Rep. Lucy McBath

Maddy summaryHRES 401 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of SkillsUSA, a national organization focused on career and technical education (CTE). It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges SkillsUSA’s role in preparing students for skilled careers through CTE programs. The resolution encourages stakeholders - including students, educators, and employers - to support SkillsUSA’s mission of closing the skills gap and strengthening the workforce. This ceremonial resolution has no direct policy impact, as it solely expresses congressional recognition of the organization’s work.

Maddy summaryHR 3277, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover medically necessary outpatient and inpatient treatments for congenital anomalies or birth defects primarily affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This includes reconstructive procedures, dental/orthodontic support during treatment, and follow-up care, but excludes purely cosmetic surgery not tied to a medical diagnosis. Cost-sharing (like copays) for these services must not be stricter than for other medical benefits. The law takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026, and mandates insurers to provide notice about this coverage to beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits corporal punishment in schools receiving federal funding, defining it as any physical force causing pain for discipline. It requires schools to notify parents within 24 hours of any corporal punishment incident and mandates states to submit school climate reports detailing efforts to reduce exclusionary discipline practices like suspensions and expulsions. The bill establishes a grant program to help schools implement positive behavioral interventions, such as restorative justice and trauma-informed care, while requiring staff training on these approaches. The bill applies to public schools and other schools receiving federal funds but does not affect private schools or home schools that don't receive federal funding.

Maddy summaryHR 3243, the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025, bans the provision of paid conversion therapy aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, and prohibits advertising such therapy as effective, safe, or without risk. It directly affects LGBTQ+ individuals and their families who might be targeted by these practices, as professionals have determined conversion therapy is ineffective and harmful. The law treats violations as deceptive acts under consumer protection laws, empowering the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to enforce it through civil actions. It explicitly excludes legitimate gender transition support and non-discriminatory counseling from the ban.

Maddy summaryHR 3246, "Violet’s Law," amends the Animal Welfare Act to require federal research facilities to create plans for placing eligible animals (dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, or rabbits) no longer needed for research. It directs federal departments and agencies operating such facilities to develop standards within one year of enactment to facilitate adoption or placement with qualified organizations like animal rescue groups, sanctuaries, or shelters. Animals must be certified by a licensed veterinarian as free of infectious disease or physical issues endangering health before release. This applies directly to all U.S. federal agencies conducting animal research, mandating concrete steps to transition animals out of research settings into permanent care.

Maddy summaryHRES 380 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of May 5-9, 2025, as "Teacher Appreciation Week." It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes teachers' contributions to education. The resolution affirms teachers' role in shaping students' futures and calls for including teachers in education policymaking at all levels. It highlights teacher survey data showing broad support for policies like equitable school funding and culturally responsive teaching, though the resolution itself only expresses support for the week's designation. This is a non-binding gesture with no direct impact on affected individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 3199, the Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025, bans the import, export, sale, breeding, and possession of certain nonhuman primates (including chimpanzees, gorillas, and lemurs) in interstate or foreign commerce. It directly affects pet owners, breeders, zoos, and wildlife facilities that currently handle these primates. The bill allows limited exceptions for existing owners who register their primates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, agree to stop breeding/selling, and prevent public contact. It amends the Lacey Act to implement these restrictions, with enforcement beginning immediately regardless of regulatory timelines.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw a March 2025 Federal Register notice (90 Fed. Reg. 11029) that would have reduced public notice and comment periods for proposed regulations. It specifically asks HHS to restore the pre-February 27, 2025 process, which required public input on rulemaking. The resolution emphasizes that public participation in HHS rulemaking - impacting millions through health and human services regulations - is essential for fair policy. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but expresses congressional preference for maintaining transparency in the regulatory process.

Maddy summaryHR 3112, the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025, strengthens enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act by requiring dealers and exhibitors to hold valid licenses for animal sales or transport (Section 4). It expands enforcement authority by allowing the Attorney General to sue violators for up to $10,000 per day, seize animals, and seek injunctions (Section 20), while clarifying that courts can address violations of related rules and regulations. The bill directly affects animal dealers, exhibitors, the USDA, and the Department of Justice, creating clearer pathways for holding violators accountable. Key provisions include updating definitions, broadening inspection powers to cover all regulations, and directing penalty funds toward temporary animal care costs during legal proceedings.

Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.