Rep. Gregory W. Meeks

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 summaryHR 396, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, defines "bump stock" as any device or modification that increases the firing rate of a semi-automatic weapon to mimic a machine gun. The bill amends federal tax and firearms laws to classify bump stocks as prohibited devices under the National Firearms Act, requiring existing owners to register them within one year of enactment. It directly affects individuals who currently own bump stocks by mandating registration to avoid future possession prohibitions. The law takes effect immediately for new sales but provides a one-year grace period for existing owners to comply with registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 30 is a ceremonial House resolution recognizing two milestones: the 94th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth (January 15, 1929) and the 40th anniversary of the federal Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (observed January 16, 2023). It contains no policy changes or binding requirements, as it is purely commemorative. The resolution urges the House to observe both dates and encourages the public to honor Dr. King’s legacy and his vision of equality. It does not affect any individuals, groups, or government programs.

Maddy summaryHR 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act, would designate Rosa Parks Day as a legal public holiday for federal employees and government operations. The bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Rosa Parks Day" to the list of federal holidays, placing it after Thanksgiving Day. This change would require federal offices to close on this designated day, affecting federal employees and standard government operations. The bill does not create new programs or alter existing laws beyond the holiday designation.

This resolution condemns all acts of political violence, as well as attacks on health care facilities, health care personnel, and patients. The resolution also states that all people have the freedom to access reproductive health care services and medical advice without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Finally, the resolution calls on the Biden Administration to use all appropriate authorities to uphold public safety, protect health care facilities, and safeguard health care personnel and patients.

Public Housing Emergency Response Act This bill authorizes additional assistance from the Public Housing Capital Fund to public housing agencies (PHAs) based upon capital needs as determined by the PHA's most recent physical needs assessment. The physical needs assessment identifies work that a PHA would need to undertake to bring its units up to certain energy conservation standards and other standards.

Maddy summaryHR 52, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, promotes safe firearm storage through several concrete measures. It requires firearm manufacturers to include a "SAFE STORAGE SAVES LIVES" notice with each new handgun, rifle, or shotgun sold, directing buyers to the Attorney General’s public website with safe storage guidance. The bill also creates a federal grant program ($10 million annually) for states and tribes to develop public programs distributing safe storage devices (like locked containers or trigger locks), and establishes a tax credit for individuals purchasing such devices. These provisions directly affect firearm manufacturers, state/local governments, and the public seeking to secure firearms responsibly.

Maddy summaryHR 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, would admit Washington, D.C. as the 51st state, named "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth," granting its residents full representation in Congress with two Senators and one Representative. The bill establishes procedures for admission, including elections for state officials, with the state initially having one Representative until the next congressional apportionment. It would create a "Capital" area (including the White House, Capitol, and other key federal buildings) that remains under federal jurisdiction as the seat of the U.S. government, while the rest of the District becomes the new state. The bill also includes provisions to ensure continuity of federal services, property management, and legal procedures during the transition to statehood.

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.

American Music Fairness Act of 2022 This bill establishes that the copyright holder of a sound recording shall have the exclusive right to perform the sound recording through an audio transmission and addresses other related issues. (Currently, the public performance right only covers performances through a digital audio transmission in certain instances, which means that nonsubscription terrestrial radio stations generally do not have to secure a license to publicly perform a copyright-protected sound recording.) Under the bill, a nonsubscription broadcast transmission must have a license to publicly perform such sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board must periodically determine the royalty rates for such a license. When determining the rates, the board must base its decision on certain information presented by the parties, including the radio stations' effect on other streams of revenue related to the sound recordings. Terrestrial broadcast stations (and the owners of such stations) that fall below certain revenue thresholds may pay certain flat fees, instead of the board-established rate, for a license to publicly perform copyright-protected sound recordings.