Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Maddy summaryHR 666, the Access to Counsel Act, requires U.S. immigration officers to provide certain travelers a meaningful opportunity to consult with legal counsel within one hour of starting secondary inspection at ports of entry. It directly affects travelers including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents returning from abroad, visa holders, refugees, and parolees seeking entry. Key provisions mandate phone access to counsel, allow advocates to present evidence to officers, and require in-person meetings when possible. Lawful permanent residents cannot abandon their status without first consulting a lawyer unless they waive this right in writing. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of most large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 15 rounds) for the general public, while exempting law enforcement officers (including campus security officers), retired officers, and certain licensed entities like nuclear facility security. It requires new magazines manufactured after enactment to have serial numbers and manufacturing dates, and allows federal grant funds to support buy-back programs for these devices. Existing owners of such magazines lawfully possessed before the law's enactment are exempt from the prohibition. The law applies to devices not already covered under current exemptions for law enforcement, nuclear security, and retired officers.

Wayne Ford Racial Impact Statement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the potential impact of proposed changes to federal criminal laws on minority populations (i.e., prepare minority impact assessments). Specifically, GAO must prepare a minority impact assessment for each bill or joint resolution that establishes or modifies a crime, criminal penalties, or pretrial, sentencing, or probation procedures, or that could otherwise affect the number of people who are federally incarcerated, and that is under the jurisdiction of specified congressional subcommittees. GAO must also prepare assessments for similar proposed rules. Assessments must include information relating to the fiscal and demographic impact of proposed changes on prisons, prison populations, and the criminal justice system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the U.S. Code to expand appeal rights for certain postal employees. It allows non-unionized postal workers in supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, administrative, or managerial roles (covered under the Executive and Administrative Schedule) to directly appeal personnel decisions to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Previously, these employees may have lacked this specific appeal path. The change clarifies their eligibility under Section 1005(a)(4)(A)(ii)(I) of Title 39, U.S. Code, ensuring they can seek MSPB review for employment-related disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide written proposals to supervisors' organizations 60 days before pay/benefit decisions expire or after new collective bargaining agreements are reached. It directly affects postal supervisors and managers covered by collective bargaining agreements regarding their pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits. The key mechanism establishes clear timelines for negotiations and mandates that any dispute resolution panel must issue a binding final decision within 15 days of receiving input from both parties. This aims to streamline the process for resolving pay and benefits disputes between the Postal Service and supervisory staff organizations.

Maddy summaryThe HEAL Act (HR 603) requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how public elementary and secondary schools teach about the Holocaust and related antisemitism. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teaching methods (like project-based learning), instructional materials, and assessment approaches across states and school districts. It specifically analyzes whether Holocaust education is mandatory, optional, or integrated across subjects, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention. The resulting report, due within 180 days of the study or three years after enactment, will inform Congress but does not change current school policies. This is a data-gathering measure, not a policy mandate.

Identifying Mass Shooters Act This bill requires the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to report to Congress on the content patterns used by mass shooters through online platforms and social media channels. Additionally, the bill directs the NIJ to solicit applications for research grants on any items for further study that are identified in the report. Finally, the bill requires the NIJ to submit findings and federal legislative recommendations to Congress.

Maddy summaryThe SPELL Act (HR 460) expands eligibility for federal teacher loan forgiveness under the Higher Education Act. It adds "English language education" to existing categories (like math, science, and special education), allowing teachers who work primarily with English learners or in bilingual/dual language programs to qualify. To qualify, teachers must be certified by their school to teach students matching their training and demonstrate subject-area teaching skills. This change directly affects educators in public or nonprofit K-12 schools serving English learners or bilingual students, applying to loans forgiven after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 475 creates a federal grant program to help state, tribal, and local governments protect witnesses in serious criminal cases. It authorizes $30 million annually (2024-2028) for competitive grants to fund witness protection programs targeting cases involving homicide, serious violent felonies, drug offenses, gangs, or organized crime. Grants are awarded based on criteria like witness intimidation rates, unprosecuted cases due to intimidation, and local crime statistics. Recipients must report on their programs, leading to the development and nationwide sharing of best practices for witness safety, relocation, and financial/housing assistance.

Maddy summaryHRES 49 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2023. It formally acknowledges Lunar New Year's origins in China over 4,000 years ago, its celebration across East and Southeast Asia (including the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese tradition and Year of the Cat in Vietnamese tradition), and its observance by millions of Asian Americans and others in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for Asian Americans and all global communities celebrating this holiday and extends well-wishes for a prosperous new year. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves to affirm cultural recognition.