Rep. Jamie Raskin

Maddy summaryThis bill expands compensation options for individuals filing discrimination lawsuits under federal civil rights law. It allows victims to claim damages for emotional harm - including mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and non-financial suffering - alongside financial losses. The bill also adds a right to a jury trial for damages in these cases. For age discrimination claims specifically, it aligns available remedies with those under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including all legal or equitable relief previously available for race-based discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $280 million in funding for the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for fiscal year 2024, with funds available through September 2025. The OCR investigates school discrimination complaints related to race, sex, disability, and other protected characteristics. This funding directly supports the OCR's ability to handle civil rights cases involving students and schools nationwide, without creating new student requirements or altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHRES 1196 is a symbolic resolution supporting Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11, 2024). It commends federal, state, local government employees, and military personnel for their service, highlighting their roles in areas like public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster response. The resolution encourages future careers in public service but has no policy or funding impact, as it is purely ceremonial. As a non-binding expression of support, it does not create new obligations or changes to law.

Maddy summaryHR 8231, the James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to actor James Earl Jones in recognition of his distinguished career in theater and film, and his role in advancing inclusion and equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds in the entertainment industry. The Treasury will strike the medal with an image and inscription of Jones, and may produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint's public enterprise fund. This bill serves as a ceremonial honor with no new legal requirements or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 8213, the End DWI Act of 2024, requires states to mandate ignition interlock devices (alcohol-detection systems) for all drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) for a minimum of 180 days. States that fail to implement this requirement risk losing 3% of federal highway funds in 2027, increasing to 5% annually thereafter. The bill directly affects DWI offenders and states that do not adopt the interlock mandate, using federal funding as an incentive for compliance. It does not create new penalties but establishes a national standard tied to transportation funding. The legislation is based on findings showing interlocks reduce repeat offenses by up to 70% and address rising impaired driving fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution is a symbolic gesture expressing support for designating May 4, 2024, as a "National Day of Reason." It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups, as it is purely a non-binding statement of support. The resolution encourages citizens to observe the day and emphasizes reason, critical thought, and scientific inquiry as vital to addressing societal challenges. It cites historical and contemporary contexts where reason has driven progress, but the resolution itself only proposes recognition, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 8192, the High School Voter Empowerment Act of 2024, requires all public high schools (as defined by federal education law) to serve as official voter registration agencies under the National Voter Registration Act. It mandates that each high school conduct at least one annual voter registration drive targeting students enrolled in American Government or Economics courses, aged 17+ by April 10, and eligible to vote for federal office. The bill also establishes a federal grant program to reimburse schools for reasonable costs incurred during these registration drives, including documentation of activities and student registrations. This law directly affects public high schools and state election officials, creating a new requirement for schools to facilitate voter registration for eligible students.

Maddy summaryThe Captive Primate Safety Act prohibits the import, export, sale, transport, breeding, or possession of certain nonhuman primates - including chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, and their hybrids - in interstate or foreign commerce. It directly affects private owners, breeders, and commercial traders of these animals, with limited exceptions for pre-enactment animals (requiring registration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and restrictions on breeding/sale) and registered research facilities. The law amends the Lacey Act to add these primates to prohibited species lists, effective upon enactment, with regulations to be issued within 180 days. Enforcement remains active even if regulations are delayed, ensuring immediate prohibitions on commercial trade and possession.

Maddy summaryHR 8122 redesignates Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., as Rock Creek National Park to reflect its nationally significant natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The bill updates all federal references to the park in laws, maps, regulations, and documents to use the new name "Rock Creek National Park" instead of "Rock Creek Park." It makes minor technical changes to existing statutes (like Title 40, U.S. Code) to replace the old name with the new one. This is a procedural name change with no new funding or policy provisions for park management.

Maddy summaryHR 8098, the Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024, creates an independent Office of Inspector General (IG) for the federal judicial branch (excluding the Supreme Court) to investigate misconduct complaints against judges and court staff. The IG would conduct audits, prevent fraud, and report findings to the Chief Justice and Congress, but cannot investigate court decisions or discipline judges. Key provisions include the IG’s authority to subpoena records and require testimony, while explicitly prohibiting oversight of case merits or judicial punishment. The bill establishes strict limits on the IG’s scope to ensure judicial independence, with the Chief Justice appointing the IG after congressional consultation.