Rep. Jahana Hayes

Maddy summaryThe Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Gun Violence Prevention and Public Safety Database Act of 2026 directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a publicly accessible online database containing research on gun violence in the United States. To be included, studies must meet specific criteria such as presenting original analysis, describing their data sources and methods, and being published in peer-reviewed journals or by government agencies. The database will draw on existing federal health and safety systems and must be updated every six months, while the bill also authorizes $5 million annually through 2030 to fund this research and database maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to help states and school districts establish two-year mentoring and induction programs for new teachers and school leaders. The legislation aims to reduce teacher turnover and improve student learning by providing structured support, including experienced mentors, regular feedback, and collaboration time for educators in their first two years. Funds awarded under this act must be used to supplement existing resources, with a requirement that mentors receive additional compensation or reduced workloads for their participation. The program prioritizes schools with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students and those facing high rates of new teacher turnover, while also offering specific support for rural areas and underrepresented groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new partnership program to coordinate conservation efforts across the five-state Connecticut River watershed, involving federal, state, tribal, and local groups. It creates a voluntary grant system that provides up to 90 percent federal funding for projects focused on restoring fish and wildlife habitats, improving water quality, and supporting environmental justice communities. The legislation also mandates regular reporting to Congress and authorizes funding from 2026 to 2030 to support these restoration activities.

Maddy summaryThe HEAR Act of 2026 makes it illegal for most people to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess firearm silencers and mufflers. The law allows exceptions for law enforcement officers, campus security personnel, nuclear facility employees, and licensed manufacturers conducting authorized testing. To help individuals comply with the new restrictions, the bill requires the Attorney General to create a nationwide buy-back program that pays people who surrender their silencers. These changes would take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to improve special education services for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. It requires states to identify these students regardless of how they are currently classified, ensuring they receive specialized instruction in their primary language and access to qualified professionals. Key provisions mandate that state plans include specific strategies for language development, Braille instruction, and the use of assistive technologies, while also establishing a new national center to support research and training for educators of students with visual disabilities. Additionally, the legislation clarifies definitions for deafblindness and interveners, updates data reporting requirements to track these populations more accurately, and ensures early intervention services are delivered in natural environments to support language and communication milestones.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The bill calls on the public to wear orange on the designated day to honor victims and promote awareness of gun safety. It highlights statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries to underscore the need for community discussions on making neighborhoods safer.

Maddy summaryThe Gig Is Up Act requires large companies with over $100 million in annual revenue and at least 10,000 independent contractors to withhold taxes from payments made to these workers. This provision treats the earnings of these specific contractors as wages for Social Security purposes, effectively doubling the employer's portion of the tax on their behalf. The law applies to payments made after December 31, 2026, and includes rules for grouping related businesses together to determine if they meet the size thresholds.

Maddy summaryH.Con.Res. 107 is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes the importance of reducing gun violence and strengthening public safety as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies, but instead expresses Congress's commitment to these goals and honors the lives lost to gun violence. It acknowledges the efforts of community leaders, law enforcement, and advocates while calling for continued support of victim services and data collection initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe Celiac Safety Act of 2026 officially classifies gluten-containing grains as a major food allergen under federal law, directly impacting the food industry and individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. This change requires manufacturers to label products containing wheat, rye, barley, or their crossbred hybrids with the same prominence as other major allergens like milk. The new labeling requirements will not take effect until 18 months after the law is enacted, giving businesses time to adjust their packaging and production processes.