Maddy summaryThe NO FAKES Act of 2024 establishes legal rights for individuals to control how their voice and visual likeness can be used in digital replicas (AI-generated representations that are highly realistic but not authentic to the individual's actual performance). It gives living individuals the right to authorize or prohibit digital replicas of themselves, with specific licensing rules for minors and provisions for rights to transfer to heirs after death. The bill creates liability for unauthorized creation, distribution, or display of digital replicas, while providing exceptions for news, documentaries, commentary, and other protected speech. Online services hosting user-generated content are protected from liability if they promptly remove alleged unauthorized content upon receiving proper notice. The law preempts conflicting state laws regarding digital likeness rights for expressive works, establishing a federal standard for these protections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySJRES 104 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rule that established new fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars (for model years 2027 and beyond) and heavy-duty trucks (for model years 2030 and beyond). The rule, published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2024, would have required automakers to meet stricter emissions targets. If passed, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving current fuel economy standards. Introduced by multiple senators on July 30, 2024, it follows the congressional review process under Title 5, U.S. Code.
Maddy summarySRES 779 is a symbolic Senate resolution condemning the Biden administration and Vice President Kamala Harris (referred to as "border czar") for border security policies. It cites statistics on border encounters, including over 7.9 million encounters at the southern border since 2021 and claims of increased border crossings compared to the Trump administration. The resolution states the administration "failed to secure the United States border" and references ending the Remain in Mexico policy, but does not propose new laws or policies. As a non-binding resolution, it serves only to express the Senate's position, not to change border enforcement.
Maddy summarySRES 781 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams competing in the 2024 Paris Games. It commends athletes, coaches, and supporters without creating new laws or funding, and affirms commitment to safety for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves only to recognize Team USA’s achievements and solidarity. It directly addresses athletes, coaches, and organizers but does not alter any existing programs or obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy to ensure the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has fair governance, including meaningful representation for U.S. "independent athletes" (defined as athletes not affiliated with major Olympic bodies, WADA, or national committees). It mandates a 90-day review to assess WADA's governance, conflict-of-interest policies, and inclusion of independent athletes in decision-making roles. If deficiencies are found, the U.S. can withhold up to 100% of its WADA membership dues and issue a public report detailing barriers to fair representation. The bill directly affects U.S. engagement with WADA, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and the representation of independent athletes in global anti-doping governance.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes time limits for prosecuting certain espionage-related crimes. It allows federal prosecutors to bring charges for violations of espionage laws (like spying or treasonous communication) at any time, without a deadline. The law specifically covers offenses under sections 951 (espionage), 794 (treasonous communication), or 1425 (illegally obtaining citizenship to aid espionage). This change affects individuals accused of these specific crimes, giving prosecutors indefinite time to file charges.
Maddy summaryS 3706, the Victims' VOICES Act, amends federal law to require courts to order defendants to reimburse specific expenses incurred by individuals who assume a victim’s legal rights (such as family members or advocates when a victim is unable to act). It clarifies that restitution must cover necessary costs like lost income, childcare, transportation, and medical/therapy-related expenses directly tied to the victim’s case. The bill directly affects defendants ordered to pay restitution and the people stepping in as victim advocates, ensuring they aren’t burdened by these costs. Key provisions mandate courts to include these reimbursements in restitution orders under existing victim compensation rules. This is a policy clarification, not a new entitlement, focusing on concrete financial support for those managing a victim’s case.
Maddy summaryThe Small Businesses before Bureaucrats Act increases the dollar threshold the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) uses to decide whether to handle labor disputes. For 2024, the threshold will be set at 10 times the previous year's level, and for future years, it will adjust annually using an inflation index based on personal consumption spending. This means the NLRB will automatically decline jurisdiction over labor disputes involving small businesses with dollar amounts below the new threshold, shifting such cases to state or other forums. The bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to publish an annual inflation index starting in 2025 to calculate future thresholds. The law applies to all NLRB decisions made after its enactment date.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals with a "seriously delinquent tax debt" from working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It directly affects current IRS employees and job applicants who owe significant unpaid taxes, defined as debts with a filed lien that aren't being paid under an agreement or under dispute. The bill requires the IRS Commissioner to verify annually that all current employees and check applicants before hiring to ensure they don't have such tax debts. Key provisions mandate these verifications and direct the Office of Personnel Management to create necessary regulations for implementation.
Maddy summaryThis bill reclassifies firearm silencers under federal law, removing them from the strict National Firearms Act (NFA) registration requirements. It requires silencer owners to meet standard firearm registration rules instead of NFA-specific processes and blocks states from imposing taxes, registration, or recordkeeping for silencers. Directly affects gun owners, manufacturers, and retailers who use or sell silencers by simplifying federal compliance. The key change eliminates the need for separate NFA registration for silencers while maintaining federal oversight under standard firearm regulations.