Rep. Mark Gillen

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 7, 2024, as "Purple Heart Day" to honor state veterans who were wounded or killed in combat. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture acknowledging the sacrifices of Pennsylvanians who received the Purple Heart Medal, noting that the state was officially recognized as a Purple Heart state in 2019. While the bill does not create new laws or funding, it formally recognizes the date to align with the broader Purple Heart Trail that commemorates service members across the nation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to hire a private company to design, market, and sell custom vehicle license plates. Under the new rules, the state would sign a multi-year contract with a vendor who manages online sales, handles plate manufacturing, and collects fees for both the plates and any personalized text added to them. The law specifies that these custom plates are only available for motorcycles and standard passenger vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or less, while also requiring the vendor to pay a guaranteed minimum amount of revenue to the state. All money collected from these sales and fees would be deposited into the state's Motor License Fund, and the vendor would be prohibited from unreasonably limiting their marketing plans or the variety of designs offered.

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 Pennsylvania bill requires school districts to provide portable airway clearance devices in cafeterias and nurse offices to help clear choking obstructions. It mandates that school nurses and cafeteria staff receive training on using these devices and includes guidelines for device placement and public access to usage instructions. The legislation also allows schools to seek federal funding for compliance and establishes legal protections for employees who use the devices in good faith.

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 requires coroners in Pennsylvania to investigate whether sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy (SUDEP) were caused by seizures. If an autopsy supports a SUDEP finding, the coroner must list it on the death certificate and provide the family with contact information for a resource that tracks these cases to help identify risk factors. The law applies to all county classifications across the state and defines SUDEP as a death in an epilepsy patient not caused by trauma, drowning, or other known medical issues.

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 Pennsylvania House Resolution designates November 2024 as National Epilepsy Awareness Month to highlight the condition and combat associated stigma. The measure directly affects the state's residents by encouraging public education about epilepsy, a neurological disorder that impacts millions of Americans. By formally recognizing this month, the resolution aims to support organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern and Western and Central Pennsylvania in their efforts to improve quality of life for people with seizures.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayers' Bill of Rights to require the Department of Revenue to automatically remove interest and penalties caused by the department's own errors or delays. It also mandates that property liens be removed within 24 hours if the debt is paid, if removing the lien helps collect the debt, or if a payment plan is in place. Additionally, the law requires the department to publish technical memoranda and advisory opinions on its website and to respond to taxpayer requests for legal guidance within 90 days. These changes aim to increase transparency and speed up administrative processes for taxpayers dealing with the state tax authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide owners and independent repair shops with the necessary documentation, parts, and tools for maintenance and repair on fair and reasonable terms. The legislation specifically expands the definition of covered equipment to include security and life safety systems such as fire alarms, medical alert devices, intrusion detection systems, and access control tools. Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from replacing batteries in residential smoke detectors, likely to ensure safety standards are maintained. These changes aim to facilitate independent repair options while addressing specific safety concerns related to critical home systems.