Rep. Jill N. Tokuda

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax credit for family child care providers who operate from their primary residence. It allows eligible providers to claim up to $5,000 annually toward specific startup costs like licensing fees, supplies (diapers, toys), insurance, fencing, playground equipment, and required renovations. To qualify, providers must be licensed/registered, serve at least two non-family children, and operate from their home. The credit is limited to one year per provider (no repeat claims) and expires after seven years. It directly affects small-scale home-based child care operators seeking to establish or improve their licensed services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 1314, TIPS Act) requires employers to pay tipped workers the standard federal minimum wage instead of the current lower rate (currently $2.13/hour), directly affecting workers in hospitality, food service, and similar roles. It also creates a new tax deduction for cash tips received in qualifying jobs (e.g., restaurants, hotels), allowing workers to deduct these tips from taxable income up to $112,500 in adjusted gross income. The deduction applies only to tips from unrelated customers without business ownership stakes, excluding credit card tips. The tax provisions take effect for 2026 tax years.

Maddy summaryThe Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program mapping the genetic code (genome) of priority aquatic species, including endangered fish, species linked to harmful algal blooms, and culturally significant species identified by tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Covered entities like federal agencies, states, tribes, universities, and nonprofits will collect samples, sequence genomes to high standards, and catalog data. All sequenced genomes must be made publicly available within 360 days (except for tribal-led projects, which retain control over data sharing), with $2 million annually allocated for 2025-2031 to fund this effort. The law aims to support conservation, management, and enforcement by creating a shared genetic database for scientists and policymakers.

Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act or the I CAN Act This bill allows other health care providers besides physicians (e.g., nurses) to provide certain services under Medicare and Medicaid. Among other changes, the bill (1) allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for Medicare coverage of special shoes for diabetic individuals; (2) expedites the ability of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise Medicare cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs; and (3) allows nurse practitioners to certify the need for inpatient hospital services under Medicare and Medicaid.

More Homes on the Market Act This bill increases the amount of gain from the sale of a principal residence that an individual may exclude from gross income (for federal tax purposes). Under the bill, an individual may exclude from gross income gain from the sale of a principal residence of up to $500,000 (currently $250,000), and taxpayers who are married and file a joint federal income tax return may exclude up to $1 million (currently $500.000). The bill also requires these amounts to be adjusted annually for inflation.

Maddy summaryHR 1321, the "Ending DOGE Conflicts Act," requires special government employees (like officials overseeing federal contracts) who own, control, or lead companies doing business with the government to file financial disclosure reports with the Office of Government Ethics. These employees must now comply with the same financial disclosure rules as other government officials under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. Until their initial report is certified as compliant by the Office of Government Ethics, these employees are prohibited from performing any official duties related to federal contracting. The bill directly affects high-level government officials with direct financial ties to federal contractors.

Maddy summaryThe Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025 would create a new office within the Department of Justice to coordinate federal efforts on reducing gun violence. The office, led by a Director appointed by the Attorney General, would integrate existing DOJ programs, evaluate data gaps, and develop evidence-based recommendations for Congress and the President. It would also establish an advisory council including survivors of gun violence, public health officials, and community representatives to guide its work. The office would produce annual reports detailing gun violence trends and policy proposals, while collaborating with agencies like Health and Human Services and the FBI.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It requires NIH to establish incentives for researchers to adopt non-animal methods - such as organoids, AI models, and 3D human cell systems - before approving animal-based studies, and mandates that all federally funded institutions publicly report annual animal usage data by species. Covered entities must also submit biennial plans to reduce animal use and update their reports every two years. The law aims to implement a 1993 congressional mandate for reducing animal research through transparency, new resources, and standardized evaluation of alternatives.

Maddy summaryHR 1251, the All Access Act of 2025, requires Members of Congress (House members and Senators) to present official identification to enter federal public buildings during regular business hours. For access outside these hours, Members must notify the building head at least 12 hours in advance. The bill establishes clear, procedural access rules for congressional members but does not create new policies or affect the public. It is a straightforward procedural measure governing Member access to federal facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment stating that only "natural persons" (living humans) have rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, explicitly denying constitutional rights to corporations, LLCs, and other artificial entities. It would require governments to regulate campaign contributions and spending to prevent money from influencing elections, banning the view that spending to influence elections constitutes protected speech under the First Amendment. The amendment would not affect the constitutional right to a free press. This change would directly impact how corporations and other non-human entities can legally challenge laws or regulations in court.