Rep. Donald Norcross

Maddy summaryHRES 381 is a non-binding House resolution supporting National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2023. It aims to increase public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills - fake pills that mimic prescription medications and are linked to over 70,000 overdose deaths in 2021, including 80% of deaths among youth aged 14-23. The resolution encourages existing law enforcement efforts to combat counterfeit pills and acknowledges that only 48% of youth are aware fentanyl is used in these fake pills. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the need for greater awareness, particularly for young people vulnerable to these deadly substances.

Maddy summaryHR 3255, the Freight Rail Workforce Health and Safety Act, requires major freight railroads (Class I carriers) to provide employees with at least 7 days of paid sick leave annually. This includes leave for personal illness, family care, preventive medical visits, and situations related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Employees can carry over unused days to the next year, and railroads cannot require workers to find replacements before taking leave or penalize them for using it. The law prohibits retaliation, such as termination or demotion, for requesting or using sick leave, and ensures paid sick leave is separate from existing vacation or holiday time.

Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2023 amends the Horse Protection Act to ban specific devices used to cause pain (soring) in horses at shows, particularly affecting Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses. It defines prohibited "action devices" (like boots or chains causing friction) and requires licensed, conflict-free inspectors at events to enforce rules. The bill increases penalties for violations to up to $5,000 fines or 3 years in jail, and mandates longer disqualifications for repeat offenses (180 days → 1 year → 3 years). Horse show organizers, exhibitors, and participants must comply with these new inspection and penalty requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 384 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing support for designating May 2023 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It highlights that motorcycles are used by approximately 30 million Americans annually and emphasizes the importance of rider safety education, proper licensing, protective gear, and mutual awareness between motorcyclists and other road users. The resolution encourages all road users to share the road safely and recognizes motorcyclists' right to participate in transportation. It does not create new laws or regulations but aims to promote existing safety practices through public awareness. The resolution directly affects motorcyclists, drivers, and the broader public by encouraging safer road behavior during May 2023.

Maddy summaryThe RAISE Act of 2023 creates a new refundable tax credit for teachers and early childhood educators working in schools with high student poverty rates. The credit starts at $1,000, with additional amounts up to $14,000 (or $9,000 for early childhood educators without bachelor's degrees) based on the school's poverty ratio. The bill also increases the educator expense deduction from $250 to $500 and establishes mandatory funding for local schools that maintain or increase teacher salaries. These provisions directly affect K-12 teachers, early childhood educators, and their schools, with specific eligibility requirements and protections against employer retaliation regarding the credit.

Maddy summaryHR 3238, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023, updates the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program to increase the availability of affordable housing across the United States. The bill makes several key changes including increasing state funding formulas, modifying tenant eligibility rules to better serve vulnerable populations (such as domestic violence victims and students), and expanding credit eligibility for projects in rural and Native American communities. Specific provisions raise the credit for properties serving extremely low-income households, clarify rules around tenant income increases, and require housing providers to protect victims of domestic violence. The bill also updates terminology from "low-income" to "affordable" throughout the tax code and enhances program transparency through data sharing requirements. These changes aim to make the LIHTC program more effective at creating and preserving affordable housing units for low-income households nationwide.

Maddy summaryThe Invest to Protect Act of 2023 establishes a federal grant program for local law enforcement agencies with fewer than 200 officers (including counties, municipalities, and tribal governments) to fund training and support services. Grants cover de-escalation training, mental health resources, evidence-based safety training (such as handling domestic violence or mental health crises), and recruitment/retention incentives like signing bonuses, retention bonuses (up to 20% of salary), and stipends for graduate education in mental health or social work. The bill requires a streamlined grant application process (under two hours), public disclosure of bonus amounts, and annual audits to prevent misuse of funds.

Maddy summaryThe HELPER Act of 2023 creates a new FHA mortgage insurance program specifically for first responders and K-12 teachers. It allows eligible first-time homebuyers in these professions to secure mortgages with 100% financing (no down payment required) for purchasing or repairing a primary residence. To qualify, applicants must be employed as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, or K-12 teachers, have completed housing counseling, and meet specific employment history requirements (e.g., 4 years in the role or disability-related release). The program authorizes $660,000 for fiscal year 2024 and $160,000 annually through 2030, with authority expiring after 5 years.

Maddy summaryHRES 376 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' view that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) must maintain door-to-door delivery for all residential and business customers. It cites concerns that ending this service would disproportionately affect elderly and disabled individuals who rely on secure, convenient mail access for essential items like medications. The resolution notes that voluntary shifts to centralized pickup in 2013 affected only 0.8% of businesses, highlighting dependence on in-person delivery for security and revenue. It urges USPS to avoid reducing door delivery or requiring customers to pay for it.

Maddy summaryHRES 362 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing elementary and secondary school teachers' contributions to U.S. civic, cultural, and economic well-being. It specifically thanks teachers and encourages students, parents, school leaders, and officials to acknowledge National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12, 2023). The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely promotes public appreciation for the teaching profession through a formal expression of gratitude. It directly affects teachers by affirming their societal value but does not alter laws, funding, or educational standards.