Sen. Tina Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care and social service employers to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans for their employees. The plans must include risk assessments, hazard prevention measures, incident reporting procedures, and annual evaluations. Employers must provide specific training to employees, maintain incident records for 5 years, and protect employees from retaliation for reporting violence. The bill applies to hospitals, residential treatment facilities, clinics, and other covered facilities that provide health care or social services. It establishes specific definitions for types of workplace violence and requires employers to follow detailed safety protocols.

New Producer Economic Security Act This bill establishes the New Producer Economic Security Program within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide funding and grants to help new farmers, ranchers, and forest owners. Specifically, the FSA must make competitive grants to, enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide other capital support to eligible entities (e.g., state or local governments, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education). These entities must provide direct assistance to qualified farmers, ranchers, and forest owners (e.g., those who have not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 consecutive years or are economically disadvantaged). The bill specifically excludes from assistance any foreign-based or foreign-owned corporation. The direct assistance may include payments to qualified beneficiaries to acquire real property (including air rights and water rights), secure clear title on heirs' property, and improve or remediate land, water, and soil. Eligible entities may also use grants (1) to provide direct assistance to qualified beneficiaries in assessing, purchasing, acquiring, or retaining eligible land; (2) for activities designed to support farm establishment and long-term viability; and (3) to provide technical assistance. The FSA must establish a stakeholder committee, and in collaboration with the committee, develop a process for evaluating and selecting applications submitted by eligible entities. The stakeholder committee must include perspectives reflecting the complexity of the rural and urban U.S. agricultural landscapes and the wide variety of agricultural production models.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group health plans and individual health insurance plans to cover a full year's supply (up to 365 days) of contraceptives without any cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles), for any contraceptive already mandated by law. It directly affects individuals enrolled in these health plans who use prescribed contraceptives, ensuring they can access a full year's supply in one transaction. The key provision eliminates cost barriers for a 365-day supply, applying to all contraceptives covered under existing law. The requirement takes effect for plan years starting January 1, 2026, and includes a requirement for federal agencies to inform enrollees and providers about the new coverage rules.

Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.

Maddy summaryS 1243 (Paying a Fair Share Act of 2025) would impose an additional tax on high-income individuals, specifically those with adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million annually (adjusted for inflation), effective for taxable years after 2024. The tax equals 30% of income above the $1 million threshold, after accounting for certain deductions like charitable contributions and other existing taxes. This provision directly affects individuals earning over $1 million per year, with the income threshold automatically rising with inflation each year. The bill does not apply to corporations or estates/trusts under the defined rules.

Maddy summaryThe Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment Act creates a new income-driven repayment plan for federal student loan borrowers, replacing the current Pay As You Earn and Income Contingent Repayment plans. Under this plan, monthly payments are calculated as 5% of income above 250% of the federal poverty line (with a minimum $0 or $10 payment), and 50% of each payment reduces principal while interest accrues only on unpaid balances. Borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness after 120 payments (10 years) for undergraduate-only loans or 180 payments (15 years) for other eligible loans. The plan applies to borrowers with eligible federal loans and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySCONRES 11 is a non-binding concurrent resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility. It encourages the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, celebrates transgender achievements and leadership, and recognizes the community's efforts in advocating for equal dignity and respect. The resolution highlights ongoing challenges transgender people face, including discrimination in employment, healthcare, and public spaces, while affirming the importance of visibility and inclusion. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.

Maddy summarySJRES 43 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Congress and state governments to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and expenditures intended to influence elections. It would permit distinctions between individuals and corporations, including the potential prohibition of corporate spending in political campaigns. The amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press from being restricted by these regulations. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, this change would directly affect candidates, political committees, and organizations that spend money to influence elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to exclude certain loan repayment assistance from taxable income for veterinary students participating in qualifying programs. It specifically expands the exclusion to cover assistance provided under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 and similar state programs designed to increase veterinary access in rural areas. Veterinary students who receive this assistance through these designated programs will not owe income tax on the funds. The change applies to assistance received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.