Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.

Maddy summaryHR 2725, the "Do No Harm Act," amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination or promote equal opportunity. It specifically exempts protections under the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, workplace benefits like leave, child labor safeguards, and healthcare access from RFRA challenges. The bill also clarifies that RFRA does not block private lawsuits between individuals, applying only to cases involving government entities. This amendment ensures that existing federal civil rights and workplace protections remain enforceable under RFRA.

Maddy summaryThe Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2023 strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act's requirement that individuals with disabilities receive long-term services and supports in community settings rather than institutions. It defines "community-based" services to include specific housing options where individuals with disabilities can live independently with maximum control over their lives, including access to integrated housing, employment, and community participation. The bill requires states to develop transition plans to move people from institutional settings to community-based services within 12 years, with measurable annual targets for reducing institutionalization. It establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 2693, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2023, ensures Coast Guard members, civilian staff, and qualifying contractors receive pay and benefits during specific funding gaps. It requires Congress to appropriate funds for Coast Guard personnel pay, allowances, and key benefits (like death gratuities and housing allowances) if a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs - when Coast Guard funding isn’t approved before a fiscal year starts but Department of Defense funding is. The bill mandates these payments continue until a full appropriation is enacted or for up to two weeks after the lapse begins, with costs charged to future appropriations. This addresses a gap in funding continuity for Coast Guard personnel during government shutdowns affecting only the Coast Guard.

Maddy summaryThe Puppy Protection Act of 2023 sets new standards for businesses that sell dogs (dealers), directly affecting pet stores and breeders operating under the Animal Welfare Act. It requires specific housing with space allowances based on dog size (e.g., 12-30 square feet per dog), temperature control (45-85°F), clean food twice daily, and daily exercise or socialization with humans/dogs for at least 30 minutes. The bill also mandates annual veterinary exams including dental care, strict breeding limits (e.g., age restrictions, maximum 2 litters in 18 months), and efforts to place retired breeding dogs in homes instead of selling them to other breeders. Regulations must be finalized within 18 months of enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 2665 delays Medicaid payment reductions for safety net hospitals by two years, changing the effective date from 2024 to 2026 under Section 1923(f)(7)(A) of the Social Security Act. This bill directly affects hospitals that serve high numbers of low-income and uninsured patients, providing them with additional time before facing reduced federal Medicaid payments. The key mechanism is a technical amendment to existing law, postponing an already scheduled payment adjustment without altering funding levels or eligibility. As a procedural bill, it does not create new programs or change hospital requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 2696 permanently extends a 7-year depreciation period for motorsports entertainment complexes under tax law. It amends the Internal Revenue Code by removing a temporary provision (subparagraph D), making the 7-year recovery period permanent for these facilities. This change directly affects businesses that own or operate motorsports venues when calculating tax deductions for facility investments. The bill is a technical tax code adjustment with no new regulations or direct impact on individuals.

Maddy summaryThe VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to schedule appointments for enrolled veterans during the same phone call when they request care. This applies to veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system who contact the VA by phone to request appointments. The law mandates that the VA must complete the scheduling during the call - without delay or future scheduling - regardless of the appointment date. The requirement takes effect 120 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryHRES 301 is a symbolic House resolution designating April 2023 as "Month of the Military Child" to honor over 1.6 million military-connected children across the U.S. It urges all citizens, businesses, and government leaders to observe the month with ceremonies and activities celebrating these children's resilience and supporting military families. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of military children's contributions. It directly affects military families by highlighting their unique challenges and fostering public appreciation.

Maddy summaryHR 2413, the Dental Care for Veterans Act, reclassifies dental care as standard medical services under the VA's existing benefits structure, eliminating prior restrictions that treated dental care separately. It modifies how dental appliances are procured and establishes a phased eligibility timeline: veterans already eligible for dental benefits gain immediate access, while others qualify over 1-4 years based on their current benefit status. The bill affects all veterans currently covered under VA dental programs, changing their access to care without creating new funding. Key provisions streamline dental service delivery under Title 38, aligning it with other medical benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 2414 extends CHAMPVA health coverage for children of veterans from age 21 to 26, regardless of marital status. This change directly affects children of veterans enrolled in the CHAMPVA program who would otherwise lose coverage upon turning 21. The bill amends Section 1781(c) of Title 38, U.S. Code, to update eligibility rules for medical care provided after the law's enactment. It does not impact existing coverage for children under a specific subsection (section 101(4)(A)(ii)).