Sen. Mike Braun

Maddy summaryThis bill bars federal funding for state or local databases that track lawfully owned firearms or their owners. It directly affects states and local governments maintaining such databases, preventing them from using federal money to create or maintain these records. The law includes an exception allowing funding for databases tracking lost or stolen firearms and their owners. The key provision is a federal funding prohibition targeting databases of legal gun ownership, not the databases themselves.

Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification 2.0 Act or the BENES 2.0 Act This bill requires Social Security account statements for individuals attaining ages 60 to 65 to include information about Medicare eligibility, late enrollment penalties, benefit coordination, and related resources. Statements with the required information must be mailed to individuals at least three months before they turn 65; the required information must also be mailed to those who are age 65 or over and are entitled to Social Security benefits three months before their initial Medicare enrollment period begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires K-12 schools receiving federal funds to obtain parental consent before accommodating a student's gender identity (e.g., changing names/pronouns or facilitating gender transition) or withholding such information from parents. It prohibits schools from pressuring families toward gender transition, hiding details about a student's gender identity, or facilitating social transitions (like using gendered facilities) without parental knowledge. Schools must publicly post policies ensuring compliance and face potential loss of federal funding or lawsuits if they violate these rules. The bill directly affects all elementary and secondary schools receiving federal education funding, focusing on parental involvement in decisions about students' gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill abolishes the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within the Treasury Department and eliminates the position of its Director. It removes all references to the FIO from key laws like the Dodd-Frank Act and the Economic Growth Act, replacing them with references to the Treasury Secretary or other entities. The bill explicitly states this does not limit the Treasury Secretary's existing authority over insurance matters. The primary direct effect is on the Treasury Department and the FIO's staff, as the office is eliminated.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make non-citizens deportable if convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer under specific circumstances. It defines "assault" according to local law and covers officers acting in their official duties, due to their duties, or because of their role as a law enforcement officer or first responder (including firefighters). The key provision adds this assault offense to the list of deportable acts, directly affecting non-citizens who commit such assaults. The bill does not change existing immigration enforcement procedures but expands the grounds for deportation related to violence against officers.

Maddy summaryThe HERMAN Act modifies Medicare rules to prevent employer health plans from reducing benefits for workers who could enroll in Medicare Part B but choose not to. It specifically applies to employees of small employers (with fewer than 20 full-time workers) who are not enrolled in Medicare Part B. The law requires employer plans to maintain full coverage for these individuals, regardless of their potential Medicare eligibility, unless the worker actively elects Medicare Part B. If the worker chooses Medicare Part B, the employer plan may then stop or reduce coverage. This change takes effect after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Veterans Community Care Program to ensure veterans can access mental health and substance-use services in the community when they cannot get timely in-person care through the VA. It amends eligibility rules to prevent denials based solely on provider wait times and requires the VA to prioritize veterans' preferred care options. New standards mandate that residential mental health programs providing community care must be state-licensed and accredited, with limited waivers allowed. The VA must also track and report metrics on mental health care requests, approvals, and denials. Finally, it requires congressional approval for any future changes to community care access rules.

Maddy summarySRES 215 is a Senate resolution designating May 9, 2023, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. It supports raising public awareness about the dangers of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills, which are often disguised as legitimate medications and contribute to overdose deaths. The resolution encourages existing law enforcement efforts to combat counterfeit pill distribution and acknowledges the severe impact of fentanyl on young people, citing statistics on rising overdose deaths. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the issue through congressional support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryThe Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act amends the law governing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), allowing the federal government to use grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for its operation instead of only contracts. It clarifies that the OPTN’s management must be separate from the entity supporting its board of directors. The bill also mandates a two-year review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of the OPTN’s historical financing - including how registration fees were used - and requires a report to Congress with recommendations. These changes directly affect the OPTN, its operating entities, and the Department of Health and Human Services.