Maddy summaryThe SAFE Banking Act of 2023 creates a legal safe harbor for financial institutions that provide services to state-sanctioned marijuana businesses and hemp-related legitimate businesses. It prevents federal banking regulators from taking adverse actions against depository institutions for serving these businesses solely because they operate within state-legal marijuana frameworks. The bill also ensures income from legal marijuana businesses can be considered for qualifying for federally backed mortgage loans and requires updated guidance for suspicious activity reporting related to these businesses. These provisions aim to address longstanding banking access barriers for businesses operating within state-legal marijuana and hemp industries.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies federal aviation regulations to improve wildfire suppression operations. It requires the FAA to clarify that firefighting aircraft in the restricted category may transport firefighters during wildfire missions and exempts these operations from standard noise regulations. The change directly affects wildfire response teams, aircraft operators, and communities at wildfire risk by enabling more flexible aircraft use during emergencies. The FAA must update specific documents (like FAA Order 8110.56) within 90 days of enactment to reflect these regulatory changes.
Maddy summaryThe Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (S 1511) strengthens student free speech protections at colleges and universities receiving federal funding. It defines "expressive activity" broadly to include peaceful assembly, protests, distributing literature, and other First Amendment-protected speech, while prohibiting schools from restricting such activities through overly broad speech codes or "free speech zones." The bill requires institutions to clearly disclose their speech policies online and in student handbooks, establishes a complaint process for students who believe their rights were violated, and allows for loss of federal funding if institutions don't comply with the new standards. It applies to public institutions and private institutions receiving federal funds, with exemptions for religiously controlled schools.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Bank Service Company Act to improve coordination between federal and state banking regulators. It requires federal examiners to notify and coordinate with state banking agencies when examining bank service companies (which provide services to banks) if a state bank owns or is involved with the company. Key provisions include mandating reasonable notice to state agencies, avoiding duplicate examinations, and allowing shared access to examination information under the same rules as for regular banks. The bill directly affects federal banking agencies, state banking regulators, and bank service companies operating under state bank ownership. It does not change existing state authority to examine these companies if state law already permits it.
Maddy summaryThe Make the Migrant Protection Protocols Mandatory Act of 2023 (S 1479) would require the U.S. government to implement the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as "Remain in Mexico," for certain asylum seekers encountered at the border. It amends Section 235(b)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act by changing "may" to "shall," making MPP implementation mandatory rather than discretionary. The MPP requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases are processed, directly affecting individuals seeking asylum at the border who would otherwise be allowed to remain in the U.S. during proceedings. This policy change would standardize the use of MPP across all relevant cases without requiring additional legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 200) expresses support for designating April 30-May 6, 2023, as "National Small Business Week" to honor small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States. It recognizes that small businesses (over 33 million nationwide supporting 62 million jobs) are vital to the U.S. economy and highlights their resilience. The resolution specifically calls for celebrating their contributions, acknowledging challenges they face, and supporting efforts to improve access for underserved small businesses. As a symbolic gesture - not a law - it does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes small business impact.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of April 23-29, 2023, as "National Water Week" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness about water access challenges facing communities across the U.S., including over 2 million people lacking basic water services and rural systems struggling with infrastructure costs. The resolution highlights issues like aging infrastructure, emerging contaminants, and the need for equitable water solutions without proposing specific policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect but serves to recognize water-related priorities.
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 RESTART Act (S 1449) streamlines environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act by setting page limits (150 pages for standard environmental impact statements, 300 for complex projects) and strict timelines (2 years for final environmental impact statements, 1 year for environmental assessments). It limits judicial review by requiring lawsuits to be filed within 60 days of publication and setting 180-day deadlines for courts to resolve cases. The bill also modifies Clean Water Act permitting requirements and includes specific provisions expediting approval for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project. These changes primarily affect federal agencies conducting environmental reviews, project sponsors seeking permits, and states involved in environmental permitting processes.
Lifting Our Communities through Advance Liquidity for Infrastructure Act or the LOCAL Infrastructure Act This bill reinstates tax provisions relating to advance refunding bonds. An advance refunding bond is a tax-exempt bond issued by a state or municipality to refinance or consolidate existing bond obligations.