Rep. George Latimer

Maddy summaryHR 2799, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025, prohibits the sale, possession, and modification of devices that increase the firing rate of semi-automatic firearms to mimic machine guns (commonly called "bump stocks"). It specifically bans manual, power-driven, or electronic devices designed to speed up firing, as well as modified firearms that achieve this effect. Owners of pre-existing modified firearms must register them within 120 days of the law's enactment, with exemptions for government entities and firearms already lawfully modified and registered before the bill passes. The bill does not restrict standard semi-automatic firearms or require registration of unmodified guns.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage to include audiology services provided by qualified audiologists without requiring a physician referral or supervision. Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare will pay 80% of the standard rate for these services, which include hearing and balance assessments and treatment. It specifically allows audiologists to legally provide these services under state law, as long as they are covered if provided by a physician. The bill does not expand the types of services covered beyond those already payable under Medicare as of December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Raise the Wage Act of 2025 gradually increases the federal minimum wage from $9.50 to $17.00 per hour over six years, with annual adjustments based on median wage growth. It raises the base wage for tipped workers from $6.00 to $17.00 per hour, phasing out their separate minimum wage structure by 2029. The bill also eliminates special minimum wage certificates for disabled workers after 2029, requiring employers to pay the standard minimum wage. These changes apply to most covered workers, including tipped employees and those under 20, with specific transition timelines for each group.

Maddy summaryThe PEER Support Act creates a new federal job classification for peer support specialists - individuals with lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery who provide support to others - by 2026. It establishes an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to lead training, certification, and career development for these specialists, including sharing best practices with states. The bill also requires a federal report analyzing state criminal background check laws for peer support specialists and recommending ways to reduce barriers to certification. This legislation directly affects peer support specialists, state certification programs, and federal agencies managing mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisors. The Federal Labor Relations Authority would determine if state laws provide these rights, and if not, would establish them for affected employees. The bill guarantees public employees the right to form unions, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while requiring public employers to recognize unions and put agreements in writing. It also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would disrupt emergency services. This would apply to public employees in states that don't meet the federal standards for collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryThe Invest to Protect Act of 2025 establishes a $50 million annual grant program (2027-2031) for local governments employing fewer than 175 law enforcement officers, including counties, municipalities, and Tribal governments. Grants fund de-escalation training, victim-centered domestic violence response training, evidence-based safety training for scenarios like mental health crises or active shooters, recruitment/retention bonuses (capped at 20% of salary), and mental health resources for officers. Recipients must report on program use, disclose bonus amounts publicly, and comply with audits to prevent misuse of funds. The bill aims to improve officer safety and community relations through targeted support for smaller law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryHRES 297 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions for paraprofessionals (like instructional assistants) and education support staff (including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and clerical staff) in schools. It specifically calls for livable wages, job security, access to affordable health care, paid leave, and meaningful input in school policies for these workers. As a resolution, it does not create new laws or mandate changes but serves as a symbolic statement highlighting these workers' needs. The resolution directly addresses the concerns of over 3 million school support staff facing issues like underpayment, lack of benefits, and job instability.

Maddy summaryThe No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act would deny tax deductions for employers who spend money to influence employees' decisions about union activities, such as union elections or collective bargaining. It defines "labor organization activities" broadly to include union elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report such spending on tax returns and prevents them from deducting these expenses from taxable income. This would apply to employers using tactics like captive audience meetings, outside consultants, or other efforts to sway workers' union decisions. The policy aims to remove tax incentives for employers to interfere with workers' rights under labor law.

Maddy summaryHR 2680, the Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025, ends reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs under federal law and expands free meal eligibility. It raises the income threshold for free lunch eligibility from 130% to 224% of the federal poverty level (Sec. 201) and allows schools to directly certify children receiving Medicaid benefits as eligible for free meals without additional applications (Sec. 202). The bill also permits schools to request retroactive reimbursement for meals served to eligible children starting the first day of the school year (Sec. 203) and increases the community eligibility program multiplier to 2.5 for schools serving high-poverty areas (Sec. 204). These changes directly affect public school students from low-income families and school districts receiving federal meal reimbursement funds.

Maddy summaryHR 2678, "Ellie’s Law," authorizes $20 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to conduct new research on unruptured brain aneurysms. The funding specifically aims to study diverse patient populations by age, sex, and race, addressing gaps in current research. This bill directly affects the estimated 6.8 million Americans with unruptured brain aneurysms - particularly women and people of color, who face higher rupture risks - by advancing medical understanding of the condition. The law requires the funds to supplement, not replace, existing research budgets.