Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study estimating the projected costs of climate change adaptation and resilience measures for Pennsylvania. The study will analyze potential financial impacts on public health, natural resources, built infrastructure, and social environments under different future climate scenarios. It specifically requires examining how these costs vary across different demographics and geographic areas while considering hazards like flooding, heat, and wildfires. The findings aim to help state officials better prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate-related events on the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September of each year as "International Underground Railroad Month" throughout Pennsylvania. It aims to honor the courage of freedom seekers and the individuals who assisted them in escaping slavery through a clandestine network. The legislation includes a list of historical findings that highlight the significance of the Underground Railroad and its role in the state's history. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this designation does not require employers to treat September as a paid holiday or provide special leave for employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Health Insurance Core Benefits Coverage Act to require all individual and group health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover a specific set of essential services. These mandatory benefits include emergency care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and preventive services, ensuring that plans are at least as comprehensive as those first offered in the state in 2020. The Insurance Department is authorized to adjust these requirements through regulations by considering factors such as population health needs, potential discrimination, and medical advancements. Insurers that fail to comply with these coverage standards face penalties, while the law explicitly excludes limited policies like dental-only or accident-only plans from these mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Public Utility Credit Act to require public utilities in Pennsylvania to report customer credit information. It defines public utilities to include companies providing electricity, gas, water, transportation, and communications services, while excluding private cooperatives and certain internal building systems. The legislation mandates that these utilities maintain credit records and share them with other providers to help assess a customer's ability to pay for services. By establishing these reporting duties, the bill aims to improve credit assessment for utility accounts across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to clarify lease rules and introduce a rent reporting system for residential properties. It maintains the existing distinction that leases of three years or less can be oral, while requiring written contracts for any lease term longer than three years. Additionally, the legislation establishes a voluntary program where landlords can report on-time rent payments to consumer reporting agencies, such as credit bureaus, to help tenants build credit history. Landlords participating in a specific building credit program must provide written notice to tenants about the option to report their rent payments. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for lease agreements and offer tenants a potential way to improve their credit profiles through consistent rent payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding how the State Treasurer can distribute small amounts of unclaimed money or property left by deceased residents. It allows the Treasurer to pay these funds directly to eligible family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, without appointing a formal legal representative if the estate is valued at $11,000 or less and no five-year waiting period has passed. To receive the money, claimants must provide a death certificate and a sworn affidavit proving their relationship to the deceased and confirming that no personal representative has been appointed. The legislation also clarifies that once the State Treasurer makes a payment to an eligible family member, they are no longer responsible for how those funds are used.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 establishes a new grant program called Solar for Schools to fund solar energy projects at educational institutions. The bill also creates a legal framework requiring owners of solar facilities on leased land to provide financial guarantees that cover the cost of removing the equipment when it stops producing electricity. These financial assurances must remain in place even if the facility is sold to a new owner, ensuring that the original landowner is protected. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Department of Community and Economic Development to manage these grants and outlines specific rules for solar agreements to prevent future cleanup costs from falling on property owners.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania law creates a new legal mechanism to protect individuals and organizations when they are sued over their public speech, news reporting, or artistic work. It allows people who are wrongly sued to recover their legal fees and, in cases of malicious harassment, potentially punitive damages. The legislation grants immunity from lawsuits to those exercising free speech rights on matters of public concern, provided they can prove the lawsuit lacks merit. However, the law does not apply to government officials acting in their official capacity, businesses selling goods or services, or claims involving bodily injury, trade secrets, or internal corporate disputes. Additionally, it requires state court and legislative offices to update their resources to reflect these new protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to expand relocation protections for tenants experiencing domestic or sexual violence. It allows tenants to request emergency transfers if they were victimized on or near their premises within the last 180 days or if they reasonably fear imminent harm. The legislation establishes specific documentation requirements, such as police reports or third-party certifications, to verify abuse while also permitting a simple tenant statement if no conflicting information exists. Additionally, the bill mandates that housing authorities assist victims in connecting with local support organizations and may release tenants from their leases upon qualification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals applying for licenses as health care practitioners in Pennsylvania to submit fingerprints for criminal history background checks. The Pennsylvania State Police will conduct state and federal checks to identify any arrests or convictions, with results sent only to the Department of State to determine eligibility. Licensing boards may deny credentials based on these findings, and the state must establish secure procedures for handling this sensitive information. The law applies to various professions including medicine, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy, and it takes effect 180 days after signing.