Sen. James C. Justice

Maddy summaryS 2547 ("Kate's Law") increases penalties for non-citizens who enter the U.S. unlawfully or reenter after removal. It raises the mandatory prison term for aliens who enter without inspection (e.g., evading border checks) and later commit crimes punishable by over one year in prison from 2 to 5 years. For reentry offenses, it mandates minimum 10-year prison sentences for those convicted of serious crimes before removal, or who reenter after multiple removals or specific prior convictions. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing immigration enforcement actions under Sections 275 and 276 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a Department of Veterans Affairs transportation grant program to improve healthcare access for rural veterans. It expands eligibility to include tribal organizations and Native Hawaiian organizations, and increases grant amounts (up to $50,000, with a potential 50% increase for counties with five or more off-road communities) to cover transportation costs. The changes apply to grants for rural veterans needing transportation to healthcare services, particularly in areas with limited road access. Funding is adjusted from fixed annual amounts to "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2025-2029.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 342) is a symbolic gesture honoring small firearm manufacturers in the U.S., recognizing their economic contributions and role in recreational shooting traditions. It specifically designates August 2025 as "National Shooting Sports Month" and commends these businesses for supporting 380,000 jobs and $91 billion in annual economic output. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges small manufacturers’ role in preserving Second Amendment-related activities and outdoor culture. It is a commemorative statement with no binding policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers who relocate call centers outside the United States or contract call center work overseas to notify the Secretary of Labor 120 days in advance. It creates a public list of such employers and makes them ineligible for federal grants or guaranteed loans for five years. The bill also mandates that Federal agencies give preference to employers not on this list when awarding contracts and requires all call center work under Federal contracts to be performed within the United States. Additionally, businesses must disclose to customers if they're using artificial intelligence for customer service or if the agent is outside the U.S., and must transfer customers to a U.S.-based human agent upon request.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2449, "Recovery of Stolen Checks Act") allows taxpayers who have had paper tax refunds lost or stolen to elect receiving replacement refunds via direct deposit instead of a paper check. It amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the IRS to establish regulations within six months enabling this election process for eligible taxpayers. The key provision creates a new option for individuals needing replacement refunds for lost or stolen paper checks, shifting the method from physical mail to direct deposit. This directly affects taxpayers who previously received paper refunds but now face loss or theft. The bill focuses on streamlining the replacement process without changing tax rates or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens the federal 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration enforcement. It requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to approve state/local requests for 287(g) agreements unless there is a compelling reason to deny them, prohibits limiting the number of agreements, and prevents arbitrary termination of existing agreements without due process. The bill also mandates annual public reports tracking participation, outcomes (like arrests and removals), compliance with training standards, and reasons for any agreement terminations. Additionally, it clarifies funding for the program by adding 287(g) expenses to the Breached Bond/Detention Fund and requires DHS to establish uniform training standards aligned with federal law enforcement training.

Maddy summaryS 2413 would amend federal law to impose mandatory death or life imprisonment for first-degree murder and life imprisonment for second-degree murder committed by certain aliens. It directly affects non-citizens classified as "inadmissible" (e.g., due to past crimes) or "deportable" under specific immigration laws (sections 212(a)(6)(A), 212(a)(7), or 237(a)(1)(B)/(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). The bill adds new sentencing provisions to Title 18, requiring the harshest penalties for these specific murder cases regardless of the location within U.S. jurisdiction. This changes federal criminal sentencing for a defined group of aliens convicted of murder, without altering immigration enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryThe Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025 establishes a federal program to help states, tribes, territories, and local governments purchase food directly from small and mid-sized farmers, ranchers, and veterans within their communities. It requires eligible governments to spend at least 51% of funds on food from "covered producers" (including underserved farmers) within 400 miles of where food is delivered, prioritizing distribution to underserved communities with limited food access. The program allocates $200 million annually in mandatory funding, mandates 50% advance payment to governments for food purchases, and requires food safety training support for producers. This directly affects local food systems by expanding economic opportunities for small producers while increasing access to fresh, locally sourced food in schools and hunger relief programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain U.S. tax-exempt nonprofits receiving funding from governments or entities of specific "foreign countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea) to register as foreign agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. It mandates detailed reporting about foreign-funded activities, including copies of agreements or full statements of activities, and prohibits exemptions that normally apply to lobbying or humanitarian fundraising groups. The law directly affects nonprofits organized under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code that accept money or resources from these designated foreign governments or entities. Key provisions include defining "foreign country of concern" and specifying the exact information nonprofits must disclose to the government. The bill takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for businesses capturing methane from mining operations. It directly affects mining companies that install methane capture equipment at facilities meeting specific requirements, including capturing at least 2,500 metric tons of CO2e methane annually. The credit replaces the existing carbon capture tax credit under Section 45Q, paying per metric ton of captured methane instead of carbon dioxide, and applies to methane captured after December 31, 2024. Key provisions require methane to be used for energy (like heating or power) or injected into compliant pipelines without significant release, with equipment construction starting before January 1, 2036.