Sen. Michael F. Bennet

Maddy summaryThe Headwaters Protection Act of 2023 reauthorizes and improves the Water Source Protection Program under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. It expands eligibility for projects to include acequia associations, stormwater/wastewater managers, land-grant mercedes, and private water delivery entities, while requiring express support from adjacent landowners for projects on their property. Key provisions mandate that projects prioritize protecting water supply/quality against drought/flood risks, use nature-based solutions (like wetland restoration), and give priority to disadvantaged communities. The bill increases annual funding to $30 million (2024-2033) and requires non-Federal partners to contribute to project costs and planning. It directly affects National Forest projects, local water infrastructure managers, and adjacent landowners within watersheds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new regulatory category for certain substances added to animal feed, called "zootechnical animal food substances." It defines these as products that affect digestion, reduce foodborne pathogens, or alter gut bacteria in animals - without treating disease or acting as drugs - while excluding hormones and veterinary drugs. The bill requires manufacturers to submit specific data about these substances to the FDA for review and mandates clear labeling stating they are "not for use in the diagnosis, cure, or treatment of animal disease." This changes how such feed additives are evaluated and labeled, without requiring their use in farming.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Medicare's payment system for air ambulance services to better reflect actual costs. It requires air ambulance providers to submit detailed cost and revenue data every three years (including fixed costs, utilization, and revenue) to the Medicare Secretary. The Secretary must then revise fee schedules using this data, considering stakeholder input. A separate provision mandates a GAO study analyzing average costs per transport, payment adequacy, geographic variations, and recommendations for improving Medicare payments - directly affecting Medicare beneficiaries receiving air ambulance care and the providers who serve them.

Maddy summaryThe Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 (S 1677) would restore voting rights for most U.S. citizens with criminal convictions who are not serving a felony sentence in prison. It requires states to notify individuals when they regain voting rights, with specific timelines for notification after sentencing or release from custody. The bill prohibits states from requiring payment of fines or fees to restore voting rights, affecting over 4.6 million disenfranchised citizens. It applies only to federal elections and would take effect for elections held after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 1696 (Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act) establishes a federal pilot program to help independent workers - such as freelancers, contractors, and temporary workers - access portable benefits like health insurance, retirement savings, and workers' compensation. The bill authorizes $20 million in fiscal year 2023 to award competitive grants to state/local governments or nonprofits for developing or improving models that provide these benefits, which workers can retain when changing jobs. Grants cannot fund models offering only retirement benefits, and the program requires a 2025 evaluation by the Comptroller General to assess impacts on worker compensation. This pilot aims to test scalable solutions for a growing segment of the workforce lacking traditional employment benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a federal paid family and medical leave insurance program, providing wage replacement benefits for workers who need time off for family or medical reasons. Eligible workers would receive up to $4,000 per month (with a minimum of $580), calculated as 85% of the first $1,257 in monthly earnings, 69% of the next $2,243, and 50% of any amount above that. The program would be funded through 0.2% payroll taxes on both employees and employers, administered by the Social Security Administration. It would directly affect workers who meet income requirements, with benefits available for up to 60 caregiving days per benefit period.

Maddy summaryThe Digital Platform Commission Act of 2023 would establish a new Federal Digital Platform Commission to regulate major digital platforms that have significant economic, social, or political impact. The Commission would require "systemically important digital platforms" to meet specific standards for data portability, interoperability, transparency, and algorithmic fairness, while conducting regular risk assessments for harmful content. Platforms designated as systemically important would also need to comply with an age-appropriate design code to protect minors. The Commission would have enforcement authority to issue orders, impose civil penalties (up to 15% of global revenue), and oversee compliance through annual reporting requirements. This bill would directly affect major digital platforms like social media networks, search engines, and marketplaces that meet the Commission's definition of "systemically important."

American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2023 This bill allows the issuer of an American infrastructure bond a tax credit for 28% of the interest payable under such bond.

Maddy summaryThe Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 extends the timeframe for individuals to file claims related to radiation exposure from nuclear testing and uranium mining operations. It increases compensation amounts for certain claims from $50,000-$75,000 to $150,000, expands eligibility criteria for leukemia and other specified diseases, and adds medical benefits for claimants. The bill extends the fund's operational period from 2 years to 19 years after enactment, allows affidavits to support claims, and creates a new $3 million annual grant program to study uranium mining's health impacts. These changes primarily affect individuals exposed to radiation during atmospheric nuclear testing (1944-1962) or who worked in uranium mines/mills (1942-1990), including miners, millers, core drillers, and their family members.

Maddy summaryThe Affordability is Access Act of 2023 requires health insurance plans to cover over-the-counter contraceptives approved by the FDA without cost-sharing (such as copays or deductibles). It directly affects millions of people, especially those who rely on birth control but face cost barriers, including low-income individuals and people in contraceptive deserts. The bill clarifies that insurance coverage must include FDA-approved OTC contraceptives even without a prescription, and it mandates retailers to provide accurate information about these products without interfering with access. Retailers may refuse to sell the product if payment cannot be made, but they cannot block access or spread misinformation.