Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies that use private or state/local facilities to house federal prisoners to treat records about those facilities as government records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It directly affects federal agencies (like the Department of Justice), private prison operators, and state/local facilities under contract with the federal government. Key provisions mandate that these entities maintain records in searchable formats, allow public access to information (unless specific legal exemptions apply), and include disclosure requirements in all relevant contracts. The law aims to increase transparency around conditions and operations in non-federal correctional facilities used by the federal government.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Right to Contraception Act (S 1999) establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and related information without government interference, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers who offer these services. Key provisions prohibit state or federal laws that restrict contraceptive access, single out contraceptive services, or allow provider refusals based on personal beliefs, while requiring any restrictions to be narrowly tailored to advance access. The bill preempts conflicting state laws, allows enforcement through lawsuits by affected individuals or the Attorney General, and explicitly protects access for historically marginalized groups facing barriers. It does not alter existing insurance coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act but ensures contraceptive access remains protected from restrictive state policies.
Maddy summaryThe College for All Act of 2023 would establish a federal-state partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students at public community colleges and 4-year institutions. It would cover students from families earning under $125,000 (single) or $250,000 (married) annually, with the federal share of costs decreasing from 100% to 80% over five years. The bill also includes separate provisions to eliminate tuition at historically Black colleges and minority-serving institutions through dedicated grant programs, while requiring states to maintain higher education funding levels and improve student support services.
Maddy summaryThe Veterans' COLA Act of 2023 increases compensation rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities and for survivors of certain disabled veterans, effective December 1, 2023. These increases will be calculated using the same percentage as the Social Security Act's cost-of-living adjustment for that year. The bill affects veterans receiving disability compensation under section 1114 of Title 38, as well as survivors receiving dependency and indemnity compensation under sections 1311, 1313, and 1314. Specific provisions include adjustments to wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, clothing allowances, and survivor benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs will publish the adjusted rates in the Federal Register by the date required for Social Security Act adjustments.
Maddy summaryS 305 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins (gold, silver, and half-dollar denominations) to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($5 to $35 per coin) that will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with proceeds paid directly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The coins will be sold from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the surcharge structure ensures no net cost to taxpayers by covering production expenses through sales. This bill directly affects the U.S. Mint (in coin production), the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (as recipient of funds), and the public (as potential buyers).
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 6, 2023, as National Naloxone Awareness Day to highlight naloxone's role in reversing opioid overdoses. It recognizes that opioid overdoses caused over 79,770 U.S. deaths in 2022 and emphasizes naloxone as a life-saving medication that can prevent fatalities when administered promptly. The resolution encourages public education about naloxone use and urges federal, state, and local entities to expand access and distribution efforts. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness about overdose prevention.
Maddy summaryS 1948, the Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to help low-income households with high-risk members (like those with health conditions, disabilities, or older adults) during wildfire smoke events. The bill authorizes $30 million over three years to fund air pollution control agencies, requiring them to establish free "clean air centers" in smoke-prone areas and distribute at least 1,000 certified air filtration units per program to eligible households at no cost. These units must meet strict standards (like HEPA filtration and Energy Star certification), and agencies must partner with community organizations, provide education, and conduct follow-up surveys to assess effectiveness. The program mandates annual reporting to Congress on implementation and outcomes to evaluate potential expansion.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain grants provided to transportation service providers from federal taxation under the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act. It specifically states that grant amounts received by eligible providers won't count as taxable income, and it prevents related tax deductions or basis adjustments from being denied. The provision also clarifies tax treatment for partnerships and S corporations receiving these grants, treating the excluded grant amounts as tax-exempt income for partnership tax calculations. The bill directly affects transportation businesses that receive federal relief grants under the referenced act.
Maddy summaryThe Global Respect Act of 2023 requires the U.S. President to publicly list foreign officials or entities responsible for severe human rights violations against LGBTI individuals, including torture, arbitrary detention, or inciting violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity (Section 4). This list must be updated every 180 days and published in the Federal Register, with individuals added facing U.S. visa ineligibility and potential removal from the country (Section 5). The bill also mandates annual reports tracking additions/removals from the list and directs the State Department to monitor global violence against LGBTI people in country reports (Section 7). It directly affects foreign government actors accused of targeting LGBTI communities, using visa restrictions as a tool to increase accountability for human rights abuses.
Maddy summaryThe SECURE Act would allow certain foreign nationals to adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent residence. It specifically targets individuals who are nationals of countries designated under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or who were in TPS, and who have been continuously present in the U.S. for at least three years. The bill includes provisions for work authorization while applications are pending, fee exemptions for vulnerable applicants (such as minors, low-income individuals, and those in foster care), and a "stay of removal" for those with pending applications. It also contains confidentiality protections for application information and requires detailed reporting when countries lose TPS status. The bill aims to streamline the process for eligible TPS holders to obtain permanent residency without having to file motions to reopen prior removal orders.