Sen. Angus S. King, Jr.

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 summaryThis bill prohibits states from automatically removing voters from registration lists due to factors like not voting or not responding to mail. It requires states to use only objective evidence (such as death records or proof of permanent move out of state) for removals and mandates 48-hour notice to voters with reinstatement options. Voters who move within a state can update their address through election day to vote at their new location. The law directly affects registered voters and election officials who must implement these verification and notice requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire the maximum number of new air traffic controllers each year from 2024 through 2028, based on the training capacity of the FAA Academy. It directly affects the FAA, which must set annual hiring targets aligned with its ability to train new controllers. The law does not change existing hiring rules but mandates that the FAA utilize its full training capacity each year for new controller hires during this period. It excludes certain individuals specified under federal law, but the core provision focuses on maximizing new controller recruitment within available training resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to exclude certain veterinary student loan repayment or forgiveness assistance from taxable income. It specifically applies to veterinarians participating in programs under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 or similar state programs designed to increase rural veterinary access. The key change clarifies that financial assistance provided through these targeted programs is not considered taxable income for participants. This directly benefits veterinarians in rural areas who use these loan repayment options to practice in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would give Congress and states the authority to regulate campaign contributions and spending, including setting limits and prohibiting corporations from spending money to influence elections. It explicitly protects freedom of the press by stating the amendment cannot be used to abridge it. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, it would establish a new constitutional standard for campaign finance regulation.

Maddy summaryThe Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023 provides fertility treatment and counseling services to active duty military members and veterans with infertility conditions, along with adoption assistance for veterans. It requires the Department of Defense to establish fertility preservation procedures before deployment or hazardous assignments, including cryopreservation and storage of reproductive genetic material at no cost to service members. The bill ensures these services are provided without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status, with specific limits on in vitro fertilization (three completed oocyte retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines). It creates coordination between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure seamless transitions of care and adds adoption assistance with a limit of three covered adoptions. The legislation specifically covers veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting reproductive health, such as spinal cord injuries, military sexual trauma, or certain mental health conditions.

Maddy summaryS 2807, the Help Our Kelp Act, creates a federal grant program to fund projects conserving, restoring, and managing kelp forest ecosystems. It directly affects eligible entities like fishing industry groups, Indian Tribes, universities, nonprofits, and local governments, which can apply for grants totaling $5 million annually (2024-2028), with at least $750,000 reserved for tribal projects. Key provisions require applicants to address significant kelp declines, prioritize ecosystem resilience and Indigenous knowledge integration, and provide a 15% non-Federal cost share (with limited waivers). The program mandates science-based project evaluation and focuses on concrete actions like restoring natural food chains through urchin removal and monitoring kelp health.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $16 billion in federal funding over five years (2024-2028) to stabilize the child care sector. It directly affects child care providers by offering grants to offset operating costs, support higher wages for early childhood educators without increasing fees for families, and expand access to high-quality care. Key provisions include funding for providers in underserved areas (like rural communities, infant/toddler care, and inclusive services for children with disabilities) and a requirement that 99% of funds go directly to providers. The funds are administered through the existing framework of the American Rescue Plan Act's child care program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal grant criteria under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to prioritize civics and Constitution education. It requires grant programs to focus on improving teaching of American history, civics, government, and geography in K-12 schools, with specific emphasis on teaching the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Grants must also demonstrate innovation, scalability, accountability, and a focus on underserved students, while including hands-on civic engagement activities for teachers and students. The bill directly affects schools and programs seeking federal funding under this education law.

Maddy summarySRES 337 designates the week beginning September 10, 2023, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week" to honor workers who provide essential in-home and community-based support to people with disabilities. The resolution recognizes these professionals - including personal assistants and in-home support workers - who help individuals live independently, avoid institutional care, and access community activities, while also urging the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect specific data about this workforce.