access to the bill's specific language or summary, I cannot provide accurate details about its provisions, intended purpose, or who it would affect. The bill was introduced by Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT) in the 119th Congress. **Current Status:** The bill remains in committee review, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full House vote. This is an early stage in the legislative process. **How to Learn More:** For complete and accurate information about this bill's specific provisions and purpose, I recommend checking Congress.gov, which provides full bill text, summaries, and detailed tracking of its progress through the legislative process. The bill's name ("Alyssa's Act") suggests it may address a specific issue or situation, but the exact details cannot be confirmed without official sources.
Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025
# Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025 (HR 6475) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025 is a proposed federal law aimed at combating child trafficking. However, specific details about the bill's provisions are not currently available in public records, as it remains in the committee review stage and the full text has not been widely published. Once those details become public, the bill's exact measures—such as funding increases, new enforcement powers, victim support services, or penalties—would become clear. **Current Status and Who It Affects:** The bill was introduced by Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT) and is currently being reviewed in a congressional committee. This stage means it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. If passed, it would likely affect federal law enforcement agencies, child protection organizations, state and local authorities involved in trafficking investigations, and potentially organizations that work with trafficking victims. **Next Steps:** To learn about specific provisions once they're released, check Congress.gov or official House resources for the bill's full text when it becomes available.
To transfer administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal land in Saratoga Springs, Utah, from the Secretary of the Interior to the United States Postal Service for construction of a post office, and for other purposes.
# Summary of HR 4716 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would transfer control of a parcel of federal land located in Saratoga Springs, Utah from the Department of the Interior to the U.S. Postal Service. The purpose is to allow the Postal Service to build a new post office on that land. Currently, the Department of the Interior oversees the property, but the bill would shift administrative responsibility so the Postal Service can develop and use the site for postal operations. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects residents and businesses in Saratoga Springs, Utah, who would gain a new postal facility. It also involves the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Postal Service in terms of land management responsibilities. The local community would likely benefit from improved mail services. **Current Status** As of now, HR 4716 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Burgess Owens, a Republican from Utah's 4th Congressional District. The bill's specific details and any conditions for the land transfer have not been publicly detailed in available materials.
Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act
# Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act (HR 3888) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require the federal government to improve transparency and public involvement in how water quality standards are developed and updated. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets water quality criteria—the specific pollution limits and safety standards that protect human health and aquatic life in rivers, lakes, and streams. This legislation would likely mandate increased public comment periods, clearer documentation of the scientific basis for standards, and potentially greater state involvement in the decision-making process. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact states, water utilities, industries that discharge into waterways (like manufacturing and agriculture), environmental organizations, and the general public. States would have more say in how federal water standards are applied, while industries might gain more opportunity to weigh in during the standard-setting process. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 3888 remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. This means it's still in the early legislative stages and may not advance further, or could be modified significantly before any vote.
Universal School Choice Act
# Universal School Choice Act (HR 3519) Summary **What It Would Do** The Universal School Choice Act would expand education options by allowing federal education funding to follow students to their school of choice, rather than being tied to traditional public schools. If passed, this would enable families to use federal education dollars at private schools, charter schools, religious schools, or homeschooling programs—not just their assigned public school. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect K-12 students and families, schools (both public and private), and state education systems. Public school districts could lose funding if students choose to attend other types of schools, while private and charter schools would potentially gain new sources of federal money. **Key Provision & Current Status** The main provision creates a funding mechanism where money designated for education follows the student rather than supporting the public school system as a whole. Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No additional details about specific provisions are available from the summary provided.
Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act
# Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act (HR 3499) would establish federal rules and standards for outdoor recreation guides and outfitters who operate on public lands. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in available summaries, such legislation typically addresses licensing requirements, safety standards, liability protections, and operational guidelines for businesses that lead activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor pursuits on federal property. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact outdoor guide and outfitting businesses, their employees, and recreational users of public lands. The bill could also affect federal land management agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, which oversee where and how these services operate. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 3499 remains in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. The bill was introduced by Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT). Without additional legislative action, it remains in the early stages of the congressional process. For the most current information on any amendments or committee activity, check Congress.gov.
SALT Act
# SALT Act (HR 2952) Summary I don't have access to the specific details of this particular bill (HR 2952) in my training data, so I cannot provide an accurate summary of what it would actually do. The bill information you've provided shows it's currently in committee and sponsored by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), but without seeing the actual bill text, I cannot reliably tell you its provisions, affected groups, or goals. **To get accurate information**, I'd recommend: - Visiting **Congress.gov** and searching "HR 2952" to read the full bill text - Checking the bill's summary and status there - Looking at the sponsor's official website for their explanation I want to avoid guessing or providing inaccurate details about what this legislation contains. If you can share the bill text or a more detailed summary, I'd be happy to help clarify it in plain language.
Mining Schools Act of 2025
# Mining Schools Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Mining Schools Act of 2025 would establish or support educational programs focused on mining-related trades and skills. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, this type of legislation typically aims to create training opportunities in mining operations, equipment maintenance, geology, and related technical fields. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact students seeking vocational training, mining companies looking to develop a skilled workforce, and educational institutions in mining regions—particularly in western states like Utah where the sponsor is based. It could also affect workers transitioning into the mining industry. **Current Status:** HR 2457 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet moved forward for a full House vote. No additional details about specific provisions are available at this time. --- *Note: More detailed information about the bill's specific provisions would be needed to provide a complete summary. You may find full legislative text on Congress.gov.*
Change of Ownership and Conversion Improvement Act
# Summary of HR 2271: Change of Ownership and Conversion Improvement Act **What It Does:** This bill would streamline the process for colleges and universities to change ownership or for for-profit colleges to convert to nonprofit status. It creates a new "pretransaction review" system that allows institutions to get approval from the Department of Education before finalizing ownership changes, and establishes specific timelines for the government to approve or reject these applications. The bill also requires institutions to pay administrative fees to cover the cost of these reviews. **Who It Affects:** This legislation primarily impacts for-profit colleges and universities considering conversion to nonprofit status, as well as any higher education institutions undergoing ownership changes. The Department of Education and Internal Revenue Service would also be affected, as they would handle the new application reviews and fee processing. Students and faculty at affected institutions could potentially see changes based on their school's new ownership structure. **Key Provisions:** Institutions seeking approval must pay an administrative fee to the Department of Education. For for-profit colleges converting to nonprofit status, half of that fee goes to the IRS to verify tax-exempt status and compliance. The bill sets deadlines for government approval decisions and includes new reporting requirements. **Current Status:** HR 2271 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Ensuring Distance Education Act
# Ensuring Distance Education Act - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would change how for-profit colleges count their revenue under federal rules. Specifically, it would allow money earned from online and hybrid distance education programs to count toward meeting the "90/10 rule"—a requirement that for-profit colleges get at least 10% of their revenue from sources other than federal student aid. Currently, the Department of Education doesn't allow distance education revenue to count toward this requirement. **Who it affects:** Primarily for-profit colleges and universities that offer online or hybrid courses. The change could make it easier for these institutions to meet federal requirements, potentially affecting the federal student loan programs that support their students. **Current status:** The bill (HR 1174) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Burgess Owens (R-Utah) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced beyond the initial committee stage.
RIFA Act
# Summary of the RIFA Act (HR 1023) **What it does:** The Reporting on Investments in Foreign Adversaries Act would require large private universities to disclose their financial investments in countries and organizations considered foreign threats to the U.S. Specifically, colleges with either more than $6 billion in total assets or more than $250 million invested in "countries of concern" (like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) would have to file annual reports to the Department of Education. These reports would detail any stocks, bonds, or other investments the schools hold in these countries or entities designated as foreign threats. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily targets wealthy private universities and colleges, along with the Department of Education, which would need to create and maintain a public database of this information so Americans can see where their institutions' money is being invested. It could indirectly affect students and donors interested in knowing about their schools' financial practices. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.