Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of September 23 through 29, 2024, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" to highlight the shortage of disposable diapers for children and incontinent adults. The measure aims to draw public attention to the financial burden families face, noting that many must cut back on essentials like food to afford these necessities. Additionally, the resolution formally recognizes the work of Pennsylvania's 10 diaper banks and encourages residents to support community organizations through donations and participation in diaper drives.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates money from the State Lottery Fund to the Department of Aging in Pennsylvania for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The specific funding supports programs like PennCARE, which provide services such as community care, protective services, and counseling for older adults and other seniors. It adds to existing state appropriations and takes effect immediately to cover expenses starting July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to clarify which entities must maintain county property contact information lists. It specifically defines "business" and "limited liability company" to ensure these groups, along with individuals, are subject to the same duties as other property owners. The legislation imposes penalties on those who fail to comply with these new reporting requirements, aiming to streamline how property data is managed across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania real property laws to prevent homeowners and condominium owners from being blocked by deed restrictions or community rules from installing solar energy systems on their detached roofs or townhouse units. It establishes clear definitions for "solar energy systems" and "detached roofs" to ensure these protections apply to the correct types of residential properties. While the law prohibits outright bans, it allows homeowners' associations to set reasonable regulations regarding safety, aesthetics, and certification to maintain community standards. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted, giving communities time to update their governing documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts public access to eviction records in Pennsylvania by automatically placing such files under limited access seven years after the case is filed or once a judgment is satisfied. It prohibits courts, landlords, and consumer reporting agencies from sharing these records with the public or using them in tenant screening reports, while still allowing access to the parties involved, their attorneys, and specific entities like nonprofit researchers. Landlords are required to notify the court within 30 days if a tenant pays a money judgment in full or vacates the property by the agreed date. The legislation also creates a private right of action for tenants, allowing them to seek damages of up to two months' rent or $5,000, whichever is greater, along with attorney fees, if their eviction records are improperly disclosed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Earned Paid Leave Act that requires employers to allow employees to accrue and use paid time off after working for 90 days. Under the program, workers earn one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, with a maximum cap of 40 hours per year, and they must be paid their regular rate of pay while on leave. The legislation also creates a Small Business Grant Program and assigns specific duties to the Department of Labor and Industry for administering the law and enforcing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2024 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" to honor Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to herbicides during their service. The measure highlights the health risks faced by these veterans, including those who served on ships in offshore waters, and acknowledges federal laws that presume certain diseases are linked to Agent Orange exposure. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges these veterans face regarding cancer and other conditions caused by chemical exposure.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution formally recognizes September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and designates September 10, 2024, as World Suicide Prevention Day within the state. The measure is sponsored by a group of representatives and addresses the issue by officially highlighting these dates to raise public awareness about suicide prevention. It encourages residents of Pennsylvania to offer support to those struggling with mental health challenges, aiming to reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes constitutional amendments to Pennsylvania that would disqualify individuals convicted of specific crimes from holding public office. It bars anyone sentenced for embezzlement, bribery, perjury, or abusing a family member from serving as a state legislator, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, judge, or justice of the peace. The legislation also requires the attorney general to be a member of the state bar and mandates that judges complete specific training or pass an exam. These changes would be presented to voters as separate ballot questions at the next general election.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates August 21, 2024, as "National Senior Citizens Day" to honor the state's 2.5 million residents aged 65 and older. The measure encourages all residents to personally check in with their elderly loved ones and express appreciation for their contributions. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the challenges seniors face, such as isolation and limited income.