Rep. Michael Stender

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hotels and motels in Pennsylvania with at least 150 guest rooms to verify the work authorization status of their employees using the federal E-Verify system. Under the new rules, these employers are prohibited from knowingly hiring individuals who lack the legal right to work in the United States and must keep records of these verifications for the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer. The Department of Labor and Industry will be tasked with creating a complaint form for reporting violations and will gain the authority to inspect business records and interview staff to ensure compliance. Penalties for knowingly employing unauthorized workers or providing false information on complaint forms are also established within the legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 14, 2024, as "William Penn Day" in Pennsylvania to mark the 380th birthday of William Penn, the state's founding father. The bill honors Penn's role in establishing the colony, his advocacy for religious freedom, and his creation of Philadelphia and the state's early government. While it does not create a public holiday or alter laws, it formally recognizes his legacy and encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge his contributions to the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the President of the United States to approve the proposed sale of United States Steel Corporation to the Japanese company Nippon Steel. The bill highlights arguments in favor of the deal, citing projected economic benefits for Pennsylvania such as job retention, tax revenue, and billions in planned investments. It also notes that U.S. Steel stockholders have overwhelmingly supported the merger and emphasizes the strategic alliance between the United States and Japan. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a formal statement of support from the Pennsylvania legislature rather than a law that directly changes policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that officially designates October 2024 as "Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to recognize the state's significant grape industry, which includes over 270 wineries and contributes approximately $1.5 billion to the local economy. The resolution encourages residents to celebrate the harvest season by visiting wineries and enjoying grape products while acknowledging the industry's historical and economic contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands workers' compensation coverage to include post-traumatic stress injuries sustained by active volunteer emergency medical services personnel. It specifically defines eligible EMS providers as those designated by a municipality as its primary responder or dispatched via public safety answering points and mutual aid agreements. The legislation also clarifies that compensation is not required to be filed within a specific timeframe and broadens the list of qualified medical professionals who can evaluate these claims to include psychologists and psychiatrists. Finally, the bill sets an immediate effective date for most provisions while delaying the implementation of new sections regarding specific act amendments for one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to create new rules addressing the management of double utility poles, which occur when old poles remain alongside newly installed replacements because attached infrastructure has not yet been moved. The legislation requires companies that attach services like electricity or cable to these poles to register annually with the commission and provides a framework for utilities to notify them when they must migrate their equipment to new poles. It also establishes procedures for compensating utilities for costs related to removing abandoned attachments and authorizes the commission to impose civil penalties on owners who fail to comply with the new regulations. Additionally, the bill specifies that any costs utilities incur under these rules cannot be passed on to customers through higher rates.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of Pennsylvania's urban search and rescue capabilities. The assessment will evaluate the current readiness of the state's task force, identify operational gaps, and recommend necessary improvements based on modern emergency management standards. This action addresses the fact that the last major review of these services was conducted in 2001 and may no longer reflect current needs. The study aims to ensure the state's disaster response systems are effective and aligned with federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to strengthen protections for local ecosystems and wildlife by clarifying penalties for illegal activities. It specifically addresses the transport, sale, and release of nonnative fish that harm the environment, as well as the unauthorized importation of game animals and birds. Under the new rules, violating these restrictions generally results in a third-degree misdemeanor, though intentional or negligent violations involving endangered species could lead to a more serious first-degree misdemeanor charge. The legislation applies to individuals who import, sell, or release these animals and establishes that each animal involved in a violation counts as a separate offense. These changes are designed to deter the introduction of invasive species and the illegal trade of wildlife while taking effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2024, as "Lineworker Appreciation Day" to honor the electrical workers in Pennsylvania who maintain the state's power grid. The resolution acknowledges the dangerous and essential work these lineworkers perform to ensure electricity is delivered reliably to homes and businesses. It does not create new laws or change regulations but serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 28, 2024, as National Hunting and Fishing Day within Pennsylvania. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the state's long history of hunting and fishing traditions and highlights the economic contributions of outdoor recreation to the local economy. The document does not alter any laws or regulations but instead celebrates the role of hunters and anglers in wildlife conservation and funding management agencies.