Sen. Alex Padilla

This act authorizes the Capitol Police Board to increase the mandatory retirement age for a member of the Capitol Police to up to age 62 when the board determines such waiver is in the public interest. Under current law, members of the Capitol Police are generally subject to mandatory retirement at (1) age 57; or (2) upon completing 20 years of service if the member is older than 57. Previously, a waiver from the board would authorize a member to continue working until age 60. The act authorizes the board to issue a waiver specifying a retirement age between 57 and 62.

Maddy summaryThe 9-8-8 Connect Act establishes a new grant program to help crisis centers provide follow-up care to individuals who contact the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat. These grants, totaling $30 million for fiscal year 2026, will fund activities such as well-being check-ins, outreach to ensure continued support, and referrals to appropriate care, all of which require the individual's informed consent. The bill also directs the Federal Communications Commission to create rules ensuring that all mobile phone calls and texts are routed to 9-8-8, including those from devices without a service plan. Additionally, the legislation updates federal communications laws to officially include 9-8-8 alongside 9-1-1 as a dialable number on multi-line telephone systems.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 establishes new federal protections for individuals experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other gender-based violence by mandating that employers provide up to 40 work days of leave per year, including at least 10 paid days, to address these incidents. This legislation also prohibits employers and insurers from discriminating against victims or retaliating against them for seeking leave, requesting workplace safety accommodations, or filing related claims, while ensuring that any information about the abuse remains strictly confidential. Additionally, the bill expands access to unemployment compensation for those who leave their jobs due to violence, strengthens insurance rules to prevent denial of coverage based on victim status, and authorizes funding for public education campaigns and workplace resource centers to support survivors.

Maddy summaryThe Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act creates a new funding program to hire more counselors, psychologists, and social workers for schools with high numbers of low-income students. These funds are distributed to states, which then award subgrants to local school districts to help them reach recommended staffing ratios of 250 students per counselor, 500 per psychologist, and 250 per social worker. To qualify for the money, states must match the federal grant with their own funds and submit detailed plans showing how they will prioritize high-need schools. The bill also requires regular reporting on how many mental health staff are hired and the current student-to-staff ratios in participating schools.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed on or after the date the law takes effect. It directly affects individuals currently facing or serving federal death sentences by requiring that all such cases be resentenced to a penalty other than death. This legislation removes the death penalty as a sentencing option for federal offenses and mandates a review for those already sentenced to die before the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThe Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026 establishes a demonstration program to prevent, monitor, and control the invasive golden mussel in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and other affected U.S. waters. This initiative involves collaboration between federal agencies, state and local governments, port authorities, and academic institutions to research the mussel's biology, develop eradication methods, and create early warning systems for new infestations. The bill also creates a competitive grant program to fund technology development for removing mussels from infrastructure like water intakes and boat hulls, while authorizing $15 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to support these efforts. Additionally, the legislation requires the Task Force to develop control guidelines within a year of enactment and to share technical information with regional partners to coordinate response strategies.

Maddy summaryThe All Students Count Act of 2026 requires schools to break down educational data into more specific categories for Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students, moving beyond broad groupings to include distinct ethnicities like Chinese, Vietnamese, and Samoan. This change mandates that states report performance metrics for these detailed subgroups within their existing accountability systems to better reflect the diverse backgrounds of these communities. The bill takes effect 18 months after enactment, allowing time for states to adjust their data collection and reporting processes to accommodate the new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to reject a specific rule issued by the Department of Education concerning the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If passed, it would nullify the rule and prevent it from taking effect, directly impacting federal student loan policies. The measure uses a congressional disapproval process under Title 5 of the United States Code to override the department's regulatory decision. It does not create new policies but instead stops an existing proposed regulation from being implemented.

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.