Maddy summaryThe Corporate Crime Database Act of 2023 (S 3460) requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics to create a public online database tracking federal enforcement actions against corporations for violations of law. The database will include details about the business entity or individual involved, the specific offense (such as violations of federal statutes), the enforcing agency, and the outcome (like settlements or prosecutions). Federal agencies must submit this data within 180 days of the bill’s enactment, and the database must be published online within one year, updated regularly, and made searchable and downloadable. This affects federal agencies responsible for enforcement and provides the public with accessible information on corporate misconduct.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 492) honoring the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. It expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and recognizes her lifetime of humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, founding of caregiver support programs, and service with The Carter Center. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2023.
Maddy summaryThe Farewell to Foam Act of 2023 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene food service ware (like takeout containers and cups), expanded polystyrene loose fill (packing peanuts), and expanded polystyrene coolers starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects food service providers (restaurants, grocery stores, schools), manufacturers, distributors, and retailers selling these products. Violations require written warnings for first offenses, with escalating civil penalties starting at $250 for repeat violations, though small businesses with lower annual revenue face limits on how often penalties apply. The bill excludes coolers used for medical or drug storage, focusing the ban solely on consumer food and packaging items.
Climate Change Resiliency Fund for America Act of 2023 This bill provides support to address the impacts of climate change. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of the Treasury to issue up to $1 billion in climate change obligations (e.g., bonds) in a fiscal year, with bond proceeds going into the Climate Change Resiliency Fund established by this bill. The fund must be used for a program that finances projects that reduce the economic, social, and environmental impact of the adverse effects of climate change. A percentage of those funds must be used to benefit communities that experience disproportionate impacts from climate change. The Climate Change Advisory Commission, established by this bill, must provide recommendations and guidelines for the program and identify categories of the most cost-effective investments and projects that emphasize multiple benefits to commerce, human health, and ecosystems.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Section 547 of the Public Health Service Act to increase annual funding for community recovery programs from $5 million (2019-2023) to $16 million (2024-2028). It directly affects communities receiving grants under this program, which support local initiatives aiding individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The key change is a significant funding boost for existing community-based recovery services, extending the program through 2028. The amendment updates the program's name to "Strengthening Communities of Recovery" and adjusts the funding level while maintaining the same program structure.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2023, establishes a U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus to coordinate support for democracy and human rights, and recognizes Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as the legitimate leader of Belarus. It provides technical assistance for creating national identification documents for Belarusians living abroad, includes sanctions against Belarus for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and creates a pathway for Belarusian nationals in Ukraine to join the Uniting for Ukraine program. The bill requires annual reports on Belarus's human rights situation and its collaboration with Russia, and establishes a strategic dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement to support a peaceful transition of power.
Maddy summaryThe Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights (S 3404) establishes new consumer protections for student loan borrowers by requiring lenders to provide clear, plain-language disclosures about loan terms, repayment options, and servicemember benefits. It mandates the creation of repayment specialists to assist borrowers at risk of default, requires removal of default records from credit history upon repayment, and establishes a centralized point of access for borrowers to manage their loans. The bill directly affects both federal and private student loan borrowers and the lenders and servicers who handle these loans. Specific requirements include clear disclosures about loan terms, limits on late fees (capped at 4% of the payment amount), and prohibitions against certain practices that could harm borrowers. The bill also creates an interagency working group to develop improved servicing standards for student loans.
Maddy summaryThe GOSAFE Act prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) in interstate or foreign commerce, with limited exceptions for law enforcement, pre-enactment owners, and certain firearms like single-shot weapons. It requires the Attorney General to publish a list of prohibited firearms within 180 days and establishes a process for manufacturers to seek approval for new firearm designs before selling them to civilians. The bill also authorizes buy-back programs using Byrne grants to compensate individuals who surrender prohibited firearms and magazines, with penalties including fines up to $5,000 or up to 12 months in prison for violations.
Maddy summaryThe Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2023 directs the U.S. Department of Education to provide guidance to colleges and universities on removing criminal and juvenile justice history questions from admissions applications. It recommends institutions evaluate whether such questions are necessary, and if kept, requires specific safeguards like delaying inquiries until after admission decisions and training staff on handling this information fairly. The bill also mandates training for admissions, financial aid, and campus employment staff on supporting students with justice system involvement, and establishes a resource center for best practices. This policy directly affects higher education institutions and applicants with criminal or juvenile records, aiming to reduce barriers to college access. The guidance focuses on concrete changes to application processes, not on altering enrollment outcomes or funding.
Maddy summaryThe PREP Act creates a dedicated Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons to improve educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Federal correctional facilities. The office will coordinate quality programs including adult literacy, high school equivalency, postsecondary education, and workforce development, while collecting data on outcomes like recidivism and employment. The bill authorizes $170 million annually (2024-2030) for these programs and establishes a repository of research and best practices for State and local correctional systems. This legislation directly affects Federal prison inmates by expanding educational opportunities designed to improve post-release outcomes and reduce recidivism.