Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the enforcement of contractual clauses that prevent victims of sexual abuse of minors from disclosing their abuse or related facts. It directly affects survivors of child sexual abuse, alleged perpetrators, and any parties to agreements containing such nondisclosure provisions. The law declares these clauses void and unenforceable under public policy, applies retroactively to agreements made before or after enactment, and preempts state laws that would allow enforcement of prohibited clauses. The bill also preserves the ability to settle cases while still allowing disclosure of abuse-related information.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of John Seymour, a late U.S. Senator from California, by formally acknowledging his public service and contributions. The document details his career highlights, including his roles as Mayor of Anaheim, his work in securing the relocation of the Los Angeles Rams, and his legislative achievements such as passing a major transportation bill. It also lists his committee assignments and advocacy for issues like special education, women's rights, and environmental protection. Finally, the resolution requests that the Senate Secretary communicate this tribute to the House of Representatives and send a copy to Seymour's family.

Maddy summaryThe AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026 directs the Attorney General to conduct a study analyzing the link between animal cruelty and future human violence, with the goal of developing evidence-based prevention strategies. To support this research, the bill authorizes $2 million in funding for a grant program that helps states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations create early intervention resources and training for law enforcement and mental health professionals. These grants can be used to build specialized units, improve data tracking systems, and provide behavioral health treatment for individuals who have committed animal cruelty offenses. The legislation also defines specific acts of animal cruelty while excluding standard veterinary care, hunting, and necessary pest control from its scope.

Maddy summaryThe PETSAFE Act expands federal funding for emergency preparedness to include better care for companion animals during disasters. It allows state and local governments to use up to 90 percent of certain grants to purchase items like pet crates, mobile shelters, and veterinary supplies. Additionally, the bill updates official disaster plans to explicitly recognize the needs of animal shelters that house homeless or lost pets. These changes aim to ensure pets can be safely evacuated and cared for alongside their owners in emergency situations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure formally recognizes the service and sacrifices of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers, including those who have died in the line of duty during 2025 and early 2026. By invoking existing federal authority, the bill encourages the public and government agencies to observe this week by acknowledging the essential mission of police work and supporting officer safety. The resolution also expresses condolences to the families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirms support for communities served by law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThe IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Education to provide long-term funding for infrastructure improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These grants are intended to support projects such as modernizing campus facilities, upgrading technology and broadband systems, enhancing safety measures, and acquiring research equipment, with a specific focus on addressing deferred maintenance and health risks. Priority for funding is given to institutions that demonstrate the greatest need due to facility conditions or financial limitations, as well as those serving high percentages of low-income students. The legislation also includes requirements for recipients to submit detailed plans, engage in community partnerships, and use a portion of funds for administrative costs, while prohibiting the use of money for routine maintenance or athletic facilities.

Maddy summaryThe ALERT Act of 2026 directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a five-year program that expands the National Healthcare Safety Network to provide real-time infectious disease monitoring specifically for nursing homes. To achieve this, the bill authorizes the CDC to contract with eligible U.S.-based technology firms that are not electronic medical records companies and hold specific security certifications to build and operate the necessary surveillance infrastructure. The funded system must be capable of immediately detecting outbreaks, integrating with existing reporting tools, and notifying health authorities while strictly protecting patient privacy and prohibiting the use of collected data for regulatory enforcement. Additionally, the legislation requires a final report to Congress evaluating the system's effectiveness on patient outcomes and recommends whether to continue or expand the program through fiscal year 2031.

Maddy summaryThe ABLE Tomorrow Act expands and strengthens the ABLE program, which allows people with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without risking their eligibility for essential government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Key changes include removing limits on transferring funds from 529 college savings plans into ABLE accounts and creating exceptions to annual contribution caps for specific lump-sum payments. The bill also permits employers to contribute directly to an employee's ABLE account as part of a retirement plan and requires various federal agencies to inform beneficiaries about these savings opportunities. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $50 million in grants over five years to help states and tribes promote ABLE accounts and increase participation among eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that individuals are legally permitted to use direct deposit to make contributions to ABLE accounts, which are savings plans designed to help people with disabilities save for qualified expenses. By explicitly stating that no existing law prohibits this method of payment, the legislation removes potential confusion or barriers for donors and financial institutions. The change does not alter the core rules of ABLE programs but simply confirms a practical way for people to fund these accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax credit that matches contributions to ABLE savings accounts, which are designed to help people with disabilities save for qualified expenses. The government will contribute up to 100% of an individual's annual contributions, capped at $2,000, provided the taxpayer's income falls below specific thresholds that phase out the benefit. To receive the match, individuals must file a tax return claiming the credit, and the funds are typically deposited directly into their ABLE account. The legislation also requires state programs to report demographic data about account holders and authorizes $5 million in annual grants to help states promote these savings accounts.