Rep. Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr.

Maddy summaryHR 9221, the RESTORE Patent Rights Act of 2024, would restore a traditional legal presumption that courts must grant permanent injunctions to stop ongoing patent infringement. The bill directly affects patent owners, particularly smaller entities like individual inventors, universities, startups, and small businesses, which currently struggle to obtain injunctions against large companies. It amends patent law to create a "rebuttable presumption" that an injunction is warranted after a court finds infringement, shifting the burden to defendants to prove why an injunction should not be issued. This change aims to reverse recent court practices that have made it harder for patent holders to stop ongoing or willful infringement.

Maddy summaryHR 9223, the Nondebtor Release Prohibition Act of 2024, prohibits bankruptcy courts from approving plan provisions that release non-debtor entities (like other companies or individuals) from liability for claims against them. It specifically blocks courts from discharging, releasing, or modifying liabilities of entities other than the debtor or estate, and limits stays on lawsuits against non-debtors to 90 days without the affected party's explicit consent. This bill directly affects creditors and third parties who might otherwise be shielded from liability through bankruptcy proceedings. The law amends Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to clarify that courts cannot create authority for nondebtor releases or extended stays, applying to all pending or future bankruptcy cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, which provides federal funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to reduce backlogs in processing DNA evidence from crime scenes. It extends the program's funding period from fiscal years 2024 through 2029 (previously ending in 2024). The bill also updates audit requirements to ensure grant funds are used properly through 2029. This directly affects law enforcement agencies that receive these grants to accelerate DNA analysis for criminal investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently removes a 2026 expiration date for a tax exclusion allowing employers to pay employees' student loans through educational assistance programs without those payments being counted as taxable income. It directly affects employees who receive employer-sponsored student loan repayment assistance and employers offering such programs. The key provision amends the Internal Revenue Code to make this tax exclusion permanent, applying to all future payments made after the bill's enactment. This change simplifies the tax treatment for both employers and employees participating in these student loan repayment programs.

Maddy summaryHR 9154, the Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2024, would increase compensation for chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees from $60 to $120 per case, with automatic inflation adjustments. This directly affects chapter 7 trustees who handle consumer bankruptcy cases, as their pay has not risen since 1994 despite inflation. The bill amends Section 330 of bankruptcy law to set the new rate and ensures the remainder of filing fees funds the U.S. Trustee System Fund without changing chapter 7 filing fees. It also extends terms for temporary bankruptcy judgeships to address caseload pressures.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Prison Oversight Act establishes a new inspections regime for federal prisons, requiring the Justice Department's Inspector General to conduct regular assessments of Bureau of Prisons facilities. These inspections will evaluate conditions of confinement, medical care, staffing levels, safety protocols, and policies related to visitation and programming. The bill also creates a new Ombudsman position within the Department of Justice to receive and address complaints from incarcerated people, their families, and staff about health, safety, and rights concerns. The Inspector General must submit public reports with recommendations, and the Bureau must respond with corrective action plans within 60 days. The law includes protections against retaliation for those filing complaints and requires the Bureau to provide multiple confidential channels for submitting complaints.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 193 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate legal immunity for federal officials, including the President, from criminal prosecution for actions taken while performing official duties. It also prohibits the President from granting a pardon to themselves. The amendment would apply to all federal officers (such as the President, Vice President, and members of Congress) except for Congress members acting in their legislative role as defined in the Constitution. If ratified by 38 states, this change would become part of the U.S. Constitution, requiring no further congressional action.

Maddy summaryHRES 1381 is a symbolic resolution that commemorates the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams' historical achievements, including over 5,300 total medals across past Games. It expresses congressional support for U.S. athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, France, and commends the Government of France for hosting the events. The resolution also commits to ensuring a safe environment for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. As a non-binding expression of support, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summaryHRES 1375 is a non-binding resolution recognizing extreme weather as a critical threat to children's health and well-being, emphasizing that children face unique vulnerabilities due to their developing bodies, higher exposure to pollutants, and heightened risks during events like heatwaves, wildfires, and poor air quality. It expresses Congress's view that solutions must be developed and deployed rapidly and equitably, with specific attention to children's physical and mental health needs. The resolution suggests concrete measures such as improved air filtration in schools, accessible public alerts for extreme heat, expanded cooling centers, and better infrastructure for child-friendly emergency spaces, though it does not create new laws or mandates.

Maddy summaryHR 9104, the Access to Birth Control Act, requires pharmacies that normally stock contraception to provide birth control or related medications without delay if in stock, or immediately offer alternatives like referrals to other pharmacies or expedited orders if unavailable. It prohibits pharmacists from intimidating customers, misrepresenting availability, breaching confidentiality, or refusing to fill valid prescriptions for birth control. Pharmacies violating these rules face civil penalties up to $1,000 per day or private lawsuits. The law specifically applies to pharmacies that routinely carry contraception and excludes cases where a valid prescription is missing or payment cannot be made. It aims to address documented refusals to dispense birth control, particularly following the Dobbs decision.