Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Maddy summaryHR 9868, the Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act, amends federal habeas corpus procedures to expand opportunities for death row inmates to challenge their sentences. It adds a new exception allowing federal courts to review claims where a death sentence was imposed without considering newly discovered evidence that, combined with trial evidence, reasonably suggests the inmate is probably innocent of the underlying offense. This change specifically applies to cases involving newly discovered evidence of innocence that was not evaluated during the original trial or appeal. The bill modifies existing legal standards in Sections 2254(d) and 2244(b) of Title 28, U.S. Code, to permit such claims in second or successive habeas petitions. It does not alter the death penalty itself but adjusts the procedural pathway for reviewing innocence claims in capital cases.

Maddy summaryHR 9878, the No Shame at School Act of 2024, requires schools to automatically certify students from households with unpaid meal fees for free or reduced-price meals (instead of allowing discretion), and mandates retroactive reimbursement for past unpaid meals. It directly affects school districts and students in households owing meal fees by prohibiting stigmatizing practices like special tokens, public lists of names, or withholding grades due to unpaid fees. Key provisions ban schools from physically segregating students, using debt collectors, or taking food away from students who owe fees, while requiring clear communication to households about meal applications. The bill defines "covered child" as any student enrolled in a participating school meal program whose household owes fees or is eligible for free/reduced meals.

Maddy summaryHR 9864, the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2024, prohibits the sale of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals (like those used in non-stick coatings) in interstate commerce. It directly affects food manufacturers and packaging producers who currently use these chemicals. The bill amends federal food safety law to ban such packaging starting January 1, 2025, defining PFAS as man-made chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. This is a concrete policy change to remove specific chemicals from food contact materials.

Maddy summaryHRES 1516 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to commend Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America on its 120th anniversary. It recognizes the organization’s work in providing youth mentorship that helps young people graduate from school and plan for their future. The resolution highlights how the organization, operating in over 5,000 communities nationwide, has supported millions of young people through long-term mentor relationships. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses congressional support for the organization’s mission.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a tax credit for using carbon dioxide (CO2) in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations. It amends the Internal Revenue Code by removing Section 43 (the EOR credit) and modifying Section 45Q to prohibit the credit for new facilities starting construction after the law's enactment. The primary effect is ending the federal tax incentive for oil companies that inject CO2 to extract more oil from existing wells. This change directly affects oil and gas companies planning new EOR projects using CO2, as they will no longer qualify for this specific tax credit.

Maddy summaryThe Toxic Free Food Act of 2024 requires the FDA to revise its "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) rule within 180 days of enactment. It mandates that food manufacturers must submit detailed safety data - including cumulative effects, safety factors, and protections for vulnerable groups - before marketing a substance as GRAS or using it in food. The bill also prohibits carcinogens and novel chemicals from being classified as GRAS, requires public posting of all GRAS submissions with a 90-day review period, and bans the use of experts with conflicts of interest in safety assessments. This directly affects food manufacturers, the FDA, and consumers by increasing transparency and safety standards for food additives.

Maddy summaryHR 1719, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, establishes a presumption that certain cancers diagnosed in public safety officers (like police and firefighters) are work-related if linked to their duties. It defines 22 specific cancers (including lung, mesothelioma, and WTC-related cancers) as "exposure-related," allowing officers or their families to receive benefits without proving direct work connection, provided they were diagnosed within 15 years of leaving active service. The bill also creates a process for adding new cancers to the list based on scientific evidence, requiring the Bureau to review petitions and make decisions within 180 days. This applies to deaths or disabilities occurring on or after January 1, 2023, directly affecting officers who developed covered cancers during service.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 130 is a symbolic concurrent resolution commending state and local governments that treat reproductive rights as human rights following the *Dobbs* decision. It recognizes efforts by cities like Austin, Texas, and Montgomery County, Maryland, to expand abortion access and condemn criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. The resolution affirms that reproductive rights are human rights, urges states to repeal restrictive laws, and references U.S. obligations under international human rights treaties. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryHRES 1496 is a resolution supporting the designation of October 23, 2024, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day." It aims to raise public awareness about the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes areas. The resolution encourages community engagement with these protected sites and acknowledges their role in conserving biodiversity, supporting local economies, and providing recreational opportunities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes the importance of marine sanctuaries.

Maddy summaryHRES 1499 is a symbolic resolution expressing concern about rising book bans in U.S. schools and libraries, citing PEN America data showing over 10,000 individual book bans in public schools between July 2023 and June 2024 - more than double the previous year. It highlights how bans disproportionately target books featuring LGBTQ+ themes, racial history, and marginalized voices (like *The Handmaid’s Tale*, *Maus*, and *Fry Bread*), while emphasizing students’ First Amendment rights to access diverse materials. The resolution calls on school districts and libraries to follow established best practices for handling book challenges and to protect students’ right to read widely, including works reflecting diverse perspectives. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but urges local education entities to uphold free expression.