Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 2024 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to highlight the condition's impact on women's health. The bill urges federal officials to increase research funding, improve medical reimbursement for endometriosis surgeries, and establish a national awareness month. It also calls for better education of the public and medical professionals regarding the symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis.

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the bill also makes minor technical adjustments to the text of the legislation to correct line numbering and remove an outdated provision.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 summaryThis bill designates May 10, 2024, as "Child-Care Provider Appreciation Day" to honor the work of caregivers in Pennsylvania. It is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws, allocate funds, or create new programs. The text highlights the importance of child care for working families and the positive impact of quality care on children's development. Ultimately, the measure serves to publicly recognize child-care workers rather than implement concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow medically retired service members to receive both their retirement pay and VA disability benefits simultaneously. Currently, the law reduces retirement pay by the amount of disability compensation received, a restriction that affects an estimated 50,000 veterans who retired due to service-related injuries. The bill aims to eliminate this offset so that all medically retired personnel can access their full financial entitlements without penalty. The resolution is a symbolic call to action rather than a law itself, directing Pennsylvania lawmakers to lobby federal legislators for this policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create a specific tax deduction for medical cannabis businesses. It allows these businesses to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses from their taxable income if they did not claim those same expenses on their federal tax returns. The provision applies to companies holding active grower, processor, or dispensary permits issued by the state Department of Health. The new rule will take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new School Facilities Office within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help school districts assess infrastructure needs and secure funding for improvements. It also establishes a Public School Facility Advisory Committee made up of representatives from government, industry, and education groups to guide facility planning and policy. Under the law, all public schools must submit detailed inventory data about their buildings by April 2025, and this information will be made available online for public viewing. Additionally, the legislation repeals previous rules regarding building condition assessments to allow for a new, standardized statewide evaluation process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania state laws to protect licensed professionals from disciplinary action if they provide gender-affirming health care services. It specifically prohibits licensing boards from disqualifying individuals or imposing penalties solely because they offer care such as hormone therapy, surgery, or mental health support that aligns with a person's gender identity. The legislation also ensures that professionals are not penalized for facing sanctions in other states for providing these same services, provided the care meets Pennsylvania's professional standards. These protections apply to all state-licensed professions and take effect 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "establishment" under Pennsylvania's human trafficking laws to include various venues such as hotels, motels, truck stops, and transportation hubs. It mandates that owners and managers of public lodging establishments provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees within 90 days of hiring or the bill's effective date, with specific content on identifying victims and reporting signs of exploitation. The legislation also requires these businesses to maintain records of employee training for two years and submit proposed training materials to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval. Additionally, the bill introduces enforcement mechanisms, including administrative and criminal penalties for violations, while allowing for affirmative defenses if an establishment can prove it took reasonable steps to prevent trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Affordable Homeownership Subsidy Program to help middle-income families buy homes by providing financial grants. It targets households earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income and allows grants of up to $125,000 to nonprofit groups, government entities, or developers. The funding can be used for various purposes, including purchasing properties, offering homebuyer education, repairing homes, and managing assets to ensure long-term affordability. The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the program, set application rules, and submit annual reports to the legislature on how the funds are used.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding interstate legal cooperation to restrict assistance in cases involving gender-affirming health care. Specifically, it prevents Pennsylvania courts from ordering service of out-of-state court documents and stops state officials from issuing subpoenas for such matters. Additionally, the law bars peace officers from arresting individuals in Pennsylvania for crimes related to gender-affirming care committed in other states. The legislation also clarifies definitions for these services, which include mental health care, surgery, hormone therapy, and other treatments supporting gender identity.