Sen. Cory A. Booker

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 Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act would expand protections for part-time and temporary workers by reducing the eligibility requirement for family and medical leave from 12 months to 90 days. It prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their work hours, requiring equal treatment in compensation, benefits, and scheduling for part-time and full-time workers. The bill also requires employers to offer preferred work schedules to existing part-time employees before hiring new workers or using temporary staffing services. Employers who violate these provisions could face civil penalties and be required to compensate affected workers. This legislation applies to most private sector employers as well as federal, state, and local government employees.

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 summaryThe Schedules That Work Act requires employers in retail, food service, hospitality, and cleaning industries to provide 14 days' advance notice of work schedules and pay predictability pay for last-minute changes. It gives eligible nonexempt workers the right to request schedule adjustments for family care, health needs, education, or second jobs, with employers required to grant these requests unless they have a bona fide business reason for denial. The law applies to covered employers with 15 or more workers and prohibits retaliation against employees who exercise these rights. The legislation aims to address widespread issues with unpredictable scheduling that disproportionately affect low-wage workers, particularly women and people of color, by providing greater schedule stability and control.

Maddy summaryThe Register America to Vote Act of 2023 would require states to automatically register eligible citizens to vote when they turn 18 or when they interact with state motor vehicle authorities for services like license applications, with an option to decline. States would need to establish electronic systems to transfer registration information from motor vehicle offices to election officials, updating voter registration without requiring additional action from citizens. The bill includes strong privacy protections for voter information and requires states to modernize registration systems to improve accuracy and accessibility, particularly benefiting young people, individuals with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities. It also provides $3 billion in federal funding to help states implement these changes by 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning September 11, 2023, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize institutions that enroll at least 25% Hispanic students. It directly affects Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which serve over 5 million students across 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The resolution calls for public observance through ceremonies and activities during that week to honor HSIs' role in advancing educational access, economic mobility, and Hispanic Heritage Month. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy impact but formally acknowledges these institutions' contributions.

Maddy summaryThe Banning Surveillance Advertising Act of 2023 prohibits advertisers and advertising platforms from using personal information - such as browsing history, contact details, or device identifiers - to target advertisements to specific individuals or devices. It allows contextual advertising (ads shown based on current content a user is viewing or searching for) but bans using that context to target additional ads. The bill also exempts targeting based on "recognized places" like states, cities, or counties. This law directly affects digital advertising companies and platforms that rely on personalized ad targeting, requiring them to change how they collect and use personal data for advertising purposes.

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 Green Ribbon Act of 2023 establishes a program to recognize schools and nonformal learning institutions (like museums and libraries) that meet three environmental goals: graduating environmentally literate students, reducing operational emissions from buildings, and improving environmental health for students and staff. It authorizes $10 million for fiscal years 2024-2029 to fund state grants, requiring at least 40% of grant funds to support underresourced schools, and provides $10,000 honoraria to recognized institutions. The bill creates a new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Department of Education to oversee technical assistance and program implementation. Annual reports are required to track progress, with programs aligned to environmental and health science through consultation with the EPA and CDC.