Sen. Katie Boyd Britt

Maddy summaryThe Advancing Water Reuse Act creates a new federal tax credit to encourage investment in water recycling infrastructure. This 30 percent credit applies to businesses and utilities that install, replace, or modify onsite water recycling systems in industrial, manufacturing, data center, or food processing facilities. Eligible projects also include those that replace freshwater with recycled municipal water or build new municipal water recycling systems. To qualify, the construction of the project must begin within ten years of the bill's enactment, and the credit is calculated based on the cost of tangible property placed in service during the taxable year.

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 resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.

Maddy summaryThe GUARD Act requires companies providing AI chatbots to verify users' ages using reliable methods (like government IDs, not just self-reported birth dates) and prohibits minors under 18 from accessing "AI companions" designed for emotional interaction. It mandates clear disclosures that chatbots are not human and cannot falsely claim to be licensed professionals (e.g., therapists), while banning features that solicit minors for explicit content or promote violence. Covered entities must implement secure age verification processes for all accounts, including periodic checks, and face civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation for noncompliance. The law directly affects tech companies operating AI chatbots in the U.S. and aims to reduce minors' exposure to harmful AI interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal carjacking law to change how the offense is defined and prosecuted. It removes the requirement that a carjacking must involve "intent to cause death or serious bodily harm" for it to be considered a federal offense (now only requiring the act to be done "knowingly"). For cases where death occurs, it now requires prosecutors to prove both the intent to cause death *and* that death actually resulted, rather than just showing death occurred. This directly affects federal prosecutors, carjacking defendants, and the legal standards used in such cases.

Maddy summaryThe Davis-Bacon Repeal Act would eliminate federal wage requirements that currently mandate contractors on government-funded construction projects pay workers at least the prevailing local wage rate. By repealing the relevant section of the U.S. Code, the bill removes the legal basis for these minimum wage standards on future contracts. The law includes a transition period that protects existing contracts and those with outstanding bids for 30 days after enactment, ensuring no immediate disruption to ongoing projects. This change would directly affect construction firms and workers involved in federally funded building work by removing the obligation to adhere to specific local wage floors.

Maddy summaryThe FAIR Labels Act of 2026 requires clear labeling for cell-cultivated meat and poultry products, as well as plant-based foods designed to look like meat or poultry. Under this bill, products grown from animal cells outside of a live animal must prominently display the words "cell-cultivated" and state that they are not derived from naturally produced meat or birds. Additionally, the law mandates that plant-based alternatives mimicking meat or poultry be labeled as "plant-based alternative protein products" with a statement clarifying they do not contain natural animal flesh. To enforce these rules, the Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments will update their agreement to oversee production safety and develop common standards for these new food categories.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.

White House Safety and Security Act of 2026 This bill provides appropriations to the President for the East Wing Modernization Project and extends certain customs user fees. Specifically, the bill appropriates $400 million to the President for design, construction, and other appropriate expenses to complete the East Wing Modernization Project, including a secure State Ballroom and visitor screening facility and any other related national security facility. The funding provided by the bill remains available until January 20, 2029. The bill also extends certain customs user fees through March 31, 2032. (Under current law, the fees are authorized through December 31, 2031).

Maddy summaryThe Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prevents the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from finalizing or enforcing a specific proposed rule regarding heat injury prevention in workplaces. This legislation directly affects the Department of Labor and businesses by blocking the implementation of detailed requirements such as mandatory rest breaks and written safety plans. The bill argues that these specific rules are too burdensome and fail to account for unique industry and geographic conditions. By stopping this rule, the act leaves the proposed heat safety standards in a suspended state without changing existing regulations.