Sen. Christopher Murphy

Maddy summarySCONRES 20 is a symbolic U.S. Senate concurrent resolution recognizing Chile's pro-democracy movement for ending the Pinochet dictatorship and restoring civilian government. It expresses U.S. regret for historical U.S. involvement in destabilizing Chile's democracy, including CIA activities supporting the 1973 coup and Pinochet regime. The resolution specifically calls for declassifying U.S. records related to the 1973 coup and its aftermath, marking the 50th anniversary of the event. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any group, but affirms shared democratic values with Chile.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to create clear anti-harassment policies covering harassment based on race, sex, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics. These policies must specifically prohibit harassment occurring online (via emails, social media, or institutional networks), on campus, in dorms, and during school-sponsored activities. It also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund campus prevention programs, counseling services, and training for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. The law adds these requirements to existing federal protections under Title IX and the Civil Rights Act, without replacing them.

Maddy summarySRES 353 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week of September 16-23, 2023, as "National Estuaries Week." It expresses the Senate’s support for raising public awareness about the ecological and economic importance of estuaries. The resolution highlights estuaries’ role in supporting jobs, economic output, and critical habitats, while acknowledging threats like pollution and habitat loss. This procedural resolution has no direct regulatory or funding impact - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of estuaries’ value.

Maddy summarySRES 351 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating September 25, 2023, as "National Lobster Day." It formally recognizes the cultural, economic, and culinary significance of lobster in the United States, highlighting its role in coastal communities, sustainability efforts, and traditions. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day through activities but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. It directly affects no specific group or industry, serving only as a symbolic acknowledgment. This procedural resolution was introduced by Senators King, Collins, Shaheen, and others and adopted by the Senate on September 19, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow eligible voters to register or update their registration at polling places on election day for federal elections, starting with the November 2024 general election. It mandates that polling places provide the necessary forms for registration or changes, directly affecting voters and state election systems. States already without voter registration requirements for federal elections are exempt. The law includes a phased implementation for states needing time, requiring at least one compliant location per 15,000 voters in each jurisdiction before November 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits states from automatically removing voters from registration lists due to factors like not voting or not responding to mail. It requires states to use only objective evidence (such as death records or proof of permanent move out of state) for removals and mandates 48-hour notice to voters with reinstatement options. Voters who move within a state can update their address through election day to vote at their new location. The law directly affects registered voters and election officials who must implement these verification and notice requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Schedules That Work Act requires employers in retail, food service, hospitality, and cleaning industries to provide 14 days' advance notice of work schedules and pay predictability pay for last-minute changes. It gives eligible nonexempt workers the right to request schedule adjustments for family care, health needs, education, or second jobs, with employers required to grant these requests unless they have a bona fide business reason for denial. The law applies to covered employers with 15 or more workers and prohibits retaliation against employees who exercise these rights. The legislation aims to address widespread issues with unpredictable scheduling that disproportionately affect low-wage workers, particularly women and people of color, by providing greater schedule stability and control.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy at Home Act of 2023 establishes new federal standards to address indoor residential mold in federally assisted housing. It requires an interagency study on mold health impacts, creates model standards for mold prevention and remediation, and mandates improved inspections for properties receiving federal housing assistance. Property owners must meet these new health and safety standards, with penalties including denial of tax depreciation deductions for non-compliant properties. The bill also creates preservation grants for housing improvements, requires HUD to map mold-affected areas, and establishes a public education campaign about mold hazards and tenant rights.

Maddy summaryThe Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023 provides fertility treatment and counseling services to active duty military members and veterans with infertility conditions, along with adoption assistance for veterans. It requires the Department of Defense to establish fertility preservation procedures before deployment or hazardous assignments, including cryopreservation and storage of reproductive genetic material at no cost to service members. The bill ensures these services are provided without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status, with specific limits on in vitro fertilization (three completed oocyte retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines). It creates coordination between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure seamless transitions of care and adds adoption assistance with a limit of three covered adoptions. The legislation specifically covers veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting reproductive health, such as spinal cord injuries, military sexual trauma, or certain mental health conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates grants to fund partnerships between Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) and local schools with high Hispanic/Latino student enrollment. It directly affects Hispanic and Latino students in K-12 schools where 25%+ of students are Hispanic/Latino and 50%+ meet poverty measures, aiming to improve their college readiness and success. Key mechanisms include funding for activities like aligning high school courses with college requirements, providing college application support, addressing non-academic barriers (childcare, housing), and developing teacher pipeline programs. The bill authorizes $150 million for fiscal year 2024 and subsequent years to support these collaborations and track outcomes by student demographics.