Sen. Rick Scott

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 protects students in single-sex social organizations (like fraternities or sororities) at colleges receiving federal funds. It prohibits institutions from punishing students or these groups solely because they limit membership to one sex - such as denying financial aid, housing, or leadership roles, or forcing students to renounce membership rights. The law clarifies that colleges may still enforce rules for academic misconduct or safety risks unrelated to membership policies and are not required to recognize such organizations. It specifically aims to prevent retaliation while respecting existing Title IX protections and institutional authority.

Maddy summaryS 1227 (ABC Act) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration to review and simplify eligibility processes, forms, and communications for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs. It directly affects family caregivers - defined as individuals supporting people with disabilities or health needs - who often face duplicate paperwork and communication barriers when navigating these systems. Key provisions mandate reducing repeated information requests, improving website accessibility (including ADA compliance), cutting call wait times, providing translation services, and gathering input from caregivers and advocacy groups. The agencies must report findings and proposed improvements to Congress within two years, with follow-up reports every two years. This bill focuses on streamlining existing processes, not creating new benefits or funding.

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.

Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.

Maddy summaryThe BOLIVAR Act prohibits U.S. government agencies from entering contracts with businesses that have significant business dealings with Venezuela's Maduro regime (which the U.S. does not recognize as legitimate). Exceptions include contracts for humanitarian aid, disaster relief, national security needs, and operations supporting U.S. embassies in Venezuela. The law applies to contracts signed within three years of enactment and directly affects companies seeking federal contracts involving Venezuela. It does not restrict existing contracts or activities already authorized under U.S. sanctions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends pension law to expand participant control over individual retirement accounts. It allows plan managers (fiduciaries) to offer self-directed brokerage windows - where participants choose their own investments - without violating standard fiduciary rules about diversification or prudence. The law explicitly prohibits regulators from restricting the types of investments available through these brokerage windows, requiring only that managers provide a broad range of options. This directly affects participants in defined contribution pension plans with individual accounts who want more investment choice, and the plan managers responsible for selecting investment options.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to prohibit events promoting antisemitism on their campuses. It defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition, including specific contemporary examples like conflating Zionism with racism. The law explicitly bans institutions from authorizing, funding, or supporting such events, applying to all higher education institutions covered under the Higher Education Act of 1965. This policy change directly affects campus event policies at federally funded colleges and universities.

Maddy summaryThe School Guardian Act of 2025 creates a federal grant program to fund armed law enforcement officers at K-12 schools. It allocates $80 billion from unused IRS funds over 10 years, with grants distributed to states based on their share of national K-12 student enrollment. States must then award subgrants to local law enforcement agencies to hire at least one full-time officer per school, covering pay, training, and equipment costs. States must report annually on how funds are used, including the number of schools and officers supported.