Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez

Maddy summaryThe SECURE Notarization Act of 2023 establishes federal standards for electronic and remote notarizations in interstate commerce, allowing notaries to verify identities and perform notarizations remotely using video communication. Key requirements include creating audio-visual recordings of remote notarizations, verifying identities through two distinct methods (or a credible witness), and retaining recordings for at least 5 years. The bill ensures federal courts and all states must recognize valid notarizations performed under these standards, regardless of whether the notarization was done electronically, remotely, or with a physical signature. It does not require notaries to use electronic methods and preserves state authority to enforce stricter rules, as long as they meet the minimum federal baseline.

Maddy summaryThe Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023 strengthens workers' rights to organize unions by making it harder for employers to interfere with organizing efforts. Key provisions include changing the definition of "employee" to make it more difficult to classify workers as independent contractors, prohibiting employers from threatening to permanently replace striking workers, and requiring employers to provide voter lists for union elections. The bill also creates a new electronic voting system for union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections for workers reporting labor violations, and increases penalties for unfair labor practices. These changes directly affect workers seeking to form unions, employers who may interfere with organizing, and labor organizations. The bill aims to make it easier for workers to exercise their right to collective bargaining under the National Labor Relations Act.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' symbolic support for designating February 27-March 3, 2023, as "Public Schools Week." It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or institutions. The resolution highlights the importance of public schools to democracy, equity, and student success through a series of supporting statements. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the significance of public education.

Maddy summaryHRES 160 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing Black History Month as a time to honor the contributions of LGBTQI+ Black Americans throughout U.S. history. It commemorates specific historical figures and advocates without creating new laws or policies. The resolution highlights the unique intersection of racial, LGBTQI+, and social justice contributions, including figures like Marsha P. Johnson, James Baldwin, and Alvin Ailey. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect but aims to raise awareness of underrepresented historical narratives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail electric suppliers to generate 80% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2029 and 100% by 2030. It also mandates that vehicle manufacturers sell 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2029 and 100% by 2030. Additionally, large agricultural corporations must implement regenerative practices on 50% of their land by 2026, increasing to 100% by 2030. The legislation provides tax incentives for businesses making these transitions and requires annual reporting on compliance with these new standards. Businesses failing to meet these requirements may lose certain tax deductions under this law.

Maddy summaryHR 1124, the Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2023, would eliminate the federal death penalty by repealing provisions in over 30 sections of U.S. Code that currently allow for capital punishment in various criminal offenses. The bill would affect anyone convicted of a federal crime that currently carries the death penalty, including murder during drug trafficking, terrorism, and other violent crimes. It would remove the death penalty as a sentencing option for these offenses and require resentencing for those already under a death sentence. The bill also makes related changes to military justice procedures that currently permit capital punishment.

Maddy summaryThe Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2023 would establish a new Cabinet-level Department of Peacebuilding within the executive branch of the U.S. government. The department would include multiple offices focused on domestic and international peacebuilding, violence prevention, peace education, and conflict resolution, with specific offices dedicated to areas like peace education, domestic activities, international activities, technology, arms control, and human rights. It would create a Secretary of Peacebuilding position and require the department to develop policies addressing root causes of violence, promote nonviolent conflict resolution, and collaborate with existing federal agencies. The bill would mandate annual reports on progress toward peace in the United States and require consultation with other departments on matters related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2023 This bill sets forth requirements for commercial air tour flights. Among other requirements, the bill prohibits tour flights within a half mile of military installations, national cemeteries, national wilderness areas, national parks, and national wildlife refuges; prohibits tour flights from operating at an altitude of less than 1,500 feet; requires tour flights over occupied areas (e.g., residential, commercial, and recreational areas) to be no louder than 55dbA; and allows states and localities to impose additional requirements that are stricter than the minimum federal requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 724, the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, repeals the existing oil and gas program for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and designates approximately 1.56 million acres of the refuge's coastal plain as federal wilderness. This bill directly affects the Arctic Refuge by permanently prohibiting oil and gas leasing and development in that specific area. The key mechanism is adding the designated land to the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act, requiring it to be managed for its natural conditions. This change legally protects the area from future fossil fuel extraction activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to obtain a statue of Shirley Chisholm and place it permanently in the U.S. Capitol within two years of enactment. It authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to handle the agreement for the statue under the Committee's terms, with necessary funding approved as needed. The bill does not change laws or affect specific people or groups; it is a procedural measure to honor Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, through a permanent Capitol display.