Maddy summaryThe Protect College Sports Act of 2026 establishes new rules to protect student athletes and regulate college sports broadcasting by amending existing federal laws. It requires colleges and athletic associations to allow athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness without losing eligibility, while mandating that athletes disclose agreements worth more than $600 annually. The bill also introduces stricter health and safety standards, including independent medical authority for return-to-play decisions and expanded medical coverage for injuries sustained during competition. Additionally, it creates a new commission to study the future of college athletics and modifies broadcasting laws to ensure local market access for games and prevent large conferences from merging in ways that reduce the number of participating schools.
Sen. Pete Ricketts
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors the life, service, and legacy of Jon Llewellyn Kyl, a former U.S. Senator from Arizona who passed away at age 84. It details his career highlights, including his time in the House of Representatives, his long tenure in the Senate, and his work on issues such as water policy, national security, and crime victims' rights. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to share this tribute with the House of Representatives and Kyl's family, while also ordering the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of September 27 through October 3, 2026, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious instruction in civic and moral development. The bill highlights historical perspectives and legal precedents that support the right to religious education, including the use of sectarian schools and released time programs for public school students. It calls on all states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate individuals who wish to leave public school attendance to attend religious classes.
Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.
Maddy summaryThe Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the federal terrorism insurance program through 2034, ensuring continued government support for insurance companies facing large losses from terrorist attacks. The bill also updates the schedule for recouping federal funds, shifting the timeline for when insurers must repay taxpayer money to later dates ranging from 2029 to 2036. These changes directly affect insurance carriers and policyholders by maintaining the program's availability for a longer period and adjusting the financial obligations tied to it.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution supports designating October 2026 as "Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month" to increase public awareness of drug and alcohol issues in the United States. The bill cites statistics from 2025 regarding binge drinking, illicit drug use, and the number of individuals with substance use disorders or currently in recovery. It expresses support for effective prevention programs and initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of the drug addiction and overdose epidemic.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. The bill recognizes her significant contributions to American music, as well as her extensive philanthropy in areas such as childhood literacy, education, healthcare, disaster relief, and wildlife conservation. It specifically highlights her establishment of Dollywood, The Dollywood Foundation, and the Imagination Library program, which provided free books to millions of children. The resolution also acknowledges her financial support for medical research and her efforts to aid families affected by natural disasters in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution supports designating September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day to recognize families affected by stillbirths and promote preventive measures. It cites high annual stillbirth rates in the United States and notes that racial disparities place certain communities at greater risk. The text requests that the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide awareness programs and highlights the 2024 Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act as a foundation for federal resources and research.
Maddy summaryThe PREPARE Act directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to establish a pilot program for prepositioning aerial wildfire suppression resources in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. This initiative specifically targets early-season fires involving fine fuels and must be implemented in consultation with state agreements and the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center. The bill requires these actions to be carried out using existing funds available for wildland fire management, explicitly prohibiting any new appropriations for this purpose.