Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Maddy summaryThis bill renames the "Office of Technology Assessment" to the "Congressional Office of Technology" throughout federal law (Section 2). It updates the Office's functions to allow faster briefings and technical assistance to Members of Congress without Board review (Section 3a), mandates balanced handling of requests from both parties (Section 3b), and requires public release of completed findings (Section 3c). The bill also adds coordination rules with the Congressional Research Service and Government Accountability Office to avoid duplicated work (Sections 3e, 4e). It directly affects how Congress accesses technology policy analysis, streamlining the process for Members and committees seeking expert input.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit solitary confinement in federal prisons and detention facilities, requiring all incarcerated people to have at least 14 hours per day of out-of-cell group interaction, including 7 hours of structured programming like education, mental health services, and recreation. It establishes strict limits on when confinement can be used (only in emergencies for short periods), mandates medical and mental health assessments, and requires regular reviews of placements in restrictive housing. The bill creates a community monitoring body to oversee implementation and provides financial incentives for states to adopt similar policies for their facilities. The law would take effect within 60 days of enactment, with specific requirements for facility reporting and due process protections.

Maddy summaryHR 4987, the Democracy Restoration Act of 2023, would restore voting rights for people with felony convictions who are living in their communities (not incarcerated), directly affecting approximately 4.6 million disenfranchised Americans. The bill requires states to automatically restore voting rights upon completion of sentences, including probation or parole, without requiring payment of fines or fees. It mandates notification to individuals about their restored voting rights and prohibits states from conditioning voting rights on payment of legal financial obligations. The legislation addresses the disproportionate impact of voting restrictions on racial minorities, particularly Black and Latino communities, who face significantly higher rates of disenfranchisement. This bill would apply to all federal elections held on or after its enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 4983, the Equal Employment for All Act of 2023, prohibits most employers from using credit reports in hiring decisions or employment-related adverse actions. The bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to ban employers from considering credit history when making job offers, promotions, or other employment decisions, except for positions requiring national security clearances or when specifically required by law. It applies directly to all employers and job applicants nationwide, eliminating the common practice of credit checks during hiring. The law requires employers to stop using credit reports for employment purposes, with limited exceptions, and maintains existing disclosure requirements for other permissible uses of consumer reports.

Maddy summaryHR 4963, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act, would restore tax deductions for certain employee expenses. It creates an above-the-line deduction for union dues and expenses paid by wage-earning employees, and allows miscellaneous itemized deductions for other work-related expenses (like uniforms or supplies) that were previously disallowed after 2017 tax law changes. These provisions directly affect employees who pay union dues or incur qualifying job-related costs. The bill amends specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code to make these deductions available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022. It does not change tax rates or provide new benefits, only reinstating previously eliminated deductions for eligible workers.

Maddy summaryThe Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2023 creates a $20 billion annual federal grant program to fund long-term improvements to public school facilities across the United States. It requires states to prioritize school districts serving high-poverty students (with high percentages of students eligible for free/reduced lunch) and those with deteriorating infrastructure, while mandating that recipient schools develop 10-year facilities master plans. The bill specifies that funds must be used for construction, renovation, and modernization projects that improve energy efficiency, address environmental health hazards (including lead, asbestos, and poor air quality), and ensure school safety, while requiring the use of American-made materials for construction projects.

Chyna Gibson Stop the Transgender Murder Epidemic Act of 2023 or the Chyna Gibson STME Act of 2023 This bill establishes a commission to address various issues facing gender-nonconforming, gender-expansive, and transgender women of color. The commission must be comprised of 13 members who are qualified based on their education, training, activism, or experience, particularly in the field of transgender studies and human rights. The commission may hold hearings and must report its findings and recommendations to Congress no later than 18 months after its first meeting.

Maddy summaryThe PLANT Act (Peas, Legumes, And Nuts Today Act) creates new support systems for plant-based food producers by amending agricultural programs to include plant protein products like peas, legumes, and mushrooms. It increases marketing loan rates for certain commodities (including mushrooms at $1.16 per pound), defines "plant protein products" for the first time, and establishes an Office of Plant-Based Foods and Innovative Production. The bill authorizes $25 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to fund research, business development, and market expansion for plant-based foods through programs like the Plant-Based Food Innovation Initiatives. It directly affects farmers growing plant-based ingredients, food processors, and rural communities working with these products. The legislation provides concrete policy changes to support the growing plant-based food industry through defined programs and dedicated funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the commercial import, sale, or distribution of kangaroos and kangaroo products (like leather goods made from their hides) within the United States. It directly affects businesses involved in importing or selling these items, including retailers, importers, and manufacturers. The key provision bans bringing kangaroos into the U.S. for sale, selling kangaroo products, or advertising such items in interstate commerce. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 or up to one year in prison per offense, and the Commerce Secretary must issue implementing regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal grants to fund community-based violence intervention programs in areas disproportionately affected by gun violence, particularly communities of color. It authorizes $300 million for 2024, increasing to $700 million annually through 2031, for evidence-informed strategies including trauma-responsive care, violence interruption, and economic opportunities for opportunity youth (ages 16-25 not in school or employment). The bill requires grantees to implement culturally competent services targeting individuals at high risk of violence or victimization, with a focus on reducing gun violence without contributing to mass incarceration. It creates a National Community Violence Response Center to coordinate data collection, research, and best practices for community violence prevention. The legislation also includes provisions for job training and workforce development programs through the Department of Labor to connect opportunity youth with in-demand occupations.