Rep. Milou Mackenzie

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially designates the week of October 6 through 12, 2024, as "Fire Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not change any laws or require specific actions from residents, landlords, or businesses but instead serves to raise public awareness about fire safety. The text highlights statistics on home fire risks and provides safety tips, such as turning pot handles inward, maintaining smoke alarms, and having an escape plan. Additionally, the resolution commends firefighters and first responders for their efforts in preventing and responding to fires.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act by removing language that previously allowed landlords to withhold rent. The change directly affects tenants and landlords by eliminating the specific provision that authorized rent withholding as a remedy. Consequently, the bill alters the legal framework for tenant protections without adding new rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution officially recognizes October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and designates October 18, 2024, as National Mammography Day within the state. The measure aims to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about breast cancer risks and prioritize regular screenings, such as mammograms, to support early detection. By highlighting these specific dates, the bill seeks to raise public awareness and show solidarity with individuals affected by the disease.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates October 2024 as Dyslexia Awareness Month to highlight the condition and its impact on individuals across all demographics. The measure aims to promote public understanding of dyslexia as a neurological learning disability and encourage early diagnosis and intervention. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution seeks to foster advocacy and support for educators, parents, and people affected by dyslexia within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially recognizes September 2024 as "National Recovery Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. It directly affects the general public by encouraging them to participate in awareness activities and support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The measure highlights the ongoing challenges of addiction and the state's existing network of licensed recovery houses, aiming to foster a supportive environment for prevention and treatment. By adopting this designation, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aligns with a national observance to promote resources and encouragement for those seeking recovery.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates October 29, 2024, as "World Stroke Day" to raise awareness about the condition. The measure highlights key facts about strokes, such as their status as a leading cause of disability and the importance of immediate medical care. It also urges the state to improve education on stroke signs and enhance access to appropriate treatment for patients.

Maddy summaryHB 1446 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to allow individuals to receive benefits if they leave their jobs due to domestic violence. The bill permits claimants to qualify for unemployment by providing various forms of documentation, such as protective orders, medical records, or statements from professionals like counselors or clergy members. It also allows individuals to affirm their situation without external proof, ensuring their domestic violence history remains confidential and is not shared with employers. This legislation aims to protect the safety of victims by removing barriers to financial assistance when they must flee unsafe working environments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's parole laws to establish specific rules for denying release to inmates who commit new crimes while already in prison. It defines "violent offenses" and "obstruction of justice offenses" by listing specific crimes such as murder, rape, and witness intimidation. Under the new provisions, the Board of Probation and Parole cannot grant parole to individuals convicted of a violent crime committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 24 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. Similarly, parole is barred for those convicted of obstruction of justice offenses committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 12 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. These restrictions apply only to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 15, 2024, as "Brenda Banks Day" in Pennsylvania to honor Brenda Banks, a student-athlete at Panther Valley High School. The bill recognizes her historic achievement of winning the first-ever statewide girls' wrestling championship and her subsequent victory at the national junior wrestling championship. By passing this measure, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives officially acknowledges her accomplishments without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 29, 2024, as "VFW Day" to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The measure commemorates the date the VFW was founded in 1899 and acknowledges the group's history of advocating for veterans' rights and benefits. It encourages all Pennsylvanians to recognize and support the VFW and its members for their service to veterans and the community.