Maddy summaryThe Promoting Police Leadership Act directs the Attorney General to create and certify specialized training programs for police commanders, focusing on leadership, community trust, and data-driven policing. This initiative requires the training to be primarily in-person and include practical problem-solving exercises where officers develop and refine solutions for real-world challenges. The bill mandates that the Attorney General consult with local agencies and universities to design these curricula and publish a list of law enforcement units that successfully complete the courses. Additionally, the legislation requires periodic reports to Congress and a review by the Government Accountability Office to assess the program's effectiveness and implementation barriers. Importantly, the act does not override state or local authority to set their own certification standards for law enforcement officers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Tribal Warrant Fairness Act amends two federal laws to explicitly include Indian Tribes in existing law enforcement and security protocols. It requires the U.S. Marshals Service to consider "Tribal fugitive matters" upon request by an Indian Tribe and updates the Presidential Threat Protection Act to include "Indian Tribes" and "Tribal law" alongside local and state entities. These changes ensure Tribal governments are treated equally with local and state authorities in federal processes. The bill directly affects Indian Tribes, the U.S. Marshals Service, and agencies under the Presidential Threat Protection Act by modifying how they handle Tribal matters. This is a technical update to existing statutes without creating new programs or funding.
Maddy summaryS 825 requires the Justice Department to develop a report within 150 days on programs providing evidence-based mental health care for public safety officers, including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers. The report must outline how to deliver trauma-informed care, peer support, and family services through in-person or telehealth options, while ensuring confidentiality for officers seeking help. It also needs to detail administrative efficiency across states and territories, draft necessary grant conditions, and estimate annual funding needs. This bill does not fund programs but sets a framework for future action based on the high rates of PTSD and suicide among these frontline workers.
Maddy summaryS 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, amends federal law to increase penalties for providing prohibited items (like phones) to prison inmates. It adds a maximum 2-year prison term for knowingly supplying phones to inmates, specifically targeting violations related to phone trafficking. The bill also requires the Bureau of Prisons to review and update its policies within one year of enactment to better prevent inmate access to prohibited objects and enhance safety for both incarcerated individuals and staff. These changes directly affect prison staff, correctional facilities, and individuals involved in supplying contraband to inmates.
First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges and apologizes for the decades of discrimination and wrongful termination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the U.S. military, Foreign Service, and federal civil service. The measure highlights historical policies, such as the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule and the "Lavender Scare," which forced hundreds of thousands of service members to leave their jobs or hide their identities, while also noting recent executive actions that have rescinded protections for gender identity. While the resolution reaffirms a commitment to equal rights and respect for all LGBT government employees, it explicitly states that it does not create any legal claims or settlements for affected individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act, aims to repeal specific restrictions on how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives manages gun-related data. By removing these limits, the legislation would allow federal agencies to keep instant background check records longer than the current 24-hour requirement and enable the ATF to conduct annual inventory audits of gun dealers. Additionally, the bill would permit the consolidation of firearms records and allow for more Freedom of Information Act requests regarding gun traces. These changes are intended to help law enforcement track illegal firearms more effectively and support research into gun trafficking patterns.
Maddy summaryThe Fraudulent Artificial Intelligence Regulations (FAIR) Elections Act of 2026 prohibits individuals from knowingly distributing false AI-generated media about federal elections or election officials if the intent is to impede voting or harass officials, while allowing news organizations to report on such content as long as they clearly label it as false. The bill also restricts states from removing voters from official registration lists unless the data comes from government sources approved by the Attorney General and updated at least monthly. Additionally, it bars the federal government from comparing its own databases with state or local records to determine voter eligibility and establishes a private right of action for citizens to sue if the government violates this rule. To further ensure accuracy, the Act requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the impact of using federal databases like SAVE for voter removals and submit its findings to Congress within 180 days.
Maddy summaryThe Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to create a centralized online platform called the Web of Biological Data to help researchers access and analyze biological information using advanced tools like artificial intelligence. This system will serve as a single entry point for various biological datasets, particularly those funded by the federal government, while implementing tiered security measures to protect sensitive data and restrict access to certain foreign nations. The bill establishes a phased rollout plan that includes an initial testing phase within two years and a full expansion within five years, supported by an advisory board comprising representatives from industry, academia, and other federal agencies. Funding is authorized to support the development, maintenance, and expansion of the platform, with requirements for regular reports on progress and cybersecurity assessments.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the President to declare a smoke emergency in states facing significant air quality drops due to wildfire smoke, either upon a request from a state governor or based on the President's own determination. Once declared, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies can provide assistance such as grants, equipment, and personnel to help communities set up smoke shelters, air purifiers, and monitoring sites. Additionally, the Small Business Administration would be able to offer grants to small businesses that lose significant revenue because of the smoke. The legislation also adjusts federal budget rules to ensure that funds designated for this specific type of emergency assistance are not subject to standard deficit reduction triggers.