Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

Maddy summaryS 1221, the Supporting NEW BUSINESSES Act, creates a federal award program to recognize state and local governments that simplify business formation processes. It directs the Small Business Administration to give three annual awards to jurisdictions based on population size (over 400,000, 100,000-400,000, and under 100,000 residents) for implementing specific efficiency measures. Key provisions require governments to reduce paperwork, consolidate resources into user-friendly online portals, and eliminate jurisdictional inconsistencies in business formation requirements. The bill directly affects state and local governments by incentivizing policy changes that aim to make starting a small business easier for residents.

Maddy summaryS 1228, the Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2023, allows the U.S. Mint Director to change the metal makeup of circulating coins if a study shows it will reduce taxpayer costs while keeping coins the same size, weight, and compatible with existing coin acceptors. It directly affects the U.S. Mint (which would implement changes) and coin manufacturers/stakeholders who might be impacted by composition shifts. Key provisions require the Mint to conduct a study with industry input, certify changes meet cost-saving and seamless criteria, and provide Congress 90 days' notice before implementation, during which Congress could block changes via disapproval resolution. The bill focuses on procedural cost savings for the federal government without altering coin functionality or public use.

Maddy summaryThe Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2023 establishes a federally protected right for individuals with disabilities who require long-term services and supports (LTSS) to live in community-based settings rather than institutions. The bill defines specific requirements for "community-based" settings, including housing options that allow individuals to live in their own homes or shared residences with privacy rights, choice, and control over their services. It requires states to develop transition plans with measurable goals to move people from institutional settings to community-based supports within 12 years, along with annual reporting on progress. The Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services will enforce the law through investigations, compliance reviews, and the ability to seek injunctive relief for violations.

Maddy summaryThe Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination (like the Civil Rights Act of 1964), guarantee workplace protections (such as the Family and Medical Leave Act), prevent child exploitation, or ensure health care access. It specifically prevents religious freedom claims from blocking enforcement of these existing laws. The bill directly affects individuals or entities attempting to use RFRA to challenge such federal protections in court. This amendment ensures that religious freedom arguments cannot override established civil rights, workplace, child safety, or health care regulations.

Maddy summarySRES 159 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 11-17, 2023, as "Black Maternal Health Week" to highlight the maternal health crisis affecting Black women and birthing persons in the U.S. It references data showing Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, with higher rates of complications and disparities across income and education levels. The resolution calls for national attention to address systemic racism and inequities in maternal care but does not create new laws, funding, or mandates. It serves solely as a recognition effort to amplify community-led solutions and policy discussions around racial disparities in maternal health.

Maddy summarySRES 161 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 22-30, 2023, as "National Park Week." It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally recognizes the National Park System's significance. The resolution highlights the parks' historical value, visitor impact (312 million visits in 2022), and economic contributions ($42.5 billion in 2021). It encourages public engagement with national parks but contains no funding, regulatory changes, or policy mechanisms. As a procedural resolution, it serves purely to honor the parks' legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in healthcare and social service sectors to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans for their workers. It applies to a wide range of facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, mental health clinics, and community care settings, affecting healthcare and social service workers who provide care in these environments. The plans must include risk assessments, hazard prevention measures, incident reporting procedures, and annual training for employees. Employers must maintain records of violent incidents, conduct annual evaluations of their prevention plans, and submit annual summaries of workplace violence data to the Secretary of Labor. The bill also prohibits retaliation against workers who report violence or safety concerns and ensures compliance with existing safety standards.

Maddy summarySRES 151 is a Senate resolution designating March 31, 2023, as "César Chávez Day" to honor the legacy of César Estrada Chávez, a civil rights leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers and championed nonviolent organizing for farmworkers' rights. This commemorative resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups; it serves solely as a symbolic recognition. The resolution highlights Chávez's life work advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity for agricultural laborers. It follows longstanding tradition of honoring Chávez through official designations, including existing state holidays in California, Colorado, and Texas. The resolution encourages the public to reflect on his legacy of service and nonviolent activism.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) passed in March 2023 that formally recognizes the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. It highlights their historical and ongoing achievements in areas like military service, business ownership, healthcare, arts, and civil rights through specific examples (e.g., veterans, entrepreneurs, activists). The resolution has no policy or funding mechanisms - it solely expresses the Senate's intent to honor these contributions and acknowledge the need to address barriers they face. It was introduced by Senators Murkowski, Schatz, and others with bipartisan support.

Maddy summarySRES 154 is a symbolic Senate resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility. It encourages the American public to observe this day through ceremonies and activities, celebrates transgender community achievements, and recognizes the community's fight for equality. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a statement of support. It directly acknowledges transgender individuals' contributions and the ongoing challenges they face, including discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and refers to transgender representation in government and media as part of its context.