Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to create clear anti-harassment policies covering harassment based on race, sex, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics. These policies must specifically prohibit harassment occurring online (via emails, social media, or institutional networks), on campus, in dorms, and during school-sponsored activities. It also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund campus prevention programs, counseling services, and training for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. The law adds these requirements to existing federal protections under Title IX and the Civil Rights Act, without replacing them.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 353 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week of September 16-23, 2023, as "National Estuaries Week." It expresses the Senate’s support for raising public awareness about the ecological and economic importance of estuaries. The resolution highlights estuaries’ role in supporting jobs, economic output, and critical habitats, while acknowledging threats like pollution and habitat loss. This procedural resolution has no direct regulatory or funding impact - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of estuaries’ value.
Maddy summarySRES 351 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating September 25, 2023, as "National Lobster Day." It formally recognizes the cultural, economic, and culinary significance of lobster in the United States, highlighting its role in coastal communities, sustainability efforts, and traditions. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day through activities but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. It directly affects no specific group or industry, serving only as a symbolic acknowledgment. This procedural resolution was introduced by Senators King, Collins, Shaheen, and others and adopted by the Senate on September 19, 2023.
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 summaryThe REDUCE Act of 2023 imposes a gradually increasing tax on virgin plastic resin and single-use plastic products entering or sold in the U.S., starting at 10 cents per pound in 2024 and rising to 20 cents per pound by 2026. Manufacturers, producers, and importers of plastic resin will pay this tax, with exemptions for small businesses producing less than 10 tons annually. Revenue from the tax will fund a Plastic Waste Reduction Fund to support recycling infrastructure, marine debris cleanup, and environmental justice initiatives. The bill defines "covered items" as single-use plastic products like packaging, beverage containers, and food service items, while excluding certain medical and hygiene products. The tax will begin on January 1, 2024, with rates adjusted annually for inflation after 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 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 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 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 summaryS 2804, the Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act, prohibits the government from withholding Social Security, Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung benefits to pay off unrelated debts like federal student loans or tax obligations. It amends the Social Security Act and related laws to nullify provisions allowing such administrative offsets, restoring protections that previously existed before a 2020 change. The bill ensures Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance benefits receive identical protections to Social Security benefits. These changes apply to all offset collections occurring after the bill's enactment date.