Sen. James C. Justice

Maddy summarySJRES 46 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's vehicle emission standards. The rule, submitted in 2023, relates to California's pollution control requirements for motor vehicles, including advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and heavy-duty engine emissions. This resolution would block the rule from taking effect using a specific federal disapproval process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, meaning California's current standards would remain without the EPA's formal approval for these specific provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 47) seeks congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that approved California's stricter vehicle pollution standards. Specifically, it targets the EPA's "Omnibus Low NOx Regulation" for motor vehicles and nonroad engines, which California had submitted for federal approval under waiver authority. If passed, the resolution would block this EPA rule from taking effect, preventing California's state-level pollution controls from being implemented under federal oversight.

Maddy summaryS 1307, the Police Officers Protecting Children Act, amends federal law to allow qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in school zones. It specifically adds two exceptions to existing firearm restrictions: (1) active officers meeting Section 926B qualifications, and (2) retired officers meeting Section 926C qualifications, both while carrying concealed firearms. The bill directly affects these officers by expanding their existing federal exemptions for concealed carry in school zones. This is a policy change to federal firearm law (Title 18, Section 922(q)), not a new requirement for schools or students. The bill does not alter school safety protocols or affect non-law enforcement personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal law to clarify that certain less-than-lethal projectile devices are exempt from firearm restrictions under Title 18. It defines these devices as those not firing standard ammunition, operating below 500 ft/s velocity, unlikely to cause serious injury, and incompatible with common firearm magazines. The law directly affects manufacturers and users of such devices by establishing a clear legal standard for their classification. It also requires the Attorney General to review device requests within 90 days to confirm compliance with the new definition.

Maddy summaryS 1289 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The bill specifies coin specifications (e.g., 90% gold/silver content, design requirements including "Never Forget"), sets a one-year issuance window (January 1, 2027-2028), and requires surcharges of $35 per gold coin and $10 per silver coin. These surcharges will be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance, with coins sold at a price covering face value, surcharge, and production costs. The legislation does not impose new regulations or affect public policy but focuses on commemoration and funding for the museum.

Maddy summaryThe BOP SCAN Mail Act requires the Bureau of Prisons to implement digital mail scanning at all federal correctional facilities to detect and prevent synthetic drugs like fentanyl from entering prisons through inmate mail. Within 180 days of enactment, the BOP Director must evaluate scanning technology and submit a strategy to Congress for achieving 100% mail scanning, including providing inmates digital mail copies within 24 hours and physical copies within 30 days if no drugs are detected. The strategy must cover equipment, training, a 2025-2027 budget, and annual progress reports on drug detection and program efficiency. This directly affects 122 federal prisons, their 38,000 employees, and over 150,000 inmates by addressing a 600% rise in drug-related overdoses linked to mail-sent contraband.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. (including domestically manufactured, imported, or shipped vehicles) to include AM radio as standard equipment, meaning it must be built into the vehicle at no extra cost to buyers. It mandates that manufacturers install AM radio receivers that can access both traditional and digital AM broadcast stations, with compliance deadlines set 2-4 years after the rule is issued. During a transition period before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for AM access. The bill also prohibits states from creating their own requirements about AM radio access in vehicles, aiming to ensure consistent emergency alert capabilities through AM radio in cars.

Maddy summaryThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for telehealth services by removing geographic restrictions that previously limited where patients could receive telehealth care. It allows more healthcare providers to offer telehealth services, including expanding eligibility for practitioners and removing the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health. The bill also includes specific provisions for Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, and Native American health facilities to better integrate telehealth into their services. Additionally, it establishes program integrity measures to address billing patterns and requires the posting of telehealth service data to improve transparency and quality measurement. These changes aim to make telehealth more accessible for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in rural areas and for underserved populations.

Maddy summaryS 1224, the RIFLE Act, eliminates the federal tax on firearm transfers by repealing Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code. This directly affects firearm sellers and buyers, removing a tax they previously paid on transactions. The bill includes technical adjustments to other tax code sections to reflect the repeal and clarifies that firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act remain outside the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The changes take effect after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the asset limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program eligibility. It increases the maximum allowable savings for individuals from $2,250 to $20,000 (in 2025, with future inflation adjustments) and for couples from $1,500 to $10,000 (also starting in 2025). The bill adds a specific inflation adjustment mechanism using the Consumer Price Index to automatically update these limits annually after 2025. This change directly affects low-income SSI recipients who currently lose benefits when their savings exceed the current, low thresholds.