Sen. Ben Ray Luján

Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act requires social media platforms and other online services used by minors to implement safety features protecting children under 17. It mandates default privacy controls, limits addictive features like automatic media playback, restricts advertising of harmful products (tobacco, gambling, alcohol) to minors, and requires annual transparency reports about online risks. Platforms with over 10 million monthly U.S. users must provide parental tools, conduct independent audits, and make de-identified data available for research on online harms. The bill focuses on preventing mental health disorders, bullying, sexual exploitation, and addictive behaviors through platform design changes.

Maddy summaryThe Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2023 requires federal agencies that use or regulate complex algorithms (like AI systems) to establish dedicated offices focused on preventing bias and discrimination. These agencies must submit detailed reports every two years to Congress on algorithmic risks, mitigation efforts, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations for improvement. The law also creates an interagency working group to coordinate anti-bias strategies across agencies. It directly affects all federal agencies whose algorithms impact government programs, economic opportunities, or protected rights, such as those managing benefits, loans, or employment systems.

Maddy summaryThe Southwest Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023 reauthorizes the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) to support economic development and infrastructure projects in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas border counties. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for 2024-2028 and $200 million annually for 2029-2033 for SBRC programs, including grants for transportation infrastructure, housing, health facilities, and water/wastewater systems. It establishes new capacity building programs focused on workforce development, broadband access, and health professional shortages, with special provisions to waive matching requirements for colonias and Indian tribes. The bill also modifies commission membership rules and voting procedures to streamline decision-making and allows for fund transfers from other federal agencies to support SBRC initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act of 2023 establishes a new regulatory framework for hardrock mineral mining on federal lands. It requires mining operations to pay royalties of 5-8% on mineral production (with exemptions for existing operations), introduces annual $200 maintenance fees for existing mining claims, and $50 location fees for new claims. The bill creates a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund to finance reclamation of abandoned mine sites, funded by these new fees and royalties. It also establishes new permitting requirements for exploration and mining activities, including environmental protection standards and financial assurances for reclamation. The law directly affects mining claim holders, operators, and the federal government through new revenue streams and regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive water rights settlement between the Pueblo of Acoma and Laguna with New Mexico for the Rio San José Stream System, and between the Pueblo of Jemez and Zia with New Mexico for the Jemez River Stream System. It ratifies existing settlement agreements, creates trust funds totaling $1.05 billion (with $296 million for Acoma, $464 million for Laguna, $290 million for Jemez, and $200 million for Zia) to fund water infrastructure, management, and development, and confirms the Pueblos' water rights in their respective watersheds. The bill requires the Pueblos to waive historical claims against the United States related to water rights in exchange for these confirmed rights and funding, while retaining rights for environmental protection and future water development. The settlement becomes effective once the "Enforceability Date" is met, requiring court approval, funding deposits, and other specified conditions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 492) honoring the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. It expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and recognizes her lifetime of humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, founding of caregiver support programs, and service with The Carter Center. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes a federal program providing treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders. It increases annual funding from $29.9 million to $38.9 million for fiscal years 2024-2028, extending support beyond previous authorization. The bill requires applicants to include a plan describing outreach efforts targeting women disproportionately impacted by maternal substance use disorder. It also updates terminology from "health services" to "health care services" in the relevant statute. The program directly affects pregnant and postpartum women seeking treatment for substance use disorders.

Maddy summaryS 3449, the Pathways to Health Careers Act, provides federal grants to help low-income individuals (earning up to 200% of the Federal poverty level) enter health care careers through training programs. The bill requires grant recipients to provide support services including child care, transportation, adult basic education, career coaching, and case management. It includes specific demonstration projects for people with arrest or conviction records seeking health careers, and for training in maternal health careers like doulas and midwives. The bill appropriates $425 million annually from 2024-2028 to fund these initiatives, with at least 25% of funds dedicated to each demonstration project type.

Maddy summaryThe Fans First Act aims to improve transparency and fairness in the ticketing market by regulating how event tickets are sold and marketed. It requires sellers to clearly display the total ticket price (including all fees), disclose key details about ticket seating and refund policies, and prohibits deceptive practices like using artist names without permission or selling tickets a seller doesn't actually possess. The bill directly affects secondary ticketing platforms, resellers, and primary sellers by mandating clear disclosures, requiring proof of purchase for electronic tickets, and strengthening rules against automated ticket-buying systems. It creates new enforcement mechanisms through the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, with civil penalties for violations. The legislation also mandates studies to assess ticket market practices, including how professional resellers obtain tickets and the prevalence of counterfeit tickets.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Section 547 of the Public Health Service Act to increase annual funding for community recovery programs from $5 million (2019-2023) to $16 million (2024-2028). It directly affects communities receiving grants under this program, which support local initiatives aiding individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The key change is a significant funding boost for existing community-based recovery services, extending the program through 2028. The amendment updates the program's name to "Strengthening Communities of Recovery" and adjusts the funding level while maintaining the same program structure.