Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

Maddy summarySRES 435 is a Senate resolution designating October 30 through November 4, 2023, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who own small businesses, highlighting their role in the economy (over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses employing 2.9 million people). The resolution expresses support for veterans' entrepreneurship, encourages policies reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and thanks veterans for their service through business ownership. This is a symbolic recognition with no new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryS 3151, the MAUI STRONG Act, creates a $30 million Emergency Micro-enterprise Recovery Grant Pilot Program to support small businesses and nonprofits on Maui affected by revenue losses. It directly aids eligible entities operating on Maui since August 8, 2023, including small businesses (under 25 employees), sole proprietors, independent contractors, and employee-owned co-ops that experienced revenue declines. Grants of up to $20,000 per entity can cover payroll, rent, equipment, or other costs tied to revenue loss, with funds exempt from taxable income. The program runs from August 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, and requires the Small Business Administration to report on its impact within two years.

Maddy summaryThe Support Through Loss Act (S 3137) would provide eligible employees with 56 hours of paid leave per year to address pregnancy loss, unsuccessful assisted reproductive technology procedures, failed adoption or surrogacy arrangements, or medical events impacting pregnancy or fertility. This leave can also be used to care for a spouse or domestic partner experiencing these events. Employers with 5 or more employees would be required to provide this leave, with specific notice requirements and protections against discrimination for taking this leave. The bill also includes provisions for research and education on pregnancy loss through the Department of Health and Human Services, including $45 million annually for research on causes and treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools and state education agencies to break down student performance data into specific ethnic subgroups (such as Cambodian, Hmong, Samoan, and Chamorro) instead of broad categories like "Asian" or "Pacific Islander" under federal reporting rules. It directly affects public schools collecting data under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The bill amends the law to mandate these detailed subgroup categories for reporting and requires the Secretary of Education to develop guidance on reliably collecting this data. The goal is to provide more precise data to address diverse educational needs within these communities.

This resolution recognizes October 2023 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Unaccompanied Children Act establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsperson within the Department of Health and Human Services to monitor facilities housing immigrant children, investigate claims of abuse or neglect, and advocate for children's best interests. The bill requires detailed monthly data collection on children in custody, including facility locations, length of stay, and demographics, to be made publicly available. It mandates legal representation for unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings, improves access to post-release services, and requires home studies before releasing children to sponsors. The bill directly affects unaccompanied immigrant children in federal custody, the Department of Health and Human Services, and facilities housing these children, while also establishing new standards for facility compliance and preventing family separation.

Maddy summaryThe ABC Act requires Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security offices to review and simplify their application, eligibility, and communication processes. It directly affects family caregivers who help loved ones navigate these programs by targeting repeated paperwork, inconsistent information requests, and poor communication. Key mechanisms include mandating agencies to reduce duplicate forms, improve website accessibility (including ADA compliance), shorten call wait times, and provide multilingual support based on feedback from caregivers and advocacy groups. Agencies must submit detailed reports to Congress within one year outlining their findings and planned improvements.

Maddy summaryThe Court Legal Access and Student Support Act of 2023 (CLASS Act) prohibits higher education institutions from requiring students to agree to mandatory arbitration or other legal restrictions when pursuing claims against the school. It specifically bans clauses that limit students' choices of court, venue, or jury trials in lawsuits, applying to all enrollment agreements between students and institutions of higher education as defined by federal law. The bill amends the Higher Education Act to ensure students can seek legal remedies in court without pre-dispute restrictions. It will take effect one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Schools Improvement Act (S 3105) requires states receiving federal education funding to mandate public elementary and secondary schools to adopt comprehensive anti-bullying policies. These policies must prohibit bullying based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, disability, or religion, include annual parent/student notices, establish complaint procedures, and collect anonymized data on incidents. Schools must publicly report annual data on bullying frequency at the school and district levels. The law also requires states to submit biennial reports on implementation and triggers a federal evaluation to assess the policy's impact on reducing bullying. It explicitly states the law supplements, but does not replace, existing civil rights protections like Title IX.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.