Maddy summaryThe Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2023 requires companies that deploy automated decision systems making critical life decisions (such as for housing, employment, healthcare, or financial services) to conduct impact assessments before and after implementation. Covered entities include businesses with over $50 million in annual revenue or those handling data for more than 1 million consumers, which must document system impacts and mitigate negative effects on consumers. Companies must submit annual summary reports to the Federal Trade Commission detailing their assessments, with the FTC creating a public repository of anonymized information to inform consumers and researchers. The law mandates transparency about how systems affect consumers but does not require full disclosure of all assessment details. This bill establishes concrete requirements for accountability in automated decision-making systems affecting critical aspects of consumers' lives.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Department of Veterans Affairs' small business procurement rules to explicitly include women-owned small businesses as a preferred category. It adds Section 8(m) of the Small Business Act - which governs women-owned business programs - to the VA's existing preference hierarchy for small business contracting. The key provision requires that all preferences under this new category (including those for women-owned businesses) receive equal priority alongside other established categories like veteran-owned businesses. This change directly affects women-owned small businesses seeking to bid on VA contracts, ensuring their status is treated equally in the procurement process. The bill does not alter contract amounts or create new funding, only adjusting how small business preferences are ranked.
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 summaryS 2809, the HEAL Act of 2023, requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to update federal grant program regulations related to opioid misuse. It mandates that references to "opioid overdose reversal agents" in HHS guidance and grants - specifically for State Opioid Response and Tribal Opioid Response Grants - must include *any* FDA-approved drug or device for emergency opioid overdose treatment, not just naloxone. This change, effective by December 31, 2023, ensures states and tribes can use federal funds for a broader range of approved overdose reversal products. The bill directly affects HHS grant programs administered under the 21st Century Cures Act and the Public Health Service Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a report within 180 days of enactment examining competition among suppliers in VA contracting. The report must analyze contractor numbers, identify areas where competition has increased or decreased (especially in sole-source contracts), and recommend improvements. It specifically directs the VA to consult with its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) and use a similar defense department report as a model. The goal is to inform decisions that could improve competition for VA contracts, directly affecting how the VA procures goods and services and impacting veteran-owned small businesses that rely on federal contracting opportunities.
Maddy summarySRES 338 is a Senate resolution supporting the designation of the week of September 11-17, 2023, as "Patriot Week." It expresses the Senate’s backing for this observance to honor U.S. history, founding documents (like the Constitution and Declaration of Independence), historical figures, and national symbols. The resolution encourages schools, government agencies, and citizens to recognize the week by studying and celebrating American history and values. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities.
Maddy summaryThe Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act (S 2771) would amend the Affordable Care Act to allow individuals to enroll in standalone dental insurance plans through health insurance marketplaces without needing to also have a health insurance plan. This change removes a current barrier that previously prevented people from accessing dental coverage if they weren't enrolled in a health plan. The bill directly affects people seeking dental insurance who do not have or do not want a comprehensive health insurance plan. By prohibiting restrictions based on health insurance status, the law aims to make dental coverage more accessible for these individuals.
Maddy summaryThe Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act requires employers to provide detailed paystubs showing wage calculations, timely final payments within 14 days of termination, and strengthens workers' ability to recover stolen wages. It increases civil penalties for wage theft violations from $10,000 to $22,030 per employee affected for initial violations, and extends the statute of limitations for wage theft claims from 2-3 years to 4-5 years. The bill creates a $50 million grant program to fund community partnerships that prevent wage theft and assist workers in recovering unpaid wages. These provisions target widespread wage theft that disproportionately affects low-wage workers, women, immigrants, and racial and ethnic minorities.