Sen. Tina Smith

Maddy summaryThe Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2023 removes a longstanding exclusion that previously prevented crops and grasses used for grazing from receiving disaster aid. This change allows farmers who grow forage crops and grasses for livestock grazing to access program benefits if their crops are damaged by natural disasters like droughts or floods. The bill amends two specific sections of the existing law to eliminate the exclusion, making grazing crops eligible under the program. Regulations implementing this change must be issued by the Secretary of Agriculture within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (S 1995) provides federal grants to strengthen public health systems across the U.S. It directly affects state, territorial, and local health departments serving 500,000+ people, plus tribal health departments. Key mechanisms include: 50% of funds for formula-based grants to all states/territories (prioritizing population, disease burden, and poverty), 30% for competitive grants targeting departments with highest infrastructure needs, and a requirement for grantees to achieve accreditation by 2027. The bill allocates increasing annual funding - $750 million in 2024 rising to $4.5 billion annually by 2028 - with 3% reserved specifically for tribal health departments. It defines "core public health infrastructure" to include surveillance, emergency response, equity-focused services, and workforce capacity.

Maddy summaryThe Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2023 expands tax benefits for low-to-moderate income workers and families with children. It lowers the minimum age for the Earned Income Credit from 25 to 19 (with exceptions for students, former foster youth, and homeless youth), removes the age 65 maximum, and increases credit amounts and income thresholds. The bill also establishes a permanent system for monthly advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, with higher payments ($300 monthly) for children under age 6 compared to $250 for older children. It includes inflation adjustments to maintain the value of these credits over time and creates mechanisms for determining eligibility and recapturing payments in certain circumstances. The provisions apply to all states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and American Samoa.

Maddy summaryThe Right to Contraception Act (S 1999) establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and related information without government interference, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers who offer these services. Key provisions prohibit state or federal laws that restrict contraceptive access, single out contraceptive services, or allow provider refusals based on personal beliefs, while requiring any restrictions to be narrowly tailored to advance access. The bill preempts conflicting state laws, allows enforcement through lawsuits by affected individuals or the Attorney General, and explicitly protects access for historically marginalized groups facing barriers. It does not alter existing insurance coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act but ensures contraceptive access remains protected from restrictive state policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1989) requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to train regional and state employees who work on multifamily housing programs about the agency's rural housing and development initiatives. It mandates comprehensive training covering how to combine multiple programs for single projects, including loan/grant options under the 1949 Housing Act, technical assistance providers, and other federal housing programs like HOME and low-income housing tax credits. The training aims to improve employees' ability to support rural communities by explaining these interconnected resources. It directly affects Agriculture Department staff classified as national employees working on rural housing projects.

Maddy summaryS 305 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins (gold, silver, and half-dollar denominations) to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($5 to $35 per coin) that will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with proceeds paid directly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The coins will be sold from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the surcharge structure ensures no net cost to taxpayers by covering production expenses through sales. This bill directly affects the U.S. Mint (in coin production), the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (as recipient of funds), and the public (as potential buyers).

Maddy summaryThe SECURE Act would allow certain foreign nationals to adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent residence. It specifically targets individuals who are nationals of countries designated under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or who were in TPS, and who have been continuously present in the U.S. for at least three years. The bill includes provisions for work authorization while applications are pending, fee exemptions for vulnerable applicants (such as minors, low-income individuals, and those in foster care), and a "stay of removal" for those with pending applications. It also contains confidentiality protections for application information and requires detailed reporting when countries lose TPS status. The bill aims to streamline the process for eligible TPS holders to obtain permanent residency without having to file motions to reopen prior removal orders.

Maddy summaryS 1885 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to remove annual numerical limits on employment-based visas for a new category (J). This change would directly affect immigrants in category J, allowing them to obtain visas without facing yearly caps. The bill modifies two sections of the law (201(b)(1)(A) and 203(b)(4)) to include category J in the list of exempt categories. The bill's title references "vulnerable immigrant youth," but the provided text does not specify that category J relates to youth or vulnerability.

Maddy summaryThe BUMP Act of 2023 (S 1909) prohibits the sale, possession, and transfer of devices that increase the rate of fire on semiautomatic firearms, including "bump stocks" and similar modifications. It directly affects owners of semiautomatic firearms modified to speed up firing or mimic machineguns, requiring them to register such weapons within 120 days of enactment. Key provisions ban devices designed to eliminate the need for separate trigger pulls per shot and define "semiautomatic firearm" to exclude machinegun-like modifications. The bill exempts government entities and pre-existing legal modifications from the ban, provided they are registered.

Maddy summaryThe Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2023 would authorize $300 million annually for five years to expand school-based mental health services. It requires schools to partner with community mental health providers to implement comprehensive programs that include universal mental health screenings, trauma-informed training for staff, and family engagement initiatives. The law mandates that programs be culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and track specific outcomes like improved academic performance, reduced disciplinary actions, and increased access to mental health care. This legislation directly affects public schools, students with mental health needs, and community mental health providers nationwide.