Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a dedicated nomination committee to oversee the selection process. The Governor will appoint the poet laureate from a shortlist of candidates provided by the committee, which includes representatives from state arts and education agencies. The appointed poet will serve a two-year term without pay but will receive reimbursement for travel expenses while performing official duties such as reading poems at the governor's inauguration and legislative sessions. The legislation also establishes a specific committee structure to determine candidate qualifications and submit up to three finalists for the Governor's consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits service providers and vehicle lessors in Pennsylvania from charging early termination fees when a contract holder dies before the agreement ends. It directly affects families and estate administrators who need to cancel contracts for utilities, telecommunications, or car leases after a death. To enforce this, the law requires the executor of the estate to provide written notice along with a death certificate within 180 days, and providers must waive the fees upon receiving this documentation. Any company that charges these fees in violation of the act faces penalties under the state's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The rules apply to contracts signed on or after the bill's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Self-Service Storage Facility Act to allow storage owners to publish redundant advertisements online when they are required to place notices in a newspaper. Under the new rules, owners can post these notices on publicly accessible websites that regularly sell personal property, and this online posting counts as meeting the legal advertising requirement. If a newspaper fails to publish the notice on time, the online advertisement remains valid once posted, provided the owner keeps proof of purchase and the ad copy for one year after the sale. The changes directly affect storage facility owners who must notify the public about auctions or sales of abandoned items, offering them a digital option to fulfill their notification duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Stuffed Toy Manufacturing Act to prohibit the use of child, forced, or slave labor in the production of stuffed toys. It requires manufacturers to register and allows state officials to inspect products, approving them for sale or rejecting them if they violate the new labor standards. Additionally, the law mandates that the state department issue an annual report by March 31 detailing the number of registered manufacturers, their countries of origin, and the results of product inspections. The report must be shared with the chairs of the relevant labor committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Statewide Advisory Council on Playground Safety in Pennsylvania to improve safety standards for playgrounds across the state. The council will be responsible for developing guidelines and recommendations to help local communities create safer play environments for children. As a procedural measure, the bill also makes minor technical adjustments to the text of the legislation to correct line numbering and remove an outdated provision.

Maddy summaryHB 657 aims to increase transparency in real estate agreements and ban unfair service contracts between property owners and agents. The bill requires clearer terms in these agreements to ensure both parties understand their rights and obligations. It also establishes penalties for those who violate these new rules. This legislation directly impacts homeowners, renters, and real estate professionals by setting stricter standards for how services are offered and documented.

Maddy summaryHB 2444 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update definitions and rules for games of chance, specifically allowing for new types of electronic pull-tab systems and games. The bill clarifies what constitutes an electronic pull-tab device and game, explicitly prohibiting them from simulating casino-style games like slots or blackjack, while also defining other game formats such as event games and progressive pull-tab games. It establishes new prize limits, setting a general maximum of $10,000 per individual prize and a separate limit of $20,000 for jackpots in progressive or subset pull-tab games. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter regulations on distributor licenses and manufacturer registration, requires licensed organizations to undergo audits by the Auditor General, and outlines penalties for license revocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2024 as "National Volunteer Month" within Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of volunteers. It highlights the benefits of volunteering, such as job assistance, skill development, and improved community resilience, without creating new laws or funding. The resolution serves as a formal recognition and encourages residents to participate in community service efforts during the specified month.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to improve substance use overdose awareness by requiring the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to distribute educational posters in multiple languages. The department is authorized to cover the costs of printing and distributing these materials, which must be placed in conspicuous locations where permitted. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new grant program designed to support long-term recovery from substance use. These changes directly affect state agencies responsible for drug and alcohol prevention and the communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require schools to identify the September 11 anniversary as a day for a moment of silence. The change directs the Department of Education to specify how this observance should be integrated into the school curriculum. By updating the statutory language, the legislation ensures that the moment of silence is formally recognized within the state's educational framework.