Maddy summaryThe SAFE Banking Act of 2023 creates a legal safe harbor for financial institutions that provide services to state-sanctioned marijuana businesses and hemp-related legitimate businesses. It prevents federal banking regulators from taking adverse actions against depository institutions for serving these businesses solely because they operate within state-legal marijuana frameworks. The bill also ensures income from legal marijuana businesses can be considered for qualifying for federally backed mortgage loans and requires updated guidance for suspicious activity reporting related to these businesses. These provisions aim to address longstanding banking access barriers for businesses operating within state-legal marijuana and hemp industries.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies federal aviation regulations to improve wildfire suppression operations. It requires the FAA to clarify that firefighting aircraft in the restricted category may transport firefighters during wildfire missions and exempts these operations from standard noise regulations. The change directly affects wildfire response teams, aircraft operators, and communities at wildfire risk by enabling more flexible aircraft use during emergencies. The FAA must update specific documents (like FAA Order 8110.56) within 90 days of enactment to reflect these regulatory changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends full contraceptive coverage without out-of-pocket costs to military dependents and non-active duty service members under TRICARE. It amends TRICARE to eliminate cost-sharing for all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, related counseling, insertion/removal services, and sterilization procedures - aligning dependent coverage with existing active duty benefits under the Affordable Care Act. The bill also requires military medical facilities to provide comprehensive pregnancy prevention information and emergency contraception access to sexual assault survivors, and mandates standardized family planning education for all service members on topics like contraceptive options and confidentiality. These changes directly affect over 700,000 female spouses/dependents and transgender military families covered by TRICARE who currently face cost barriers.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 119 recognizes the 202nd anniversary of Greece's independence (celebrated March 25, 2023) and celebrates the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The resolution highlights historical ties, including U.S. support during Greece's 1821 independence struggle, Greece's role in World War II, and its current status as a U.S. NATO ally. It also commends Greece's contributions to global security and its support for Ukraine's sovereignty following Russia's invasion. This procedural resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to strengthen bilateral relations without enacting new laws.
Maddy summaryThe MOBILE Act requires airlines to publish cargo hold dimensions on their websites and offer refunds if a passenger's wheelchair (including powered models) cannot fit in cargo. It mandates the Transportation Secretary to track and report on wheelchair mishandling data (like damage or loss) and create a strategic roadmap for testing in-cabin wheelchair systems. The bill also directs a study on the feasibility of accommodating wheelchairs in main cabin seating, assessing costs, demand, and safety impacts. This directly affects travelers with mobility devices who rely on air travel and airlines operating domestic and international flights.
Maddy summaryThe Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2023 changes the tax treatment for certain payments received by nurses in the Nurse Corps program. It makes payments and scholarships under the Public Health Service Act's Section 846 tax-exempt, aligning them with similar benefits under other programs. This directly affects nurses participating in the Nurse Corps who receive these specific educational or service payments. The change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.
Maddy summarySJRES 4 is a joint resolution that removes the 1972 deadline for states to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was originally proposed in House Joint Resolution 208. It declares that the ERA is valid as part of the U.S. Constitution if ratified by three-fourths of states (38), regardless of the expired deadline. The resolution directly affects the ERA ratification process, making it possible for states to complete ratification without time constraints. As of 2023, 38 states had already ratified the ERA, and this resolution would finalize its inclusion in the Constitution if enacted.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a strategy for building an integrated maritime security capability in the Middle East, focusing on protecting allies from Iranian naval threats, piracy, and extremist groups. It mandates a 60-day strategy report to Congress detailing threat assessments, existing partnerships (like Combined Maritime Forces), efforts to integrate Israel, and intelligence coordination gaps. The bill also directs a 90-day feasibility study on funding this capability through contributions from Middle Eastern allies. The strategy and study directly affect U.S. military operations in the region and partner nations' security cooperation with the U.S. Navy.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage, canceling policies, or increasing premiums for life, disability, or long-term care insurance solely because someone is a living organ donor, without considering actual health risks. It also updates the Family and Medical Leave Act to include recovery from organ donation surgery as a qualifying condition for leave for private-sector employees and federal workers. Additionally, the bill requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to update public educational materials about living organ donation within six months, covering benefits, risks, and the new insurance protections. These changes directly affect living organ donors, insurers, and employers who must comply with the updated leave and insurance rules.
Maddy summaryThe HELP Copays Act (S 1375) changes how health insurance plans calculate patient cost-sharing. It requires that discounts, financial assistance, or third-party payments (like drug manufacturer coupons) count toward a patient’s deductible, copayment, or out-of-pocket limit. This directly affects individuals enrolled in group or individual health insurance plans who receive such assistance. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act and Affordable Care Act to ensure these payments reduce the actual out-of-pocket costs patients face, rather than being treated as separate expenses.