Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to update the list of protected characteristics, explicitly adding sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, handicap, disability, and the use of support animals to existing categories like race and age. The legislation directly affects employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and providers of housing and public accommodations by clarifying that discrimination based on these new and existing traits is unlawful. It reinforces the state's policy of ensuring equal opportunity and mandates that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforce these protections through established procedures and penalties. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect religious exercise while maintaining the commission's powers and duties to prevent prejudice and handle complaints.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania State Police to report to the Attorney General and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a background check reveals that a person attempting to buy a firearm is unlawfully present in the United States. Additionally, it mandates that judges inform the State Police about individuals who have been found incompetent, involuntarily committed, or treated for mental health issues, as well as those with drug use or addiction problems. These changes aim to improve the sharing of critical information between state authorities and federal immigration officials regarding firearm eligibility. The law will become effective 60 days after it is signed into legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Pennsylvania's existing rules on firearm possession by clarifying the responsibilities of individuals who are legally prohibited from owning guns. It mandates that people facing certain disabilities must surrender their firearms, ammunition, and licenses to law enforcement or transfer them to eligible buyers within a specific timeframe, with stricter requirements for those subject to abuse protection orders. The legislation also introduces new penalties for failing to comply with these surrender orders and for knowingly accepting or returning weapons to prohibited individuals before a court order allows it. Additionally, the bill outlines duties for the Office of Attorney General and establishes procedures for handling firearms in community and municipal courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Underground Utility Line Protection Law by adding specific definitions and clarifying the responsibilities of facility owners, designers, excavators, and project owners. It also establishes duties for damage prevention committees, outlines procedures for issuing compliance orders, and sets administrative penalties for violations. Additionally, the legislation provides a legal mechanism for recovering penalties or forfeitures and includes provisions for the act's expiration.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates September 15 through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month within the state. The measure directly affects all Pennsylvanians by formally acknowledging the cultures, history, and contributions of the state's Hispanic and Latino communities. It calls on residents to honor these groups through learning, service, and celebration, recognizing their significant role in the Commonwealth's economy and society. The resolution does not alter laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of Hispanic heritage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates October 2024 as Polish American Heritage Month within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state government officials and institutions by encouraging them to acknowledge and celebrate the history and contributions of people of Polish descent. The measure highlights specific historical milestones, such as early Polish settlements in Jamestown, and honors notable figures like Casimir Pulaski and Marie Curie. By passing this resolution, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aims to foster appreciation for Polish heritage without altering any laws or policies.

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 Adult Protective Services Act to update definitions and administrative duties while establishing a registration system for perpetrators of abuse and neglect. It clarifies terms such as "abuse," "exploitation," and "caregiver" to include specific acts like institutional sexual assault and unauthorized taking of an adult's resources. The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Human Services and other agencies in protecting adults aged 18 to 59 with significant physical or mental impairments. Additionally, it mandates the registration of individuals convicted of abusing or neglecting vulnerable adults to enhance accountability and public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to update definitions of abuse, neglect, and exploitation while establishing a new abuse and neglect registry. It clarifies what constitutes harm to older adults, including specific provisions regarding sexual assault in care settings, and expands the list of facilities covered under the law. The legislation also strengthens privacy protections by restricting access to protective services records, allowing only specific staff and employers to view them for registry purposes. These changes directly affect caregivers, facilities, and state agencies responsible for investigating and reporting incidents involving vulnerable seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, or distribution of firefighting protective gear containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals starting January 1, 2028. The law allows for exceptions if the State Fire Commissioner determines that using these chemicals is unavoidable and issues specific guidance. Violations of the ban can result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses. Any fines collected from these penalties will be split equally between the Fire Company Grant Program and the Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.