Rep. Scott H. Peters

Maddy summaryThe Workforce Mobility Act of 2023 bans most noncompete agreements in the U.S., directly affecting workers covered by such contracts (estimated at 1 in 5 workers). It prohibits employers from enforcing noncompete clauses that restrict workers from changing jobs, moving geographically, or working in similar roles after leaving a job. Key exceptions allow noncompetes for business sales (with geographic limits), partnership dissolutions, and senior executives with severance agreements (limited to one year). The bill preserves trade secret protections and mandates FTC/Labor Department enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and private lawsuits for violations.

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring payment from a veteran for any contraceptive item that is required to be covered by health insurance plans without a cost-sharing requirement.

Maddy summaryHR 927, the Supreme Court Ethics Act, establishes new ethics rules and oversight for Supreme Court justices. It requires the Judicial Conference to create a binding code of conduct within one year and mandates the appointment of an Ethics Investigations Counsel to receive public complaints, investigate potential violations, and issue annual public reports. The bill also requires justices to publicly disclose their reasons for recusing themselves or denying recusal motions in cases. These provisions directly affect Supreme Court justices by creating a formal process for handling ethics concerns and increasing transparency around their conduct.

Maddy summaryHR 961, the Pell to Grad Act, extends the period students can receive Federal Pell Grants from 12 to 16 semesters. It specifically allows students who completed their first undergraduate degree with Pell Grant funding (for at least 1 but fewer than 16 semesters) to continue using Pell Grants for a subsequent postbaccalaureate program at an eligible institution. The bill modifies the Higher Education Act to include this extension, requiring students to have exhausted their initial undergraduate eligibility but still meet duration limits. This change directly affects students pursuing postbaccalaureate credentials like teaching certification or medical preparatory programs after earning their bachelor's degree.

This resolution condemns Iranian state-sponsored terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and officials and Iranian dissidents. The resolution also expresses support for the people of Iran who are legitimately defending their rights for freedom against repression and condemns the killing of Iranian protesters by the Iranian regime.

Maddy summaryHR 765, the African American History Act, authorizes $2 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and programs about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create accessible teaching materials, support teacher professional development, and expand digital content for schools and the public, focusing on contributions, civil rights, and historical contexts. It requires annual reports to Congress and expires in 2028. The program directly supports educators, students, and families in learning about African American history through museums, schools, and online platforms.

Maddy summaryHR 715, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2023, requires background checks for all firearm transfers between private individuals, not just those through licensed dealers. It mandates that unlicensed sellers must involve a licensed dealer to conduct a background check before transferring a firearm, with exceptions for family transfers (like spouses or parents/children), law enforcement, temporary safety transfers, and certain hunting or range activities. The bill also requires licensed dealers to provide a notice and certification form in both English and Spanish to buyers. It explicitly states it won't create a national gun registry or override state laws on the same topic. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 660, "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals prohibited from owning firearms under federal/state law reside to store firearms securely. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a minor or prohibited person could access the firearm, with fines of $500 per violation and enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death occurs. The bill also establishes a federal grant program to help states implement similar secure storage laws and provides funding incentives for states that already have such laws in place.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide cash awards of up to 10% of an employee's base pay to staff who maintain proficiency in languages critical to the DEA's mission or use foreign languages in official duties. It directly affects DEA employees with relevant language skills, incentivizing retention and recruitment for language-dependent operations. The award program would operate under regulations set by the DEA Administrator, with no requirement for employee performance evaluations. The policy change aims to support the agency's law enforcement capabilities through language expertise.

Maddy summaryHR 582, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, changes the required meeting frequency for boards of directors at federal credit unions. It replaces a simple "monthly" requirement with tiered schedules based on each credit union's performance rating under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System. Top-rated credit unions (ratings 1 or 2) must meet at least six times yearly, with one meeting per fiscal quarter. Lower-rated credit unions (ratings 3, 4, or 5) must meet monthly, and new credit unions must meet monthly for their first five years. This directly affects all federal credit unions by adjusting their board meeting obligations based on their regulatory rating.