Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon

Maddy summaryThis bill changes rules for prescribing certain medications used to treat substance use disorders. It allows healthcare providers to use telehealth for the initial patient evaluation instead of requiring an in-person visit, but only for drugs approved by the FDA for addiction treatment (schedules III-V). The telehealth must meet specific standards, including real-time audio/video communication. This affects doctors and other practitioners who prescribe these medications for substance use disorders.

Maddy summaryEthan's Law requires gun owners to store firearms securely in homes where minors live or where residents are legally prohibited from owning guns. It makes it unlawful to leave firearms unsecured if a minor or ineligible person could access them, with fines of $500 per violation and harsher penalties if injury or death occurs. The bill creates a federal grant program to help states implement similar secure storage laws and treats unsafe storage as negligence in legal cases. It directly affects households with children or residents who cannot legally possess firearms, aiming to reduce accidental shootings and unauthorized access.

Maddy summaryHRES 160 designates January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month" to highlight the positive impact of mentoring relationships on young people. The resolution emphasizes how mentoring improves academic performance, mental health, career readiness, and social skills - particularly for underserved youth - and addresses the "mentoring gap" where one in three young people lacks a supportive adult outside their family. It calls for expanding mentoring programs in schools, communities, and workplaces without creating new laws or funding. As a symbolic resolution, it aims to raise public awareness and encourage participation in existing mentoring initiatives.

Maddy summaryHRES 154 is a symbolic resolution commemorating Ukraine's sacrifices 3 years after Russia's February 24, 2022, full-scale invasion. It condemns Russia's aggression, recognizes the human and material toll of the war (including civilian casualties and infrastructure damage), and reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but expresses congressional solidarity with Ukraine through ceremonial recognition and condemnation of Russian actions. It was introduced by Rep. Kaptur and co-sponsors on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHRES 159 is a symbolic resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week." It does not create new laws or allocate funds but aims to highlight the importance of public schools in communities. The resolution cites reasons such as public schools serving 90% of U.S. students, fostering critical thinking, and requiring equitable funding - though these are context, not policy changes. It directly affects public schools and their communities by raising awareness of their role in education. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct impact on school operations or funding.

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025 This bill provides continuing appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and benefits when there is a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. Under the bill, a  Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs when (1) a bill providing appropriations for the Coast Guard for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the beginning of that fiscal year, and no joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for the Coast Guard is in effect; and (2) a bill providing appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the fiscal year has been enacted before the beginning of the fiscal year, or a joint resolution providing continuing appropriation for DOD is in effect.  If a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs, the bill provides appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and allowances for military members of the Coast Guard who perform active service or inactive-duty training; pay and benefits for certain civilian employees and contract employees; the payment of a death gratuity; payments for travel related to funerals, the dignified transfer of remains, and unit memorial services; and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty. The bill generally provides the appropriations to the Coast Guard until the earlier of the enactment of specified Coast Guard appropriations legislation, the termination of the availability of appropriations for DOD, or two weeks after the beginning of the Coast Guard-specific funding lapse.

Maddy summaryHR 1456, the Gun Trafficker Detection Act, requires private firearm owners (non-licensed individuals) to report lost or stolen firearms to the Attorney General within 48 hours via a new web portal. It imposes civil penalties of up to $1,000 for first violations and $5,000 for repeat violations, and prohibits individuals with two or three penalty assessments from receiving firearms for 1 year or 5 years, respectively. The bill mandates law enforcement agencies to use 5% of crime grant funds to study lost/stolen firearm data collection and updates the National Instant Background Check System to include these new restrictions. It directly affects private gun owners and law enforcement agencies, focusing on reporting compliance and background check adjustments.

Maddy summaryHR 1457, the "IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act," requires the Social Security Administration to issue free federal identification cards within three years. These cards would be accepted as valid ID for the same purposes as state driver's licenses, including gender identity options (male, female, or X) chosen by the applicant. The bill establishes a process for applying via the U.S. Postal Service, with options for in-person service, online, or mail-in applications. It also mandates a public education campaign and special validity rules for minors (under 18) and seniors (65+), ensuring the ID remains valid without renewal after age 65.

Maddy summaryHR 1449, the Energy Resilient Communities Act, creates a federal grant program to fund clean energy microgrids that support critical community infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and emergency facilities. Eligible entities - including states, local governments, nonprofits, and tribal agencies - can apply for grants covering up to 90% of costs for technical assistance, community outreach, or microgrid projects in environmental justice communities. Key provisions prioritize projects that reduce emissions, lower energy costs for low-income residents, minimize land use impacts, and ensure 40% of construction labor comes from local residents meeting specific criteria (e.g., displaced workers, environmental justice community members). The program authorizes $1.5 billion over 10 years, with at least 10% reserved for community-owned microgrid projects, and requires annual reporting on project outcomes and labor practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require states to create a simplified process for out-of-state healthcare providers to join Medicaid and CHIP programs. Qualified providers (those already enrolled in Medicare or another state's program with low fraud risk) could enroll without excessive screening and would be approved for five years. It directly affects children under 21 enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP by expanding access to providers outside their state, particularly in underserved areas. The change applies to all states' Medicaid programs but takes effect three years after enactment.