Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 510) expresses the Senate's support for respecting the FDA's scientific determination that mifepristone - a medication used for early pregnancy termination - is safe and effective. It calls for abortion care policies to be "equitable and based on science," emphasizing the FDA's authority to regulate the drug without interference, including its 2023 update allowing mail-order access. The resolution directly addresses the impact of state restrictions on medication abortion, noting that such policies disproportionately affect Black and Indigenous people, people of color, low-income individuals, rural communities, and other marginalized groups. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but urges alignment with FDA science to protect access to this time-sensitive care.
Sponsored bills
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 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 summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 492) honoring the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. It expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and recognizes her lifetime of humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, founding of caregiver support programs, and service with The Carter Center. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2023.
Maddy summaryThe SAFER Banking Act provides legal protections for banks and financial institutions that serve state-legal marijuana businesses and related service providers. It creates a "safe harbor" preventing federal banking regulators from penalizing institutions for offering services to these businesses, even though marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The bill also allows income from state-legal marijuana businesses to be considered "legal income" for mortgage qualification purposes and establishes guidance for suspicious activity reporting related to these businesses. Similar protections are extended to hemp-related businesses and service providers, without requiring banks to serve these businesses.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates November 2023 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month" to highlight the issue of homelessness among children and youth. It cites statistics including 1.2 million homeless children identified in U.S. schools during the 2021-2022 school year and higher risks of health issues, school disruption, and suicide among homeless youth. The resolution encourages businesses, governments, schools, and organizations to raise awareness, share information about causes and solutions, and support efforts to prevent homelessness during that month. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to foster voluntary community action.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected consumer devices with cameras or microphones (like smart speakers or home security devices) to clearly disclose this feature before purchase. It directly affects device manufacturers, excluding common items like smartphones, laptops, and dedicated cameras. The law mandates straightforward pre-purchase disclosure of camera/microphone capabilities and empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce it under existing consumer protection laws. The effective date begins 180 days after the FTC issues compliance guidance, applying only to devices manufactured after that date.
Maddy summaryThe Women's Business Centers Improvement Act of 2023 amends the Small Business Act to strengthen support for women-owned small businesses through an enhanced Women's Business Center Program. The bill authorizes the Small Business Administration to provide grants to eligible entities (including nonprofits, educational institutions, and economic development organizations) to operate centers that offer counseling and training on business management, financial operations, marketing, and access to capital specifically for women entrepreneurs. The program requires matching funds (1:2 in the first two years, then 1:1), establishes accreditation standards, and mandates annual reporting on program effectiveness, with $31.5 million authorized annually for fiscal years 2024-2027. These centers must prioritize serving women who are both socially and economically disadvantaged, aiming to help them start, maintain, or grow their businesses.
Maddy summaryThe Specialty CROP Act of 2023 amends an existing law to require the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Trade Representative to submit an annual report to Congress on barriers affecting U.S. specialty crop exports (like fruits, vegetables, and nuts). The report must identify foreign trade barriers - including tariffs, quotas, and health/safety standards - and estimate their economic impact on U.S. exports. It also details U.S. actions taken to address these barriers, such as World Trade Organization disputes or negotiations. This affects U.S. specialty crop exporters indirectly by providing Congress with data to inform trade policy decisions.