Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

Maddy summaryThe SAFE TECH Act amends Section 230 of the Communications Act to modify online platforms' legal immunity for user-generated content. It directly affects platforms hosting user content by removing immunity when they accept payment to promote specific speech or create/fund content. Key changes include shifting the burden of proof to platforms in immunity defenses and adding exceptions for injunctive relief related to harmful material. The bill also explicitly preserves existing protections under civil rights, antitrust, and anti-harassment laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires background checks for most private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals by mandating that such transfers occur through a licensed dealer. It directly affects unlicensed buyers and sellers of firearms who would otherwise transfer guns without checks, except for specific exceptions like family gifts, law enforcement transfers, temporary safety-related transfers, or transfers for hunting/shooting at designated locations. Key provisions include requiring licensed dealers to conduct background checks as if they were transferring the firearm themselves and adding a new requirement for written certification from the unlicensed transferee. The bill does not create a national gun registry and leaves state laws intact.

Maddy summaryThe DISCLOSE Act of 2023 requires organizations making campaign-related disbursements over $10,000 to disclose detailed information about their funding sources, including the names and addresses of major donors and the top 5 or 2 funders for political communications. It closes loopholes allowing foreign nationals to influence U.S. elections by prohibiting foreign contributions to ballot initiatives and requiring disclosure of foreign money in campaigns. The bill also mandates "stand by every ad" requirements, requiring political communications to include disclaimers identifying who paid for them and listing major funders. These provisions apply to corporations, labor organizations, and other groups making political expenditures, with the goal of increasing transparency in campaign finance.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a gold medal in honor of Constance Baker Motley, a pioneering civil rights lawyer and the first African-American woman appointed to a federal judgeship. The medal will be presented posthumously to her son, Joel Motley III, and niece, Constance Royster, by congressional leaders. The bill directs the U.S. Treasury to design and strike the medal (featuring Motley's image and name) and permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing Motley's legacy, not a policy change affecting public programs or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 5-year pilot program to reduce veteran suicide by improving transition support for service members leaving the military. It requires the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to provide a mandatory group module (covering suicide risk factors, resources, and firearm safety) and one-on-one counseling with VA social workers before discharge, including medical records transfer and referrals. The program will operate at 10+ military locations serving 300+ service members annually, with annual congressional reports assessing participation, activities, and outcomes. It directly affects service members transitioning to civilian life, particularly those at higher suicide risk, by connecting them to VA care and support services during a critical transition period.

Maddy summarySRES 67 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating February 2023 as "Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month" to recognize CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand careers. It does not create new policies or funding but expresses Senate support for CTE programs that connect students with workforce skills in fields like healthcare, technology, and construction. The resolution encourages educators and parents to promote CTE as a valuable educational pathway, referencing the 106th anniversary of the foundational Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 63) is a symbolic Senate measure formally celebrating Black History Month. It acknowledges the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history and society, recognizes the origins of Black History Month (beginning as Negro History Week in 1926), and encourages nationwide reflection on this history. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal Senate acknowledgment of the significance of Black History Month in February. It aims to honor the legacy of African American pioneers and promote learning about their impact on the nation.

Maddy summaryS 399, the "Saving the Civil Service Act," limits how federal agencies can move positions between the competitive service (where hiring is open and based on merit) and the excepted service (where hiring is more flexible). It restricts transferring positions to excepted service without meeting specific criteria, requires employee consent for any transfer between service types, and caps transfers during a presidential term at either 1% of an agency's workforce or five employees, whichever is greater. Agencies must also report all such transfers to Congress annually with justifications, and the Office of Personnel Management must issue implementing regulations within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This directly affects federal employees whose positions may be moved between service types and all federal agencies managing personnel transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to give individuals who were minors when their data was collected the right to request deletion of that information once they turn 13. It requires websites and online services directed at children (or those knowing they collected children's data) to: (1) clearly notify users how to request deletion, (2) delete all childhood data upon request, (3) provide written confirmation of deletion, and (4) only retain limited data for legal or safety reasons like court orders. The law directly affects online platforms collecting children's personal information, mandating new procedures for data deletion requests. It does not override parental consent given at the time of collection but allows individuals over 13 or their guardians to override it for deletion.

Maddy summaryS 325, the Supreme Court Ethics Act, establishes new ethics rules for Supreme Court justices and creates an enforcement mechanism. It requires the Judicial Conference to issue a binding code of conduct for justices within one year, followed by the appointment of an Ethics Investigations Counsel to handle public complaints about potential violations and conduct harming the Court's administration. The Counsel must investigate allegations, report annually on complaints, and disclose reasons for recusal or denial of recusal motions in public court records. This directly affects Supreme Court justices and the public's ability to monitor judicial conduct.