Rep. Steve Samuelson

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's procurement laws to allow state agencies to purchase supplies and services from organizations employing people with disabilities without requiring competitive bidding. It mandates that these organizations make a significant contribution to production and prohibits the use of subminimum wage certificates for new contracts, with a complete ban on such certificates planned within two years. Additionally, the law requires work environments to become integrated, meaning employees with disabilities must interact with non-disabled coworkers, customers, and the public, and sets up a system for the state to review compliance and determine fair market prices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 11 through 17, 2024, as Future Business Leaders of America Week in Pennsylvania. It directly honors the nonprofit organization FBLA, which supports students in developing business and leadership skills through various chapters across the state. The measure serves as a commemorative recognition of the group's history and mission rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the State Highway Law to update the definition of the most recent edition of the Department of Agriculture's geographic information system. Specifically, it sets the baseline for weather data to the 2012 edition covering the period from 1976 through 2005. The change allows the Department of Agriculture to update this definition through future regulations as needed. This adjustment directly affects how weather data is referenced when planning the construction, improvement, maintenance, and repair of state highways.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 19, 2024, as "Marion Munley Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the legacy of the late state representative. It recognizes Munley's historic achievements, including becoming the first woman elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from northeastern Pennsylvania and the first woman to serve as Secretary of the House. The document highlights her significant contributions to women's rights, such as co-authoring the state's Equal Pay Law, and aims to commemorate her life and work in promoting equality.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a dedicated nomination committee to oversee the selection process. The Governor will appoint the poet laureate from a shortlist of candidates provided by the committee, which includes representatives from state arts and education agencies. The appointed poet will serve a two-year term without pay but will receive reimbursement for travel expenses while performing official duties such as reading poems at the governor's inauguration and legislative sessions. The legislation also establishes a specific committee structure to determine candidate qualifications and submit up to three finalists for the Governor's consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits service providers and vehicle lessors in Pennsylvania from charging early termination fees when a contract holder dies before the agreement ends. It directly affects families and estate administrators who need to cancel contracts for utilities, telecommunications, or car leases after a death. To enforce this, the law requires the executor of the estate to provide written notice along with a death certificate within 180 days, and providers must waive the fees upon receiving this documentation. Any company that charges these fees in violation of the act faces penalties under the state's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The rules apply to contracts signed on or after the bill's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after enactment.

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 summaryHB 2370 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update regulations for public schools and charter schools, with specific new rules on advertising and funding. The bill requires public schools to clearly state that any advertised costs for tuition or technology are paid by taxpayers and prohibits schools from using taxpayer money to sponsor public events. It also establishes reporting requirements for school advertising expenditures and expands definitions related to charter school management and enrollment. Additionally, the legislation modifies how student-weighted basic education funding is calculated and introduces new accountability grants for the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution expresses support for a proposed U.S. Constitutional amendment that would allow both state and federal governments to regulate election spending. The bill argues that current legal interpretations equating campaign money with free speech can silence ordinary residents and threaten democratic self-governance. If adopted, the amendment would explicitly permit laws to limit how money is used to influence elections while distinguishing between individual citizens and corporate or other legal entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for pet insurance in Pennsylvania, requiring insurers to provide clear definitions for terms like preexisting conditions and wellness programs. It mandates that policyholders receive a copy of their insurance policy and allows them to return it within 30 days for a full refund if they are not satisfied. The legislation also sets standards for how pet insurance policies must be sold and requires insurance producers to receive specific training. Finally, the bill outlines penalties for violations and gives the Insurance Commissioner the authority to create further rules and regulations to enforce these standards.