Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on improving Home and Community-Based Services waivers for individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania. The investigation will examine how these programs, managed by the Office of Long-Term Living and the Office of Developmental Programs, can better meet medical needs, reduce barriers to community living, and enhance employment opportunities. Specifically, the study will compare service menus and pay rates between the two offices, analyze administrative processes, and review how other states have addressed similar challenges. Ultimately, the commission is tasked with issuing a report containing recommendations to improve eligibility, access to care, and support services for this population.

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 summaryThis bill modifies state laws regarding student attendance to protect children from being removed from school when their guardians live outside the district or provide false residency information. It requires schools to offer a formal hearing and an opportunity to appeal before disenrolling any affected student, ensuring parents or guardians are informed of their rights under federal homeless student protections. The legislation also mandates that schools provide clear, understandable information about these rights and allows a court order to be the only other reason for immediate removal. Overall, the measure aims to ensure due process for families facing potential school enrollment issues while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's military affairs laws to update the list of partners involved in the state's veterans outreach programs. Specifically, it replaces the term "county directors" with "veteran and community outreach partners" who work under the PA VETConnect Program or other department-administered initiatives. The change aims to broaden the scope of recognized collaborators in community engagement efforts for veterans. This legislative update is an editorial adjustment to the existing statutes rather than a new policy initiative.

Maddy summaryHB 897 updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to streamline credit transfers between public colleges and universities by establishing new definitions and admission standards. The bill guarantees that students transferring with an associate degree or 30 credits will receive full junior standing and face the same admission and retention requirements as students who started at their new institution. It also creates a Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program and mandates specific data reporting to improve transparency and accountability within the higher education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to refine how pharmacy audits and fees are handled. It clarifies that certain insurance supplements are excluded from specific terms and changes the notice period for additional fees from the time of claim adjudication to thirty days before the fees are applied. The legislation also updates definitions to refer to "generic" drugs instead of "general" ones and expands the scope of federal employee benefit protections. Additionally, it adjusts reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and the state agency overseeing these audits.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania laws regarding the division of property inherited by multiple people, known as heir's property. It introduces a "right of first refusal" that allows family members or other co-owners to buy a share of the property at the same price offered by an outside buyer before that buyer can purchase it. Additionally, the bill mandates a court-ordered settlement conference within 60 days of a partition lawsuit to encourage parties to negotiate a fair solution, such as a buyout or continued shared ownership. If the court finds that a party refused to negotiate in good faith during this conference, the lawsuit could be dismissed. These changes aim to simplify the legal process and help prevent the forced sale of family homes.

Maddy summaryHB 2064 amends the Older Adults Protective Services Act to update how financial institutions handle accounts for older adults. The bill removes specific language regarding beneficiaries and adjusts numerical limits on account protections from fifteen to seven. These changes directly affect banks and other financial entities by modifying the rules they must follow when managing funds for elderly clients.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's driver licensing laws to better support minors and homeless youth. For minors, it requires a signed certification from a parent or guardian confirming that the driver has completed 65 hours of supervised practice, including specific amounts of night and bad weather driving, before taking their license test. The legislation also allows homeless children and youth to use temporary addresses like schools or shelters when applying for licenses and exempts them from paying the associated fees. Additionally, it clarifies that the adults who sign these certifications are not legally liable for the minor's driving behavior.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding abandoned and unclaimed property to improve how the state finds original owners. It requires the Treasury Department to work with state agencies like the Department of Revenue and the Department of State to share data and verify owner information at least once a year. These changes aim to make the process of locating owners more efficient by formalizing cooperation between different government departments. The legislation also includes provisions for handling income earned after property is paid out and establishes penalties for non-compliance.