Maddy summaryS 1779, the Electric Motorcycle Parity Act of 2023, expands the federal clean vehicle tax credit to include electric motorcycles and other vehicles with fewer than four wheels. It creates a $3,750 tax credit per qualifying vehicle acquired after December 31, 2022, for buyers purchasing electric motorcycles that meet specific requirements (e.g., capable of 45+ mph, manufactured for public roads, and meeting clean vehicle standards with adjusted battery requirements). The bill directly affects electric motorcycle buyers and manufacturers by extending the same tax incentive previously available only to four-wheeled electric vehicles. It amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat these smaller vehicles as "qualified clean vehicles" under the existing credit framework. This is a concrete policy change that lowers the cost of purchasing eligible electric motorcycles.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Fair Courts Act of 2023 requires federal district courts to use a three-judge panel to hear cases seeking nationwide injunctions against the federal government or regulations. This applies to temporary or permanent court orders affecting the entire country, such as blocking a federal rule nationwide, but excludes cases heard by the Supreme Court or appeals courts. The bill also mandates random case assignment to prevent any single judge from handling more than 25% of cases, with limited exceptions for criminal matters and specific legal proceedings. Additionally, it requires federal district courts to publicly post their case assignment rules online.
Maddy summarySRES 220 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. The resolution acknowledges the program's 30-year history of building security partnerships with 100 nations and expresses gratitude to National Guard members for their service in fostering these international relationships. It does not create new policy but formally honors the program's role in strengthening global security cooperation.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 209) is a symbolic Senate measure recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It formally celebrates the historical contributions of these communities to the United States, highlighting their diverse cultural impact and achievements. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it simply encourages the Senate to observe the month with recognition of these communities' roles in U.S. history. It follows longstanding tradition, as May was chosen to honor key milestones including the arrival of Japanese immigrants and Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad.
Maddy summaryThe COVER Act of 2023 establishes two programs to support farmers adopting cover crops and soil health practices through crop insurance premium subsidies. The main program, the Good Steward Cover Crop program, provides $5 per acre in additional premium subsidies to farmers who plant qualifying cover crops (like grasses, legumes, or brassicas) on land where they also grow other crops and maintain crop insurance, with the subsidy capped at the premium amount for that acre. It requires annual reporting on acreage and includes outreach to underserved producers. A separate soil health pilot program will test additional subsidies for innovative practices like conservation crop rotations, with a mandatory study to evaluate impacts on crop insurance payments and yields.
Maddy summaryThe Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 (S 1677) would restore voting rights for most U.S. citizens with criminal convictions who are not serving a felony sentence in prison. It requires states to notify individuals when they regain voting rights, with specific timelines for notification after sentencing or release from custody. The bill prohibits states from requiring payment of fines or fees to restore voting rights, affecting over 4.6 million disenfranchised citizens. It applies only to federal elections and would take effect for elections held after enactment.
Maddy summaryS 1688, the "Yes In My Backyard Act," requires local governments receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to report on plans to adopt specific housing-friendly land use policies. It directly affects cities and counties that administer CDBG programs by mandating annual submissions describing their progress on 22 policy examples, such as allowing duplexes in single-family zones, reducing parking requirements, or streamlining permitting. The bill does not require adoption of these policies but tracks jurisdictions' efforts to remove barriers to affordable housing. This reporting mechanism aims to address discriminatory zoning while keeping existing CDBG funding rules intact.
Maddy summaryThe Wildfire Emergency Act of 2023 creates a pilot program allowing the Forest Service to enter into "conservation finance agreements" with private entities to fund landscape-scale forest restoration projects on National Forest System land (100,000+ acres), with a $250 million funding cap over 10 years and requiring 40% non-Federal cost share. It establishes a $100 million Critical Infrastructure and Microgrid Program to improve energy resilience for hospitals, fire stations, and other critical facilities through renewable energy and microgrids, and amends weatherization programs to require fire-resistant building materials. The bill also creates Western Prescribed Fire Centers for training, an Innovative Forest Workforce Development Program, and a $50 million National Community Capacity Grant Program targeting disadvantaged communities for land stewardship activities on National Forest System land. These provisions aim to increase forest restoration pace, improve community wildfire resilience, and develop workforce capacity through public-private partnerships and community-focused initiatives.
Maddy summaryThe Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 extends the timeframe for individuals to file claims related to radiation exposure from nuclear testing and uranium mining operations. It increases compensation amounts for certain claims from $50,000-$75,000 to $150,000, expands eligibility criteria for leukemia and other specified diseases, and adds medical benefits for claimants. The bill extends the fund's operational period from 2 years to 19 years after enactment, allows affidavits to support claims, and creates a new $3 million annual grant program to study uranium mining's health impacts. These changes primarily affect individuals exposed to radiation during atmospheric nuclear testing (1944-1962) or who worked in uranium mines/mills (1942-1990), including miners, millers, core drillers, and their family members.
Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act This bill postpones certain tax filing deadlines for U.S. nationals and their spouses who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage abroad. It also allows for reimbursement and abatement of penalties and fines paid by detained individuals.