Rep. Brittany Pettersen

Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2023 This bill modifies the above-the-line tax deduction for the expenses of performing artists (including commissions paid to managers or agents) to provide for a phaseout of such deduction for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000 ($200,000 for joint return filers). The $100,000 phaseout threshold is adjusted for inflation annually for taxable years beginning after 2023.

Raise the Age Act of 2023 This bill establishes new restrictions on the sale or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals under 21 years of age. Specifically, this bill makes it unlawful for a licensed gun dealer, importer, manufacturer, or collector to sell or deliver a semiautomatic center-fire rifle or semiautomatic center-fire shotgun that has (or has the capacity to accept) an ammunition feeding device with a capacity of more than five rounds to an individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under age 21. The prohibition does not apply if the individual under age 21 is a full-time law enforcement officer or active-duty member of the Armed Forces. The bill also requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to report on the operation of its public access line, including a description of information sharing protocols and recommendations for improving such protocols.

Maddy summaryThe Right to Read Act of 2023 defines an "effective school library" as one with certified librarians, adequate resources, and support for digital and information literacy. It requires states and school districts to ensure all students, particularly those in under-resourced schools, have access to such libraries through new reporting requirements and funding mechanisms. The bill provides $500 million annually for literacy programs and mandates biennial data collection on school library resources. It also protects staff from liability for following right-to-read policies and requires school libraries to uphold First Amendment rights by providing diverse reading materials without political bias.

Maddy summaryHR 1343, the ITS Codification Act, establishes the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as the federal government's primary lab for spectrum research. It directs ITS to study radio signal behavior, test spectrum-sharing technologies between government and commercial users, and improve interference tolerance for federal systems. The bill also creates a new initiative to develop better emergency communication tools for locating people trapped in places like collapsed buildings or mines, requiring a report to Congress within 18 months. This directly affects federal agencies managing spectrum and commercial entities seeking access to spectrum resources.

Maddy summaryHR 1788, the "Goldie’s Act," strengthens USDA enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. It requires annual inspections of all regulated animal businesses (like dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors) and mandates immediate, humane confiscation of animals suffering due to violations, while prohibiting owners from destroying animals during this process. The bill increases civil penalties to $10,000 per violation, requires hearing panels including veterinarians, and mandates that penalties consider business size and violation severity. It also requires USDA to share violation records with local animal control within 24 hours.

Maddy summaryThe Military Family Nutrition Act of 2023 amends the Food and Nutrition Act to exclude a military member's basic housing allowance (BAH) from income calculations when determining eligibility for nutrition assistance programs like SNAP. This change directly affects military families who receive BAH as part of their housing benefit but currently have that allowance counted as income, potentially disqualifying them from food assistance. The key provision adds a specific exclusion for BAH paid to or on behalf of uniformed service members under Title 37, U.S. Code. As a result, military families will have their housing costs subtracted from their income for program eligibility, making it easier for them to qualify for nutrition support.

Maddy summaryHR 2802, the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act, requires colleges and universities to include suicide prevention contact information on student identification cards. Specifically, institutions must list the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and their campus mental health center on new ID cards. Schools that don't issue ID cards must post this information on their websites instead. The requirement takes effect one year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the CDC to collect and publicly share information about concussions and brain injuries affecting public safety officers (including police, firefighters, and emergency responders). It directs the CDC to update its website with this information and develop targeted resources for medical professionals, employers, mental health providers, and families. The CDC must also consult with these groups to ensure the information meets their needs and support the creation of model treatment guidelines through grants. The law aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for brain injuries in this workforce.

Maddy summaryHR 2771, the Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act of 2023, creates a central online system called the "Portal for Appraiser Credentialing and AMC Registration Information" to streamline licensing for appraisers and appraisal management companies (AMCs). The portal will handle license applications, renewals, background checks (via FBI access), fee payments, and education course tracking, connecting state licensing agencies with appraisers and AMCs. It directly affects appraisers, AMCs, and state licensing agencies by replacing fragmented state processes with a single, standardized system. The bill ensures states retain final authority over licensing decisions while using the portal for data sharing and administrative efficiency.

Maddy summaryHR 2753, the Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act of 2023, requires licensed firearm retailers, manufacturers, and importers to implement new safety protocols. It mandates annual training for employees on recognizing straw purchases, illegal transfers, and self-harm risks, including a 20-question exam with a 70% passing requirement. Retailers must display written protocols identifying red flags (like multiple purchases or accomplices) and maintain liability insurance covering negligent transfers, unless they certify selling fewer than 20 firearms annually. The law takes effect 545 days after enactment, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 or license suspension for violations.