Maddy summaryHR 2899, the STOP Violence Act of 2023, adds $20 million in federal grants to help states, local governments, and nonprofits prepare public assembly facilities (like schools, malls, and event venues) for mass violence. The funds are specifically for providing compensation, training, and technical assistance to these facilities to enhance their safety measures against incidents such as active shooter attacks or targeted violence. The bill defines "mass violence" to include active shooter incidents (where someone uses a firearm to kill or attempt to kill in a crowded area) and targeted violence (where an assailant identifies a specific person, group, or institution before attacking). These grants aim to directly support facilities that host large gatherings of people, focusing on practical safety improvements.
Rep. Jahana Hayes
Sponsored bills
Secure Background Checks Act of 2023 This bill extends federal restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, and transportation of firearms and ammunition to two new categories of persons: persons who fail to meet the minimum age requirements imposed by federal law and by the law of their resident state; and persons who are out-of-state residents and do not qualify for an exception, such as the temporary loan or rental of a firearm for lawful sporting purposes. Additionally, the bill imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both—on an individual who ships, transports, or receives a firearm or ammunition while under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
End Gun Violence Act of 2023 This bill extends federal restrictions on the sale or disposition of firearms and ammunition to a new category of persons: persons who have been convicted in any court of a violent misdemeanor within the preceding five years.
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 2370, the Access to AEDs Act, authorizes $25 million in federal funding (2024-2028) to help public elementary and secondary schools improve access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to school districts and partners for developing AED programs, training staff and students, purchasing and maintaining AEDs, and creating cardiac emergency response plans. It specifically targets schools to address sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which is a leading cause of death among student athletes and youth, with 90% of SCA victims dying without immediate CPR and defibrillation. The law requires grantees to report on their activities and establishes a clearinghouse to collect data on school AED access and costs.
Maddy summaryHRES 324 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for library staff across public, school, academic, and special libraries. It recognizes these workers as essential community resources providing access to information, internet services, and social support - especially for underserved populations - and highlights their expanded roles during crises like the opioid epidemic and pandemic. The resolution calls for adequate funding, protects staff from threats while performing their duties, supports their right to unionize, and upholds the public’s right to free access to library resources. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these priorities during National Library Week.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands a tax credit for employers hiring certain youth by allowing year-round eligibility (not just summer) and creating a new category for "disconnected youth." It increases the credit amount for qualifying hires and defines disconnected youth as individuals aged 16-25 who haven't attended school or worked regularly for six months, or foster youth aged 16-21. Employers hiring these youth will receive the tax credit for work performed between September 16 and April 30, in addition to summer months. The changes apply to hires after the bill's enactment date.
Maddy summaryThe AID Youth Employment Act creates new federal programs to provide subsidized summer and year-round employment opportunities for youth aged 14-24, with special focus on marginalized youth facing barriers like homelessness, foster care, involvement in the justice system, or living in underserved communities. The bill authorizes $375 million annually for summer employment programs and $500 million annually for year-round programs, distributed through competitive grants to state, local, tribal, and community-based organizations that form partnerships with educational agencies, workforce development entities, and community organizations serving youth. To receive funding, organizations must submit detailed applications describing how they will identify, recruit, and place eligible youth in employment while providing support services like transportation, child care, and mentorship. The bill establishes performance metrics to track outcomes including employment rates, educational attainment, and postsecondary credential completion for program participants. It also requires annual reports to Congress on program implementation and effectiveness.
Maddy summaryHR 2825, the Prison Libraries Act of 2023, establishes a federal grant program to fund library services in state and territorial correctional facilities. It directly affects incarcerated individuals by providing access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and staff support, with funds requiring states to submit detailed plans demonstrating need and measurable goals like improving literacy or job skills. Key provisions include funding for modern library infrastructure, hiring qualified librarians, and programming such as job training, digital literacy, restorative justice, and cultural activities - all while prohibiting use for food, general prison operations, or unrelated staff costs. The program authorizes $10 million annually for six years (2024-2029), prioritizing grants that align with library standards, prioritize post-secondary education, and show clear impact on reducing recidivism.
Maddy summaryThe School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act (HR 2869) requires the U.S. Department of Education to publish an annual report on school crime and safety, including detailed data on every school shooting incident. The report must track the number of shootings, whether they were mass incidents, the age, race, and gender of victims and shooters, firearm details, how incidents ended, and safety measures like security protocols or emergency plans in place at the school. This applies to all schools defined by the bill, including elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions. The law also mandates collecting historical data on shootings before the bill's enactment to provide a comprehensive national record.