Maddy summaryThe Accessible Voting Act of 2024 establishes an Office of Accessibility within the Election Assistance Commission to advocate for voters with disabilities, older individuals (60+ years), Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and those with limited English proficiency. It requires states to create accessible election websites with voting information, designate a single office to provide voting assistance to these groups, and ensure polling places are fully accessible. The bill expands access to absentee voting for all voters, prohibits denying voting rights based solely on guardianship status, and provides $100 million in federal funding for states to implement these accessibility requirements. These provisions aim to address longstanding barriers to voting experienced by approximately 28.7 million voting-age individuals with disabilities and 26 million people with limited English proficiency.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to help local governments provide reasonable accommodations for elected or appointed officials with disabilities. It directly affects qualifying local governments (with populations under 200,000, in rural areas, or with high poverty rates) that have an official needing accommodations like office modifications, specialized software, or sign language interpreters to perform their work duties. Grants range from $3,000 to $50,000 annually, requiring local governments to contribute 25% in matching funds, which must be maintained for four years after the grant ends. The program aims to increase disability representation in local government by addressing ADA compliance gaps in funding for necessary accommodations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 24/7 national agricultural crisis hotline to provide mental health and substance use support to farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and their families. It requires the hotline to offer real-time voice and text assistance, culturally trained staff, 24-hour follow-up calls, and translation services, while collecting data on calls and referrals. The hotline will partner with existing farm helplines and coordinate with federal agencies like the 988 Suicide Lifeline. Funding is increased to $19 million annually (with $4 million dedicated to the hotline) for 2024-2028 to implement these services and report on effectiveness.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal legal right for individuals significantly exposed to PFAS chemicals (like those found in water and blood) to sue manufacturers. It allows people to seek medical monitoring (regular health checkups) and compensation for health harms linked to PFAS exposure, such as cancer or immune issues. The bill presumes exposure for those living near PFAS manufacturing sites for at least one year and requires manufacturers to pay for health testing if they dispute exposure claims. It does not replace state laws but establishes a federal remedy for PFAS-related harm.
Maddy summaryS 3702, the Credit for Caring Act of 2024, creates a tax credit for working family caregivers who provide care for a certified family member needing long-term assistance. Eligible caregivers (with over $7,500 in earned income) can claim a credit equal to 30% of qualified care expenses exceeding $2,000 annually, capped at $5,000 per year. Qualified expenses include human assistance, home modifications, respite care, counseling, lost wages for unpaid care time, and transportation - provided the care recipient (e.g., a parent or spouse) is certified by a healthcare provider as requiring long-term care for at least 180 days. The credit phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income above $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint returns).
Maddy summaryThe Invest in Child Safety Act of 2024 establishes a new Office within the Department of Justice to coordinate federal efforts against child sexual exploitation, led by a Director with specific qualifications in managing organizations and prosecuting child exploitation cases. It creates a $5 billion fund to support prevention, treatment, and enforcement activities, with specific allocations including $100 million for U.S. attorneys' child exploitation prosecutions, $20 million to the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and $60 million for Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces. The bill requires annual reporting on key metrics such as investigations, arrests, and prosecutions related to child sexual exploitation, and includes provisions to modernize the CyberTipline system used to report such crimes. This legislation directly affects federal agencies, law enforcement units, victim support services, and organizations working to prevent and respond to child sexual exploitation.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides federal grants to states to help recruit and retain paraprofessionals - school support staff like teaching assistants - in public elementary, secondary, and preschool programs. States receive funds based on prior Title I funding and distribute them via competitive subgrants to school districts or consortia serving high-need schools (e.g., those with many low-income students or rural locations). Funds can support wage increases, bonuses, mentoring programs, professional development, and credentials like special education or English learner certifications. The bill prioritizes schools serving high-need populations and requires annual reporting on wage baselines and retention outcomes.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. district courts to provide remote video or phone access to victims of the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing (including their immediate family members) during the criminal trial of Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi and any co-conspirators charged in the attack. It mandates that courts make reasonable efforts to offer this remote access without restricting it based on the victim’s location. The provision overrides standard court rules to ensure victims can participate in proceedings, while courts retain discretion to limit access for safety or courtroom integrity reasons. The law applies specifically to the ongoing trial related to the Lockerbie bombing.
Maddy summaryThe Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct a study every two years on cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities affecting the agriculture and food sector - including farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers - and assess impacts on food safety, public health, and the economy. The study must identify gaps in current defenses and recommend improvements, with reports submitted to Congress. Additionally, the Act mandates annual simulation exercises over five years to test the sector's response to food supply chain disruptions, involving government agencies and private companies, with findings reported to Congress. The law authorizes $1 million annually from 2024 through 2028 to fund these activities.
Maddy summaryS 3652, the Housing Temperature Safety Act of 2024, establishes a 3-year pilot program to test temperature sensors in federally assisted housing. It directly affects public housing agencies and owners of covered units - such as Section 8 housing, public housing, and supportive housing for elderly/disabled residents - requiring them to install internet-capable sensors (measuring to the tenth degree) after obtaining tenant permission. The bill mandates collecting temperature complaint data and protecting resident privacy, with HUD required to publish annual reports evaluating sensor effectiveness, barriers like internet access, and comparing sensor technologies across climate zones. The pilot focuses on gathering data to inform future policy, not implementing permanent requirements.