Sen. Laphonza R. Butler

Maddy summaryThe Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act establishes two federal programs to address water pollution in the Tijuana River and New River watersheds, which flow across the US-Mexico border. The bill authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2025-2035 to fund priority projects identified through water quality action plans, focusing on wastewater management, stormwater control, and natural infrastructure projects. These programs will directly affect coastal communities in southern California (including Imperial Beach and San Diego), Mexican border communities, and federal, state, local, and Tribal governments involved in water management by coordinating restoration efforts between US and Mexican entities.

Right to IVF Act This bill provides a statutory right to access fertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access fertility treatments and to make decisions about the use of their reproductive genetic material (e.g., embryos) without limitation or interference. Health care providers and insurers have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. Manufacturers of applicable drugs or devices also have the right to provide these drugs or devices. The bill supersedes state laws that limit or otherwise interfere with the provision of fertility treatments as set out under this bill, including laws that require medically unnecessary procedures or services in conjunction with fertility treatments or that restrict the ability of individuals to receive fertility treatments based on marital status or sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity). The bill does not affect state health and safety regulations for medical facilities or health care providers that are in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards and for which the purpose cannot be achieved in another, nonrestrictive manner. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, individuals, or entities that implement or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers may also bring civil actions.  In addition, the bill provides for coverage of fertility treatments under Medicare and Medicaid and for members of the uniformed services and veterans. It also requires private insurers that cover obstetrical services to also cover fertility treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to strengthen federal efforts addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia in marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. It requires a federal Task Force to produce a comprehensive Action Strategy every five years examining causes, ecological consequences, economic impacts, and potential solutions for HABs across diverse water systems. The bill establishes a National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network to integrate monitoring capabilities and creates a National-Level Incubator Program to develop new prevention and mitigation strategies through merit-based funding. It authorizes $19.5 million annually for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and $8 million for the Environmental Protection Agency from 2024 through 2028 to implement these initiatives, directly affecting federal agencies, coastal communities, and industries dependent on healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 820) symbolically supports designating September 21-28, 2024, as "National Estuaries Week" to raise public awareness about estuaries. It highlights estuaries' ecological and economic importance - such as supporting jobs, protecting coastlines, and sustaining biodiversity - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution expresses the Senate's backing for protecting and restoring estuaries but does not impose obligations or alter existing policies. It is a procedural statement, not a substantive legislative measure.

Maddy summaryThe Workforce of the Future Act of 2024 aims to prepare the U.S. workforce for AI-driven economic changes through two main components. Title I requires the Department of Labor, National Science Foundation, and Department of Education to produce reports analyzing AI's impact on jobs, identifying affected industries, vulnerable workers, and needed skills. Title II creates grant programs authorizing $160 million for Department of Education grants to expand technology education from pre-K through high school, and $90 million for Department of Labor grants to upskill workers in industries most affected by AI. The bill specifically targets expanding access to technology education for underrepresented groups including minorities, women, and low-income students, while requiring programs to track demographic data to ensure equitable outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to support community coalitions working with schools to prevent drug use among students. It authorizes $7 million annually (2025-2030) for grants up to $75,000 per year to community coalitions that already receive federal drug prevention funding and have formal partnerships with local schools. Grantees must use funds to implement tailored prevention programs for students, supplementing rather than replacing existing funding, and must follow specific reporting requirements. The program directly affects community coalitions and schools in partnership, aiming to reduce substance use through coordinated local efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Sáttítla National Monument (206,563 acres in California) under Forest Service management, permanently withdrawing federal land from mining, disposal, and new grazing while protecting existing uses. It requires collaboration with federally recognized tribes culturally connected to the area, mandating tribal consultation for management decisions, access for traditional/cultural practices, and prohibiting new timber sales or grazing allotments. The monument’s management plan must incorporate tribal traditional knowledge, ensure access to culturally sensitive sites, and address wildfire management through tribal partnerships. This directly affects federally recognized tribes with cultural ties to the land, the Forest Service, and existing land users like grazing permittees and mineral claim holders.

Maddy summaryS 4973, the "No Kings Act," removes presidential and vice presidential immunity from federal criminal prosecution, requiring such cases to be handled in federal district courts with appeals limited to the D.C. Circuit. The bill specifically bars the Supreme Court from reviewing cases involving claims of presidential immunity for official acts, including dismissals of indictments or overturning convictions. It directly affects current and former presidents and vice presidents by subjecting them to the same federal criminal accountability as all other citizens. Key provisions prevent courts from considering whether alleged crimes were part of official duties unless Congress specifies otherwise, and clarify that state criminal laws remain applicable.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes an existing program that provides support and treatment services for law enforcement officers experiencing mental health crises. It extends the funding period for this program from 2020-2024 to 2025-2029 under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. The key mechanism is simply updating the expiration dates in the law to continue current funding without altering the program's scope or eligibility. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who access these crisis support services through participating agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm that no person, including the President and other federal officials, is above the law. It would require all officials holding authority under the U.S. government to be subject to ordinary criminal prosecution for both official and unofficial actions. The amendment mandates that general laws apply to the President unless specified otherwise and grants Congress power to enforce this by, for example, extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting a sitting President during their term. If ratified by three-fourths of states, this change would become part of the Constitution, altering how federal law applies to high-level government officials.