Sen. Bill Hagerty

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state and local governments to adopt measures divesting public funds from entities engaging in boycotts targeting Israel or businesses in Israeli-controlled territories, while requiring specific procedural safeguards. Key provisions include a 90-day notice period to affected entities, an opportunity for entities to dispute the designation, and verification requirements to prevent erroneous targeting. It explicitly states that such state actions are not preempted by federal law and includes a safe harbor for investment managers adjusting policies. The bill directly affects public pension funds, municipal investments, and government contractors that meet the defined boycott criteria. It does not create new federal mandates but clarifies that states retain authority to implement these measures under their existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of foreign manufacturers making gas cylinders for U.S. hazardous material transport. It requires these manufacturers to undergo annual approval reviews (or 5-year reviews if they meet strict compliance criteria), answer new questions about past penalties or sanctions, and submit to mandatory annual inspections. The Department of Transportation must publish a public list of approved manufacturers and their approval durations. This directly affects foreign companies producing cylinders intended for U.S. commerce, increasing transparency and accountability in the safety certification process.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 26) formally disapproves of the District of Columbia Council’s approval of the local law known as the "Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022" (D.C. Act 24-781). It directly affects the District of Columbia by preventing the implementation of that specific policing reform law, which the Council had enacted on January 19, 2023. The resolution is a procedural action by Congress under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, expressing disapproval of the Council’s action without creating new policy. This disapproval would stop the local law from taking effect, as required by federal law for certain D.C. legislation.

Maddy summarySRES 195 is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools nationwide for their contributions to education. It formally supports the 24th annual National Charter Schools Week (May 7-13, 2023), encouraging public recognition of charter schools' role in providing diverse educational options. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it solely expresses legislative support for charter schools as part of a symbolic observance. It directly affects the charter school community by acknowledging their work during a designated national week.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal executive agencies to return to their pre-pandemic telework policies by December 31, 2019, effectively ending widespread remote work arrangements established during the COVID-19 emergency. It directly affects all federal employees in executive agencies by limiting remote work options until agencies submit a detailed study to Congress analyzing telework impacts on mission performance, costs (like underused office space and incorrect pay classifications), and employee productivity tools. Agencies must then submit a plan to expand telework, which the Office of Personnel Management must certify will improve mission performance, reduce costs, and ensure secure remote work capabilities before any changes can take effect. The law prohibits agencies from expanding telework until this study, plan, and certification process is completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Back the Blue Act of 2023," strengthens federal protections for law enforcement officers by creating new criminal penalties for killing or assaulting them while on duty. It makes it a federal crime to kill or attempt to kill law enforcement officers, federal judges, or federally funded public safety officers (including firefighters and first responders) during official duties, with penalties ranging from 10 years to life in prison or death if the victim dies. The bill also establishes a new federal offense for fleeing interstate to avoid prosecution for killing law enforcement officers and adds a new aggravating factor for death penalty cases involving officers. Additionally, it expands law enforcement officers' rights to carry firearms in certain circumstances and limits federal habeas corpus relief for murder convictions involving law enforcement officers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 119 recognizes the 202nd anniversary of Greece's independence (celebrated March 25, 2023) and celebrates the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The resolution highlights historical ties, including U.S. support during Greece's 1821 independence struggle, Greece's role in World War II, and its current status as a U.S. NATO ally. It also commends Greece's contributions to global security and its support for Ukraine's sovereignty following Russia's invasion. This procedural resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to strengthen bilateral relations without enacting new laws.

Maddy summaryThe TORPEDO Act of 2023 streamlines defense technology sharing between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom by modifying export control regulations. It creates an open general license for defense exports to these countries under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and establishes a license exception for Commerce Control List items. The bill requires the State Department to appoint a senior advisor for AUKUS implementation and mandates regular reports on the partnership's progress. These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic delays in sharing defense technologies with key allies as part of the AUKUS security partnership.

Maddy summaryThe LEOSA Reform Act (S 1462) clarifies and expands federal protections for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers who carry concealed firearms, directly affecting those who meet specific standards. It updates existing law to explicitly allow these officers to carry firearms in National Park System areas and on public property (even with entry fees), while requiring retired officers to maintain recent firearms qualification standards (within 12-36 months) to retain their rights. The bill also explicitly permits qualified officers to carry firearms in certain Federal facilities open to the public, such as Security Level I or II buildings. These changes streamline federal firearm carry rules for law enforcement personnel without altering state laws or creating new restrictions.

Maddy summarySRES 188 is a symbolic Senate resolution celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding on May 14, 2023. It formally recognizes Israel's establishment, reaffirms the U.S.-Israel partnership, and highlights shared democratic values, security cooperation, and diplomatic achievements like the Abraham Accords. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or legislation - it serves solely as a ceremonial expression of support. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and passed without implementing new laws or funding.