Rep. Brittany Pettersen

Maddy summaryHCONRES 130 is a symbolic concurrent resolution commending state and local governments that treat reproductive rights as human rights following the *Dobbs* decision. It recognizes efforts by cities like Austin, Texas, and Montgomery County, Maryland, to expand abortion access and condemn criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. The resolution affirms that reproductive rights are human rights, urges states to repeal restrictive laws, and references U.S. obligations under international human rights treaties. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThe STOPP Act (HR 9790) amends the Controlled Substances Act to regulate tableting machines, encapsulating machines, and their critical parts, which can be used to illegally manufacture pills including opioids. It requires these machines to have permanent serial numbers, creates a registration system for manufacturers and distributors, and establishes a National Pill Press Registry maintained by the Attorney General. The law imposes penalties for violations like removing serial numbers, failing to register, or dealing in these machines without proper authorization. This bill directly affects businesses that produce, distribute, import, or export these machines, requiring them to register with the Attorney General and maintain detailed records of transactions. The registration system aims to prevent these machines from being diverted into illegal drug manufacturing operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires online dating platforms to notify users within 24 hours (with possible 3-day delay under specific circumstances) if they’ve interacted with a member recently banned for suspected fraud. Notifications must include the banned member’s identifier, a warning about potential scams, advice not to share money or financial details, and links to fraud prevention resources. Platforms gain liability protection for following these rules, and the Federal Trade Commission can enforce violations as deceptive practices. The law also prevents states from creating conflicting notification requirements, establishing a single national standard for this safety measure.

Maddy summaryHR 3433, the "Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024," requires pharmaceutical companies developing certain cancer drugs to conduct pediatric studies if the drugs target molecular pathways relevant to childhood cancers. It directly affects drug manufacturers submitting new applications for cancer treatments, particularly those combining previously approved adult cancer drugs or containing a single new active ingredient. The bill amends FDA regulations to mandate these pediatric investigations only when specific conditions are met, such as when a drug's molecular target is relevant to pediatric cancer growth. The FDA must issue implementing guidance within 12 months, and reports to Congress will track implementation and effectiveness starting 2 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to allow certain unpaid family caregivers to access IRA catch-up contribution rules. It defines a "qualified family caregiver" as someone who provided at least 500 hours of in-home care (for children or adults with special needs, including elderly adults) while working fewer than 500 hours in paid employment during the same year. Eligible individuals can then contribute more to their IRAs in the same way as people aged 50+, subject to a maximum 5-year total eligibility period. The change applies to taxable years starting after December 31, 2024, and relies on self-certification by caregivers.

Maddy summaryHR 9765, the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act of 2024, allows certain unpaid family caregivers to contribute to Roth IRAs at the standard annual limit. It directly affects unpaid caregivers who provided at least 500 hours of in-home care (e.g., bathing, meal prep, medication management) for a child or an adult with special needs (including elderly adults with age-related conditions) while working fewer than 500 hours paid during the year. The bill amends tax rules to treat these caregivers as if they meet the standard Roth IRA contribution income limits, enabling them to build retirement savings without being disqualified due to low paid employment. This change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new occupational category (code 31-1123) within the federal Standard Occupational Classification system specifically for direct support professionals (DSPs) who assist people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It directly affects DSPs, state agencies, and federal data collectors by reclassifying their work - currently grouped under home health aides - into a distinct category. The key mechanism is revising the SOC system to better track DSP workforce data, address high turnover rates (43% nationally), and recognize their unique role in promoting clients' independence and community inclusion. This change aims to improve data accuracy for addressing staffing challenges, without altering service delivery or benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the definition of "chronically homeless" under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to better support people in transitional housing. It changes how shelter time is counted - allowing either continuous shelter for one year or cumulative shelter for one year over three years - instead of requiring four separate stays. Crucially, it adds that individuals in transitional housing programs who've lived there fewer than 90 days remain considered chronically homeless if they met the prior criteria before entering the program. The bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to update federal regulations within 180 days to reflect these changes.

Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act (HR 7891) would require major online platforms (with high revenue or user numbers) to implement safety features for children and teens, including default protective settings, parental controls, and age verification. It would mandate platforms to report annually on risks to minors and their safety measures, and prohibit advertising harmful products (like tobacco, alcohol, or gambling) to minors. The bill directly affects social media platforms, online video games, and video streaming services that are used by minors, with the goal of preventing mental health harms, compulsive usage, and cyberbullying.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024 establishes a new advisory committee within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve accessibility for veterans and others with disabilities. The committee, composed of 15 voting members including veterans with disabilities, accessibility experts, VA staff, and veterans service organization representatives, will advise the VA Secretary on making services, facilities, information, and technology more accessible. It must meet at least twice yearly, assess accessibility barriers through reviews of complaints and facility assessments, and submit biennial reports to the VA Secretary and Congress detailing progress, unmet needs, and recommendations. These reports will guide the VA in complying with accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The committee will operate for 10 years from the bill’s enactment.