Maddy summaryThe Predatory Lending Elimination Act (S 3549) would extend the military lending rate cap - currently protecting service members and their families - to most consumer credit products, including credit cards, while exempting residential mortgages, car loans used solely for vehicle purchases, and Federal credit union loans. It sets a maximum interest rate and restricts certain fees on credit cards, such as those for credit insurance and ancillary products, to prevent hidden costs. States may enforce these rules through their attorneys general or regulators within three years of a violation, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must issue implementing rules within one year that align with existing military lending protections. This bill directly affects creditors offering consumer credit and aims to limit predatory lending practices across most credit markets.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Value in Health Care Act of 2023 simplifies participation in Medicare's Shared Savings Program for care coordination groups (like hospital-doctor networks). It removes barriers for smaller or rural groups by eliminating separate rules for "low" and "high" revenue groups, requiring benchmarks to exclude their own spending data, and creating a new 100% shared savings option where providers keep all savings but also bear full risk for losses. The bill adjusts payment thresholds for providers over time, gradually increasing the percentage of savings they can keep (starting at 50% for 2026-2027), and mandates technical support for rural or underserved providers. It directly affects Medicare ACOs and doctors/hospitals participating in value-based payment models, aiming to make cost-saving incentives more accessible and predictable.
Maddy summaryThe Energy Circuit Riders Act establishes a federal grant program to help rural communities access energy efficiency and clean energy project support. It provides grants to eligible local groups (like counties, tribes, nonprofits, or rural planning commissions) to hire and train "Energy Circuit Riders" - specialists who offer free technical assistance with energy planning, audits, funding applications, and financing for clean energy projects across at least two rural areas. The federal government covers up to 75% of costs for these programs, with $25 million annually authorized from 2024-2028. Circuit Riders must help communities apply for federal energy programs and report on energy savings, cost reductions, and emissions cuts to Congress each year.
Maddy summaryThe Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (S 1418) strengthens privacy protections for children under 13 and teens aged 12-17 online. It requires websites, apps, and connected devices that target children or teens, or are reasonably likely to be used by them, to obtain verifiable consent from parents for children and from teens themselves for those aged 12-17 before collecting personal information. The bill prohibits targeted marketing to children and teens, establishes a "Digital Marketing Bill of Rights for Teens," and creates a Youth Privacy and Marketing Division within the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these rules. It also sets out specific Fair Information Practices Principles requiring transparency, data accuracy, security, and proper data disposal for children's and teens' personal information.
Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act requires social media platforms and other online services used by minors to implement safety features protecting children under 17. It mandates default privacy controls, limits addictive features like automatic media playback, restricts advertising of harmful products (tobacco, gambling, alcohol) to minors, and requires annual transparency reports about online risks. Platforms with over 10 million monthly U.S. users must provide parental tools, conduct independent audits, and make de-identified data available for research on online harms. The bill focuses on preventing mental health disorders, bullying, sexual exploitation, and addictive behaviors through platform design changes.
Maddy summaryThe TRANQ Research Act of 2023 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to fund research on detecting xylazine - a tranquilizer sometimes found in illicit drugs - and other emerging substances. NIST must develop faster testing methods, create public data tools for identifying these drugs, and collaborate with universities, nonprofits, and federal labs to improve detection capabilities and safety practices. The bill requires NIST to report on its progress to Congress within one year. This research initiative aims to enhance scientific tools for drug analysis without imposing new regulations or affecting the public directly.
Maddy summaryThe Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2023 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to disclose pricing information and prohibits them from keeping profit margins between what they charge health plans and what they pay pharmacies. It mandates annual reporting to the Federal Trade Commission about pricing differences, rebates, and formulary changes, and prohibits PBMs from arbitrarily reducing pharmacy reimbursements or increasing fees. The law affects PBMs, health plans, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers by requiring full transparency in drug pricing practices. It includes whistleblower protections for employees who report violations and establishes enforcement mechanisms through the FTC. This legislation aims to increase clarity in the prescription drug pricing system and reduce hidden costs for consumers and healthcare providers.
Maddy summarySRES 494 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing the need for the federal government to develop a national biodiversity strategy. It urges the creation of a coordinated strategy to protect biodiversity, including setting goals like conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 (30x30), restoring ecosystems, and integrating indigenous knowledge. The resolution emphasizes addressing biodiversity loss that disproportionately impacts communities of color, low-income populations, and Tribal communities, while coordinating federal agency efforts with states, tribes, and private landowners. It does not create new laws but calls for a strategy to secure ecosystem services and advance U.S. leadership on global biodiversity goals.
Maddy summaryThe Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2023 requires federal agencies that use or regulate complex algorithms (like AI systems) to establish dedicated offices focused on preventing bias and discrimination. These agencies must submit detailed reports every two years to Congress on algorithmic risks, mitigation efforts, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations for improvement. The law also creates an interagency working group to coordinate anti-bias strategies across agencies. It directly affects all federal agencies whose algorithms impact government programs, economic opportunities, or protected rights, such as those managing benefits, loans, or employment systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows consumers who win legal claims against companies for violating consumer protection laws to deduct attorney fees and court costs from their taxable income. It directly affects consumers who successfully sue for violations covered by major federal laws like the Truth in Lending Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or Fair Credit Reporting Act. The key provision amends the tax code to create a new "above-the-line" deduction for these fees, preventing them from being taxed twice (once as part of the award and again as income). The change applies to fees paid after the bill's enactment for cases settled or decided during the same taxable years.