Rep. Kevin Kiley

Maddy summaryHR 7525, the Special District Grant Accessibility Act, requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance within 180 days clarifying how federal agencies recognize "special districts" as eligible recipients of federal grants. Special districts - state-created local entities like water districts or fire protection authorities that perform specific government functions - would directly benefit by gaining clearer pathways to access federal funding. Agencies must implement this guidance within one year and report on compliance to Congress within two years. The bill focuses on standardizing agency procedures, not creating new programs or altering grant eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThe SHIELD Act of 2024 makes it a federal crime to knowingly distribute non-consensual intimate images of adults (e.g., photos showing genitals, pubic area, or female nipples without privacy expectations) or nude images of minors with intent to harm, abuse, or degrade. It directly affects individuals whose intimate images are shared without consent and those distributing such content, including social media platforms under specific conditions. Key provisions criminalize distribution causing psychological, financial, or reputational harm, with penalties up to 3 years in prison for minor-related cases and 2 years for adult cases, plus asset forfeiture. Exceptions cover law enforcement, legal reporting, medical/educational use, and platforms that don’t actively promote such content.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Commercial Space Transportation Administration within the Department of Transportation to oversee and accelerate commercial space launches and reentries. It transfers authority currently held by the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation to this new agency, with $50 million annually allocated (75% reserved for faster license processing). The bill also establishes a Launch and Reentry Working Group - including industry representatives and government officials - to develop safety standards for space operations and streamline approvals. These changes directly affect commercial space companies seeking launch licenses and the federal agencies managing space activities.

Maddy summaryHR 10310, the Free Speech Protection Act, creates a legal process to quickly dismiss "strategic lawsuits against public participation" (SLAPPs) - frivolous lawsuits meant to silence individuals speaking on public issues. It allows defendants to file a "special motion to dismiss" within 60 days of a lawsuit, requiring courts to rule within 90 days if the case involves constitutional speech on matters of public concern (like politics, health, or community safety). If the motion succeeds, defendants automatically recover legal fees unless the court finds it unreasonable. The law excludes commercial disputes, government actions in official capacity, and certain employment or whistleblower claims. It directly affects journalists, activists, and community members targeted by lawsuits over public discourse.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows states and tribal governments to opt for a lump sum payment instead of standard FEMA disaster aid for small disasters. Specifically, governors or tribal leaders can request 80% of the estimated damages (capped at $10 million) for disasters eligible under FEMA's Public Assistance Program, bypassing the usual reimbursement process. Funds must be used for recovery by the state or tribe, with no adjustment for actual costs later. States cannot also claim additional aid for the same disaster, and they must report expenses to FEMA. It directly affects state and tribal governments handling small-scale disasters under $10 million in eligible damages.

Maddy summaryThe MALDEN Act (HR 6435) updates disaster aid rules for rural areas impacted by wildfires. It requires FEMA to coordinate with state or tribal emergency agencies to help rural communities develop recovery teams, specifically focusing on preventing secondary disasters like mudslides or flooding after wildfires and identifying resources for both immediate and long-term recovery. The bill also mandates that if individual aid is denied under Section 408, FEMA must make case workers available to affected residents in coordination with state or tribal agencies. This directly affects rural communities in wildfire zones by changing how recovery assistance is organized and delivered.

Maddy summaryHR 9151 establishes a new Department of Justice task force within 120 days to investigate and prosecute international trade crimes like tariff evasion, smuggling, and trade-based money laundering. The task force will hire specialized prosecutors, coordinate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security, and focus on violations under specific U.S. Code sections including smuggling (18 U.S.C. 545) and fraud (18 U.S.C. 1001). It authorizes $20 million for fiscal year 2025, with 80% dedicated to criminal prosecutions, and requires annual congressional reports detailing case statistics, funding use, and future needs. The bill directly affects importers/exporters engaging in trade violations and DOJ agencies handling cross-border enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges receiving federal student aid (Title IV funds) to annually certify they won't engage in "nonexpressive commercial boycotts of Israel" - defined as commercial actions limiting business with Israel or entities there, excluding certain exceptions under existing law. Non-compliant institutions must be publicly listed by the Education Department within 7 business days after July 31 each year, and they lose eligibility for federal aid. The law directly affects any institution participating in federal student aid programs that fails to submit the required certification. It establishes a clear mechanism for tracking compliance through annual certifications and public transparency, without altering other federal aid rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill names the U.S. Postal Service building at 333 West Broadway in Anaheim, California, as the "Dr. William I. 'Bill' Kott Post Office Building." It requires all federal documents, maps, and references to update the building's official name to honor Dr. Kott, a former Anaheim physician and community leader. The change applies immediately to all government records and communications involving the facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 517 Seagaze Drive in Oceanside, California, as the "Charlesetta Reece Allen Post Office Building." It updates all federal references in laws, maps, regulations, and documents to use this new name for the facility. The bill has no policy impact beyond renaming the building and altering official references. It was signed into law on November 25, 2024.