Sen. Katie Boyd Britt

Maddy summaryThis bill allows timber landowners to claim a tax deduction for losses of uncut timber caused by disasters like fire, storms, insects, or drought. It sets a minimum deduction based on the pre-loss appraised value minus salvage value, requiring certified appraisals within one year (with an option to estimate initially). Crucially, landowners must reforest the affected area with hardwoods or softwoods within five years to maintain the deduction, or face recapture of the tax benefit. The provision applies only to timber held for business sale, not passive investments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers performing abortions to provide the same immediate medical care and hospital admission to any infant born alive during or after the procedure, as they would for any newborn. It mandates reporting of any failure to provide this care to law enforcement and imposes penalties including fines or up to 5 years in prison for violations. Women who undergo abortions may pursue civil lawsuits for damages, including compensation for physical/psychological harm and three times the abortion cost, if providers fail to comply. The law directly affects abortion providers, hospitals, and the women receiving abortion services.

Maddy summaryThe Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023 would require Congress to approve most major federal regulations before they take effect. Major rules, defined as those with significant economic impact (estimated at $100 million or more annually), would need a joint resolution of approval from both chambers within 70 days. Agencies would be required to submit detailed reports to Congress before rules take effect, including cost-benefit analyses, economic effects, and other relevant information. This would increase congressional oversight of the regulatory process, though it includes exceptions for national security, emergencies, and monetary policy rules.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 5) disapproves the District of Columbia Council’s approval of the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Act 24-640), which would have expanded voting rights for D.C. residents. It directly affects the D.C. law that was enacted by the District Council on November 21, 2022, and transmitted to Congress under the Home Rule Act. The resolution uses Congress’s statutory authority to block the D.C. law from taking effect by formally expressing disapproval. This is a procedural action, not a new policy, and does not create new voting rules itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all U.S. employers to use E-Verify, an electronic employment verification system, to check the work authorization of all new hires and existing employees. It mandates verification before hiring, with all employers required to comply within one year of enactment, and expands verification requirements to existing employees. The bill increases penalties for non-compliance, including higher civil fines (up to $25,000 per violation) and potential debarment from federal contracts for repeat violations. It also establishes a new Employer Compliance Inspection Center to standardize enforcement and improve accountability for employers who fail to verify employment eligibility.

Maddy summaryS 160, titled "Sarah's Law," amends immigration law to require mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with crimes causing death or serious bodily injury. It specifically applies to individuals who entered without inspection, held revoked visas, or fall under certain immigration categories. The bill also mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notify crime victims or their families about the alien's identity, immigration status, custody details, and removal efforts. This policy change directly affects non-citizens facing such charges and ensures victims receive ongoing case information.

Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act revises federal firearm regulations to eliminate separate restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. It redefines shotguns used for sporting purposes to avoid being classified as destructive devices and removes language that previously treated these weapons differently from other firearms. The bill also requires states to recognize federal compliance as meeting state registration requirements for these weapons and preempts state taxes or registration rules on them in interstate commerce. Finally, it mandates the federal government to destroy related ownership records within 365 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent government shutdowns by automatically continuing funding for most federal programs at the previous fiscal year's level if Congress fails to pass a full budget by the start of the new fiscal year. The automatic funding would continue in 14-day increments until a budget is enacted, with the government returning to normal funding levels once a budget is passed. During these automatic funding periods, government employees (including congressional staff) would face restrictions on travel, with limited exceptions for returning to Washington, D.C. or responding to national security events. The bill also establishes specific procedures for Congress to prioritize budget negotiations during these periods. This would affect the entire federal government and its operations during budget stalemates.

Maddy summaryThe Educational Choice for Children Act creates tax credits for individuals and corporations that contribute to scholarship organizations providing educational scholarships. Individuals can claim a credit up to 10% of their adjusted gross income or $5,000, while corporations can claim up to 5% of taxable income. Scholarships are available to students in households earning no more than 300% of the area median income and can be used for public or private school expenses, including religious schools. The bill establishes a $10 billion annual cap on total contributions with funds allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and requires scholarship organizations to verify student income and distribute scholarships to multiple students. It also prohibits government control over scholarship organizations and schools, ensuring maximum freedom for these organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the FDA from approving new abortion drugs and restricts existing approved drugs to in-person administration by certified healthcare providers. It requires providers to be certified in pregnancy assessment, ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, and emergency care capabilities, and mandates that drugs can only be dispensed in clinics, offices, or hospitals. The bill also imposes new reporting requirements for adverse events (like hospitalizations or severe infections) and requires providers to document risks to patients before prescribing. These provisions apply to all drugs defined as "abortion drugs" under the bill, which includes any substance intended to terminate pregnancy (excluding specific medical exceptions).