Maddy summaryThe Stop Fentanyl Overdoses Act of 2023 aims to reduce fentanyl-related overdoses through enhanced data collection, improved detection technologies, and expanded access to treatment services. It requires the CDC to improve surveillance of fentanyl overdoses and establishes grants for states to enhance their data collection systems. The bill also expands access to naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal medication) by exempting certain distributions from supply chain requirements and creates Good Samaritan immunity for people who administer overdose reversal drugs in good faith. Additionally, it funds training for law enforcement on fentanyl detection and supports research into better detection technologies for fentanyl and related substances.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1779, the Electric Motorcycle Parity Act of 2023, expands the federal clean vehicle tax credit to include electric motorcycles and other vehicles with fewer than four wheels. It creates a $3,750 tax credit per qualifying vehicle acquired after December 31, 2022, for buyers purchasing electric motorcycles that meet specific requirements (e.g., capable of 45+ mph, manufactured for public roads, and meeting clean vehicle standards with adjusted battery requirements). The bill directly affects electric motorcycle buyers and manufacturers by extending the same tax incentive previously available only to four-wheeled electric vehicles. It amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat these smaller vehicles as "qualified clean vehicles" under the existing credit framework. This is a concrete policy change that lowers the cost of purchasing eligible electric motorcycles.
Maddy summaryS 1765, the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin Act, requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish new evacuation standards for commercial passenger planes within 18 months of the bill’s enactment. The rule must address how safely and quickly all passengers - including those with disabilities, children, seniors, non-English speakers, and passengers with luggage or service animals - can evacuate during emergencies. Key considerations include seat size, aisle width, visibility issues, passenger load, and obstacles like seat pods that could block exits. The law directly affects airlines, passengers, and safety regulators by mandating concrete, inclusive evacuation planning based on specific passenger needs.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 209) is a symbolic Senate measure recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It formally celebrates the historical contributions of these communities to the United States, highlighting their diverse cultural impact and achievements. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it simply encourages the Senate to observe the month with recognition of these communities' roles in U.S. history. It follows longstanding tradition, as May was chosen to honor key milestones including the arrival of Japanese immigrants and Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad.
Maddy summaryThe Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 (S 1677) would restore voting rights for most U.S. citizens with criminal convictions who are not serving a felony sentence in prison. It requires states to notify individuals when they regain voting rights, with specific timelines for notification after sentencing or release from custody. The bill prohibits states from requiring payment of fines or fees to restore voting rights, affecting over 4.6 million disenfranchised citizens. It applies only to federal elections and would take effect for elections held after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax provision allowing reimbursements for certain fuel tax payments. It directs the IRS to pay individuals who remove "eligible indelibly dyed diesel fuel or kerosene" from terminals, equal to the tax previously paid on that fuel under Section 4081 (but not credited or refunded). To qualify, the fuel must have had tax paid under Section 4081 and be exempt from further taxation under Section 4082(a). The bill primarily affects fuel distributors or retailers who dye fuel for non-highway use, as this process typically exempts it from highway fuel taxes. The reimbursement mechanism becomes effective 180 days after the bill's enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill would create a federal paid family and medical leave insurance program, providing wage replacement benefits for workers who need time off for family or medical reasons. Eligible workers would receive up to $4,000 per month (with a minimum of $580), calculated as 85% of the first $1,257 in monthly earnings, 69% of the next $2,243, and 50% of any amount above that. The program would be funded through 0.2% payroll taxes on both employees and employers, administered by the Social Security Administration. It would directly affect workers who meet income requirements, with benefits available for up to 60 caregiving days per benefit period.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to fund training for law enforcement officers on interacting with people with disabilities and older adults with cognitive impairments. Nonprofit disability organizations will receive grants to develop training programs requiring at least 8 hours of mandatory training for new officers (including 4 hours of interactive learning with covered individuals) and 4 hours of annual refresher training for existing officers. The training covers communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, identifying disabilities, and community resources, with a requirement that covered individuals serve as instructors. Funded at $100 million annually through 2026, the program aims to reduce violent encounters based on findings that people with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violent crime and disproportionately affected by police violence.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report disability status data during interactions with individuals with disabilities. It establishes an advisory council (with over 50% members having disabilities) to develop standardized data collection methods, which the Bureau of Justice Statistics must implement in its Police-Public Contact Survey. The bill also amends death-in-custody reporting to mandate inclusion of disability status in all federal submissions. These requirements apply to state and federal law enforcement agencies that report to federal databases.
Maddy summaryThe Perinatal Workforce Act (S 1710) aims to increase diversity and improve care for pregnant and postpartum people by directing the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to issue guidance for states on recruiting racially and linguistically diverse maternity care providers and establishing culturally competent care teams. It authorizes $15 million annually for 5 years to fund grants for schools training midwives, nurse practitioners, and perinatal health workers, prioritizing programs that recruit from underrepresented groups and address maternal health disparities in underserved areas. The bill requires grant recipients to track student demographics, career placements in shortage areas, and include implicit bias training in curricula. It also mandates a HHS study on best practices in equitable care and a GAO report assessing barriers to accessing maternal health education and services. The law directly affects hospitals, midwifery practices, nursing schools, and insurers by setting new standards for workforce diversity and culturally responsive care.