Smith, Tina [D-MN]
Democrat · MN · 24 bills sponsored
A bill to support the preparation and retention of outstanding educators in all fields to ensure a bright future for children and youth in under-resourced and underserved communities in the United States, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 4025 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to improve teacher recruitment and retention in under-resourced and underserved communities across the United States. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the information provided, the bill's focus is on supporting educator preparation programs and keeping quality teachers in schools serving disadvantaged areas—communities that typically struggle to attract and keep experienced educators. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit students in under-resourced schools and underserved communities, as well as educators working in or considering careers in these areas. It could also impact teacher training programs and schools of education nationwide. **Current Status:** S 4025 was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Without more detailed legislative text available, the specific mechanisms—such as whether it provides funding, loan forgiveness, incentives, or other supports—cannot be determined from this summary.
A bill to increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the transmission of HIV.
# Summary of S. 3990: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Access Bill **What the Bill Would Do** S. 3990 aims to make pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) more accessible to people at risk of HIV infection. PrEP is a preventive medication that, when taken regularly, significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. The bill would work to remove barriers to obtaining and affording this medication, though the specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily benefit people at higher risk of HIV exposure, including gay and bisexual men, transgender individuals, healthcare workers, and others who may benefit from preventive treatment. It could also affect healthcare providers, insurance companies, and public health programs that cover or administer PrEP. **Current Status** As of now, S. 3990 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) in the 119th Congress. Before becoming law, it would need to pass committee review, Senate floor votes, pass the House, and receive presidential approval.
A bill to increase the Federal operating share for rural transit, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 3978 **What the Bill Does:** This bill would increase the amount of federal funding that covers operating costs for public transportation systems in rural areas. Currently, the federal government pays a certain percentage of rural transit expenses, and this bill would raise that percentage. The legislation also includes unspecified additional provisions ("and for other purposes"), though the details aren't outlined in the available information. **Who It Affects:** Rural communities and their public transportation systems would be the primary beneficiaries. This includes small towns and counties that operate bus services and other transit options, as well as the residents who depend on these services for getting around—often including elderly people, low-income individuals, and those without personal vehicles. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it's still in the early legislative stage. It was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) but has not yet advanced to a floor vote in the Senate. No specific timeline for action has been announced.
Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act of 2026
# Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act of 2026 would require the federal government to better assess and disclose the financial risks that climate change poses to the economy. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, legislation of this type typically aims to make financial institutions, insurance companies, and government agencies more transparent about how climate-related events (like extreme weather, flooding, or droughts) could affect their operations and investments. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily affect financial institutions, insurance companies, and federal agencies that manage investments or assess risk. It could also indirectly impact investors and consumers by requiring more disclosure about climate-related financial exposure. As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet advanced to a floor vote in the Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota).
Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025
# Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to improve lung cancer research, screening, and prevention specifically focused on women's health. If passed, it would likely fund studies on why lung cancer affects women differently than men, expand access to lung cancer screening services for women, and support preventive health programs. The bill addresses the fact that lung cancer is a leading cancer killer among women, yet research has historically focused more on men, particularly smokers—even though many women who develop lung cancer have never smoked. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects women at risk for lung cancer, healthcare providers, researchers, and the healthcare system broadly. It could influence insurance coverage requirements and federal health initiatives related to cancer screening and prevention. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and is currently in committee, meaning it's in the early legislative stage and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Committee members will review and potentially debate the proposal before deciding whether to advance it for further consideration.
A bill to accept the request to revoke the charter of incorporation of the Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota at the request of that Community, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 621 **What the Bill Does:** This bill would allow the Lower Sioux Indian Community, a federally recognized Native American tribe in Minnesota, to revoke its charter of incorporation. A charter is a legal document that establishes how an organization is structured and operates. By revoking it, the tribe would essentially dissolve this formal legal structure. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly affects the Lower Sioux Indian Community and its members. It would also have implications for how the tribe governs itself and manages its affairs at the federal level, since federally recognized tribes have special legal status under U.S. law. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the Senate and is moving through Congress. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) sponsored the legislation. The bill focuses on federal-Indian relations and appears to be a straightforward legal procedure that honors the tribe's own request to change its organizational structure.
Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025
# Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill transfers certain federal land in Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest to the Department of the Interior for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Specifically, it addresses land that was historically sold without the unanimous consent of the rightful Native American owners, according to Bureau of Indian Affairs records. To compensate, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will transfer these parcels to the tribe while replacing them with alternative federal forest land in the same county on an acre-for-acre basis. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill directly affects the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, a Native American tribe in Minnesota, and involves federal land management in Cass County. The Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior will coordinate the transfers. The bill prioritizes swapping in replacement land that is adjacent to or culturally important to the tribe whenever possible, and the transfers can happen gradually rather than all at once. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate and is now moving through the legislative process. As a relatively straightforward land-transfer measure addressing a historical grievance, it addresses federal obligations to Native American tribes regarding their land rights.
Housing for All Veterans Act of 2025
# Housing for All Veterans Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Housing for All Veterans Act of 2025 aims to address housing insecurity among military veterans by expanding federal programs and resources dedicated to veteran housing. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on increasing funding for affordable housing programs, supportive housing services, and assistance for homeless or at-risk veterans. **Who It Affects** This legislation primarily affects veterans—people who have served in the U.S. military—particularly those experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or financial hardship. It may also impact federal agencies responsible for veteran services, nonprofit organizations that work with veterans, and communities with significant veteran populations. **Current Status** The bill (S 3137) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and is currently in committee review, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Many bills introduced in committee don't advance further in the legislative process. *Note: Detailed provisions aren't publicly available yet. For more specific information about proposed programs or funding amounts, you can check Congress.gov or the bill's official text once it's released.*
A bill to amend the Act of June 22, 1948.
# Summary of S 638 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill proposes to amend a 1948 federal law, though the specific changes aren't detailed in the title alone. Based on its subject tags, the legislation appears to involve modifications to laws governing wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, and natural habitats, likely with a focus on Minnesota. Without access to the full text, the exact provisions—whether it expands protections, changes management rules, or adjusts boundaries—cannot be specified here. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact Minnesota and federal land management. Depending on its specific provisions, it could affect environmental groups, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, local communities near protected lands, conservation agencies (like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and potentially industries with interests in those areas. **Current Status:** S 638 is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full Senate floor vote. To understand the precise changes being proposed, you would need to review the bill's full text on Congress.gov, where you can also track any updates to its progress through the legislative process.
Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025
# Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 — Summary **What It Does** This bill would compensate federal contractors for back pay they give to employees affected by a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. If a shutdown occurs, federal agencies would be allowed to increase contract prices to reimburse contractors for the costs of paying workers who were furloughed (temporarily laid off), had reduced hours, or lost pay during the shutdown. The bill also covers restoring paid leave that employees used during the shutdown period. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects employees of federal contractors and the contractors themselves. Workers who lose income during government shutdowns would receive back pay from their employers, and those employers would be reimbursed by the federal government through higher contract payments. Taxpayers would indirectly be affected, as agencies would spend additional funds to cover these contract adjustments. **Current Status** The bill (S. 2963) was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It remains in early stages of the legislative process.
No Shame at School Act of 2025
# No Shame at School Act of 2025 Summary This bill, introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), aims to address student shaming and humiliation in schools. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, based on the title, the legislation would likely establish protections or guidelines to prevent students from being subjected to shame-based practices by school staff or peers. This could potentially cover issues like public discipline, body shaming, or other forms of humiliation in educational settings. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact K-12 students, school administrators, teachers, and school districts nationwide if passed. **Current Status:** As of now, S 2944 is in committee, meaning it's in the early legislative stage and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For specific details about the bill's exact provisions, you can search for the bill number on Congress.gov, which maintains the official text of all proposed legislation.
A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to carry out agriculture workforce training programs, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 2727 **What the Bill Does** S 2727 would provide federal grants to schools, colleges, and other eligible institutions to fund agriculture workforce training programs. The bill amends existing agricultural law to create or expand these educational initiatives, helping prepare workers for jobs in the farming and agricultural sectors. **Who It Affects** The bill would directly benefit educational institutions that offer agriculture training, students pursuing agricultural careers, and the agriculture industry seeking skilled workers. Farmers and agricultural businesses looking to hire trained employees could also benefit indirectly. **Current Status** As of now, S 2727 remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full Senate. This means it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and would need to advance through committee review and debate before a final vote could occur.
Restoring Essential Healthcare Act
# Restoring Essential Healthcare Act (S 2524) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Restoring Essential Healthcare Act is a proposed law currently being reviewed in the Senate. Unfortunately, detailed information about the specific provisions of this bill is not available in the information provided. To understand exactly what changes it would make to healthcare policy, you would need to consult the full text of the bill on Congress.gov or similar legislative tracking websites. **Current Status:** This bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Bills in committee can be debated, modified, or left to expire without further action. **Next Steps:** For a complete summary of who this bill affects and its specific provisions, I'd recommend visiting Congress.gov and searching for "S 2524" to review the actual legislative text and any available summaries prepared by the Congressional Research Service.
Medicaid Bump Act
# Medicaid Bump Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Medicaid Bump Act would increase federal funding for states' behavioral health services—such as mental health and substance abuse treatment. Specifically, it would boost the federal government's contribution (called the FMAP) for behavioral health expenses that have grown beyond March 2019 levels. The bill requires states to use this extra money to expand or improve existing mental health and addiction treatment programs rather than replace current state spending. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect states, which would receive increased federal reimbursement for behavioral health services, and patients who use mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. The federal government would bear a higher share of these costs, while states would be required to maintain their own funding levels. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S 2410) and has not been passed. It was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) in the 119th Congress.
Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025
# Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025 aims to create or expand "apprenticeship colleges" – educational institutions that combine traditional college coursework with hands-on apprenticeship training. If passed, the bill would provide federal support for schools that integrate classroom learning with paid work experience in skilled trades and other fields. This approach allows students to earn credentials and wages simultaneously while gaining practical job experience. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily benefit students seeking alternatives to traditional four-year colleges, workers looking to enter skilled trades, and employers needing trained workers. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, apprenticeship college models typically combine academic instruction with structured on-the-job training in fields like construction, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. The bill likely includes funding mechanisms and standards to support these hybrid educational programs. **Current Status** As of now, S 2028 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. The bill was sponsored by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). Further action would require committee approval and debate before it could proceed to broader congressional consideration.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025
# Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, a tax benefit that helps working families pay for childcare and care for elderly or disabled dependents. If passed, the bill would make this credit more generous, likely by increasing the amount of money families can claim or making it easier for more families to qualify. The exact details of the enhancements aren't specified in the available information, but the goal is to provide greater financial relief to families managing care expenses. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill primarily affects working families with children or dependents who need care while parents or guardians work. This includes families using daycare, preschools, summer camps, or in-home care providers, as well as those caring for aging or disabled family members. Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it's still in the early legislative stage and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) in the 119th Congress.
Expanding Access to Family Planning Act
# Expanding Access to Family Planning Act (S 1394) **What the Bill Does** This bill, sponsored by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), aims to expand access to family planning services across the United States. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the information provided, bills with this title typically focus on increasing funding, removing barriers, or expanding eligibility for reproductive health services like contraception, cancer screenings, and preventive care through programs like Medicaid and community health centers. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect low-income individuals and families who rely on federally funded health programs for family planning services. It could also impact healthcare providers, community health centers, and states that administer these programs. **Current Status** As of now, S 1394 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill has not advanced to a final vote in either chamber of Congress.
Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act
# Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act would permanently protect approximately 234,000 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota from new mining operations. If passed, it would ban new mineral leases and mining claims in this designated wilderness area. The bill also aims to withdraw federal lands in the region from future mining activities, providing long-term protection for the ecosystem. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact Minnesota's Boundary Waters region and stakeholders with competing interests: environmental groups and outdoor recreation advocates who want to preserve the area, and mining companies or mineral extraction interests that might want to operate in the region. Local communities that depend on tourism and outdoor recreation could benefit from the protections. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) sponsors the legislation. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process, and no further action has been taken at this time.
Tax Fairness for Workers Act
# Tax Fairness for Workers Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Tax Fairness for Workers Act (S 1286) would modify how the federal government taxes workers' income. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill's title suggests it aims to adjust tax rules to benefit workers, potentially by closing tax loopholes, adjusting tax rates, or changing how certain types of worker income are taxed. **Who It Affects & Current Status** This bill would directly impact American workers and potentially their employers. It's currently in the committee review stage, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. As a newly introduced bill in the 119th Congress, it's still in early stages and would need committee approval, Senate passage, and House approval before becoming law. *Note: The specific provisions of this bill aren't publicly detailed in the source material provided, so a more detailed summary of exact tax changes isn't available. You may want to check Congress.gov for the full bill text and official summary for complete details.*
Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025
# Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 is a proposed law that would modify how the federal government provides housing assistance to people in rural areas. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to improve or streamline the Rural Housing Service (RHS), a USDA program that helps rural residents obtain loans and grants for home purchases, repairs, and rentals. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect rural Americans seeking affordable housing and the rural communities they live in. It could also impact lenders, local housing authorities, and USDA staff who administer housing programs. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 1260) is in committee, meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). Without access to the bill's specific provisions, a detailed summary of what changes it proposes cannot be provided at this time.
New Producer Economic Security Act
# New Producer Economic Security Act – Summary **What it does:** This bill would create a new federal program called the New Producer Economic Security Program within the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The program would distribute grants and funding to organizations like state governments, nonprofits, and colleges to help new and disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and forest owners get started. The assistance could help these individuals buy land, clear up property ownership issues (especially inherited land), and improve or fix up their property and water systems. **Who it affects:** The program targets "new" farmers and ranchers (those with 10 years or less of experience), economically disadvantaged agricultural workers, and forest owners. It explicitly excludes foreign-owned businesses from receiving assistance. The grants would go through intermediary organizations rather than directly to individuals. **Current status:** The bill (S 1237) is sponsored by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It has not yet passed.
Stop Comstock Act
# Stop Comstock Act Summary **What It Would Do:** The Stop Comstock Act would limit the application of a 19th-century federal law (the Comstock Act) that currently restricts the mailing of certain items and medications. Specifically, the bill would clarify that the Comstock Act cannot be used to prohibit the mailing of FDA-approved medications used for abortion or miscarriage care. This is a direct response to renewed legal efforts to enforce the Comstock Act against abortion-related medications. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect healthcare providers, patients seeking reproductive care, and mail services. It would impact anyone who receives or mails FDA-approved medications for abortion or pregnancy-related care. The bill also addresses concerns among medical professionals and reproductive health organizations about legal uncertainty surrounding medication distribution. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 951) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process with no current path to a floor vote.
Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act of 2025
# Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would allow public transportation authorities (like city bus systems) to use federal public transportation grants to pay up to 20% of a bus purchase upfront, without needing special government approval or requiring the bus manufacturer to post a financial guarantee. Currently, these advance payments typically require extra paperwork and approvals. The bill would streamline this process for transit agencies that have already signed contracts with bus manufacturers. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects state and local transit authorities that operate bus systems and receive federal transportation funding. It could also benefit bus manufacturers by allowing them to receive partial payments earlier in the purchasing process. Riders and taxpayers would be indirect beneficiaries if the streamlined process helps transit systems modernize their fleets more quickly or cost-effectively. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 660) was introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
Job Protection Act
# Job Protection Act Summary The Job Protection Act (S 408) is a bill currently being reviewed in the Senate that focuses on employment-related protections and benefits. Based on its subject classifications, the bill addresses employee leave policies, pension and benefits protections, and compensation matters for government workers. The specific details of what protections it would create are not provided in the available information, but these categories suggest it deals with job security, time-off rights, retirement savings, and federal employee compensation. If passed, this bill would affect federal government employees and potentially other workers, depending on its final provisions. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) is the sponsor. Since the bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process, any specific provisions have not yet been finalized or made public in detail. To understand exactly what protections the bill would establish, interested parties would need to review the full legislative text.