Rep. Jim Haddock

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of November 11 through 15, 2024, as Certified Public Accountant Week to recognize the profession's contributions to the state. The measure directly honors the more than 18,000 certified public accountants in Pennsylvania who work in public practice, industry, government, and education. By officially naming this specific week, the resolution aims to express appreciation for the financial and ethical services these professionals provide to taxpayers and businesses. This is a commemorative action rather than a law that changes operational rules or imposes new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require insurers sending reimbursement payments for emergency medical services to include a specific notice with the payment. The notice must be printed on red paper with bold "STOP" and "Read this notice before depositing payment" headings, and it must clearly explain the services covered, the patient's financial responsibility, and their right to negotiate the bill with the EMS agency before paying. Directly affecting insurance companies and individuals receiving emergency medical care, the provision ensures that patients are aware they can discuss costs with providers and cannot pay less than the amount reimbursed by the insurer. The changes take effect 120 days after the bill is enacted.

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 bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates May 11, 2024, as "National Train Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. It does not create any new laws, regulations, or funding but instead serves to honor the historical significance of rail travel and its role in the state's development. The measure encourages residents to learn more about the history of trains and their positive impact on transportation and the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to update definitions and policies regarding utility customer protection programs for residential electricity, natural gas, and water services. It clarifies who qualifies as a customer or applicant for assistance, establishes specific income thresholds for determining financial hardship, and expands the scope of these protections to include water and sewer authorities in second-class cities. The legislation also standardizes terms related to complaints, payment arrangements, and service termination to ensure consistent application across different utility types.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the entire stretch of Pennsylvania Route 232 in the Borough of Rockledge as the PFC Helmut Boehm Memorial Road to honor a local World War II veteran. The legislation includes provisions for the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying this new name for traffic in both directions. The act also provides a brief history of PFC Helmut Boehm, detailing his service as an ambulance orderly who evacuated wounded soldiers and liberated concentration camps before his passing in 2024. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies in Pennsylvania to create violence prevention committees to address workplace violence against employees. These committees must include a mix of management, union or elected non-union staff, and direct care workers who will conduct annual risk assessments, track incidents, and develop safety plans. The legislation also mandates that employees report violence within 24 hours, protects reporters from retaliation, and requires facilities to make risk reports public while maintaining records for at least three years. Health facilities that fail to comply with these new reporting and prevention duties face administrative fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework in Pennsylvania to identify and manage boats that are at risk of sinking, abandoned, or left in a derelict condition on public waters. It defines specific criteria for these categories, such as boats taking on water without a means to drain it or vessels that are sunk and cannot move themselves. Under the new rules, local municipalities and law enforcement agencies can investigate these boats and must notify the state commission and the boat's owner within five days of discovery. The legislation also establishes a presumption that a boat is abandoned if it is inoperable, illegally moored, or lacks valid registration, while allowing owners to prove otherwise. Finally, the bill imposes penalties for violations related to these unsafe or neglected vessels to encourage compliance and cleanup.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates October 5, 2024, as Ostomy Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to honor individuals living with ostomies. The bill aims to increase public understanding of the surgery and reduce stigma by highlighting the importance of education and support for patients and their families. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the medical procedure and promote awareness within the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of September 23 through 29, 2024, as "Rail Safety Week" to raise public awareness about railroad safety. The measure highlights the importance of rail travel while addressing ongoing risks such as crossing collisions and trespassing on tracks. It aligns with the national "See Tracks? Think Train Week" campaign led by Operation Lifesaver to educate residents on avoiding accidents near railroad lines. The resolution is a symbolic gesture intended to encourage safer behavior rather than implementing new laws or regulations.