Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Pennsylvania State Capitol grounds to honor military members who died in service and their families. The monument, designed by Woody Williams and Kenton Blackwood, will consist of four black granite slabs featuring inscriptions and scenes representing homeland, patriotism, family, and sacrifice. The MI Charitable Foundation is designated to fund and manage the construction and ongoing maintenance of the site, while the Department of General Services will assist in preparing the location and facilitating the project. The specific location is defined as the area south of the Forum Building, east of the Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, and north of Walnut Street.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to establish a new road user charge specifically for electric vehicles. The new fee, set to begin on April 1, 2025, is designed to generate revenue for state roads and bridges, while also updating motorcycle inspection requirements. The legislation takes effect immediately upon approval, with most other provisions becoming active within 60 days.
Maddy summaryHB 93 requires institutions of higher education and private licensed schools in Pennsylvania to offer voluntary, free human trafficking prevention and education programs to first-year students. These programs must cover specific topics such as how traffickers profile victims, the role of online activity, and the differences between prostitution and trafficking. Schools are also required to submit an annual report to the Department of Education confirming that they have implemented these educational initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to submit detailed reports on the state's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline to legislative committees. The initial report, due within 180 days of the law's effective date, must include data on call volumes, answer rates, and awareness campaign performance, followed by an updated report one year later. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department ensure effective communication with diverse populations and non-English speakers when providing crisis support. These provisions aim to improve oversight and transparency regarding mental health crisis response efforts in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates how Pennsylvania Game Commission officers are classified and paid. It establishes that full-time officers responsible for enforcing game laws will be compensated in the same way as members of the Pennsylvania State Police. All other personnel, except the director, will continue to be hired and paid according to the state's standard classification and compensation plans. The changes apply to earnings starting from the bill's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after it is passed.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability for various organizations in Pennsylvania, such as colleges, sports leagues, restaurants, and law enforcement agencies, to legally obtain and use epinephrine auto-injectors for people experiencing severe allergic reactions. It allows health care providers to prescribe these devices to these entities and designates specific staff members who have completed required training to store and administer them. The legislation also provides legal protection from liability for these organizations and trained individuals who use the devices in good faith, while clarifying that administering the medication does not constitute the practice of medicine. Additionally, the bill mandates that day-care facilities provide informational materials to parents about allergy symptoms and the new rules regarding auto-injectors.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Returning Heroes Supplemental Tax Credit Program in Pennsylvania to provide additional state tax credits to businesses that hire qualified veterans. To qualify, a taxpayer must receive a federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit for a veteran and submit an application with proof by September 15 of the relevant year. Eligible businesses can receive a supplemental credit of up to $2,000 per veteran, which can be carried forward for up to 15 years if not fully used in the current tax year. The program is limited to a total of $20,000,000 per fiscal year and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Revenue to publish an annual report listing all businesses that received these credits and the amounts approved.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify rules for primary elections, specifically regarding who can vote and how unaffiliated voters participate. It establishes that only voters registered with a political party can normally vote in that party's primary or hold party offices, while also creating a new process for unenrolled electors to temporarily join a party to cast a single primary ballot. The legislation defines "unenrolled electors," outlines procedures for them to select a party at the polls, and updates requirements for absentee and mail-in voting applications. Additionally, it clarifies how election returns are computed and certified by county boards and adjusts penalties for election officers who improperly deny a voter access to their preferred party's primary.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that designates December 14, 2024, as "Wreaths Across America Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the organization's mission of placing wreaths on the graves of military veterans and fallen service members at cemeteries nationwide. The resolution calls on residents to reflect on the sacrifices of these individuals and their families during the holiday season. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new programs but serves to recognize a specific date for remembrance.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new Employee Misclassification Working Group to coordinate efforts among state agencies in identifying and addressing cases where workers are incorrectly classified as independent contractors rather than employees. The legislation mandates that the Department of Revenue share tax information with specific labor and unemployment offices to help investigate these misclassification issues and requires the use of federal identification numbers to streamline data matching. The working group itself will be led by a representative from the Department of Labor and Industry and will include members from the Department of Revenue and the Office of Attorney General, with optional participation from local prosecutors and labor enforcement officers. Meetings of the group are required to occur at least every three months to develop and oversee enforcement strategies.