Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 372) expresses concern about the rising trend of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries, citing PEN America data showing nearly 3,400 book removals affecting 1,557 titles from July 2022-June 2023. It specifically highlights disproportionate bans targeting books with LGBTQ+ themes (36%) or content about race/racism (37%), including titles like *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Maus*. The resolution urges local schools and libraries to follow established guidelines (e.g., from the American Library Association) when addressing book challenges and reaffirms support for First Amendment rights to read and access diverse perspectives. It does not create new laws but formally calls for protecting students’ access to literature reflecting diverse viewpoints.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill increases excise taxes on multiple tobacco products to create tax parity, meaning previously lower-taxed products will now face rates similar to cigarettes. It doubles the tax on roll-your-own tobacco ($24.78 to $49.56 per pound), sets pipe tobacco at $49.56 (up from $2.83), and significantly raises smokeless tobacco rates (e.g., from $1.51 to $26.84 per unit). The bill also imposes a new tax on nicotine for vaping products ($100.66 per 1,810 milligrams) and adds an inflation adjustment mechanism for future tax rates. These changes directly affect manufacturers and importers of tobacco products and nicotine, altering their tax liabilities under the Internal Revenue Code.
Maddy summaryThis bill bans the private possession, sale, or transfer of rifles capable of firing .50 caliber ammunition, with exceptions for government use and rifles lawfully owned before the law's enactment. It requires owners of such rifles to register them with the National Firearms Registry within 12 months (without fees), and adds these rifles to existing federal firearm reporting requirements. The bill also expands restrictions to prevent firearms from reaching foreign narcotics traffickers designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Act and modifies legal protections for gun sellers who knowingly supply prohibited weapons.
Maddy summaryThe Medical Device Recall Improvement Act (S 2907) requires medical device manufacturers and importers to submit standardized electronic recall notifications to the FDA within 180 days of the FDA establishing the format. These notifications must include mandatory details like the device identifier, recall reason, risks, and specific instructions for healthcare providers and patients - especially for high-risk devices like implants or life-sustaining equipment. The FDA must review notifications within 2 business days and direct what information must be shared with healthcare facilities and patients. The bill also mandates a publicly accessible online database of all recall information, with $6.7 million authorized for FDA implementation in 2024. This directly affects manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients by improving recall transparency and safety communication.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to include hazing incidents in their annual security reports and publish detailed public transparency reports. It defines hazing as intentional acts causing physical or mental harm during group initiation or membership, and mandates institutions to create annual Campus Hazing Transparency Reports. These reports must list verified hazing incidents, organizational involvement, investigation timelines, and sanctions - while protecting student privacy - starting 12 months after enactment. Reports must be updated twice yearly and remain publicly available for seven years. The law applies to all U.S. institutions participating in federal higher education programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historical Park in Illinois to preserve and interpret French colonial history. It designates specific sites - including Fort de Chartres, the Creole House, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ convent, and Kaskaskia remains - as part of the park. The National Park Service will manage the park, using the Adorers convent for an interpretive visitor center and collaborating with local governments. The park focuses on educating the public about the region’s French colonial heritage, multi-ethnic communities, and contributions of religious women and early enslaved laborers.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to provide student loan payment deferrals for borrowers who are survivors of sex-based harassment. It allows eligible borrowers to defer payments for up to 3 years (in 3-12 month periods) if they reduced their course load due to harassment and submitted documentation to a covered individual (like a Title IX coordinator or healthcare provider). The bill also waives the requirement to repay federal grants or loans if the borrower's interruption was due to harassment and they are already receiving the deferral. It defines "sex-based harassment" to include sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault as outlined in existing federal regulations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution symbolically designates September 2023 as "National Voting Rights Month" to raise awareness about voting rights history and current challenges. It recommends Congress pass specific voting rights legislation (like the Freedom to Vote Act and Democracy Restoration Act) and encourages public education on voting accessibility, registration, and historical voter suppression. The resolution has no binding effect on policy or funding - it serves as a symbolic recognition and call to action for voting rights advocacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow eligible voters to register or update their registration at polling places on election day for federal elections, starting with the November 2024 general election. It mandates that polling places provide the necessary forms for registration or changes, directly affecting voters and state election systems. States already without voter registration requirements for federal elections are exempt. The law includes a phased implementation for states needing time, requiring at least one compliant location per 15,000 voters in each jurisdiction before November 2026.
Maddy summaryThe CARE for Moms Act aims to reduce maternal mortality in the United States by expanding healthcare access and addressing racial disparities. It provides $35 million annually for State-Based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives to improve maternal care, requires 12-month continuous Medicaid/CHIP coverage for pregnant and postpartum individuals (up from 60 days), and adds oral health services to Medicaid benefits. The bill also funds doula workforce development ($50 million for 2024) and establishes rural mobile health units ($10 million annually) to improve care in underserved communities. These provisions directly affect pregnant and postpartum women, with specific attention to reducing the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates experienced by Black women.