Rep. Steve Samuelson

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program in Pennsylvania to provide parents and guardians with a package of essential health products and educational materials. To receive the kit, which includes items like postpartum pads, baby diapers, and care instructions, parents must complete an online education syllabus or be referred by a community organization. The Department of Health will manage the program using a dedicated state fund and may partner with private organizations to distribute the kits while reporting on their effectiveness annually. The program is designed to operate for two years with the goal of improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends state insurance laws to update definitions and clarify the responsibilities of the health insurance exchange authority. It establishes a framework for collecting fees from insurers to fund either a reinsurance program, an affordability assistance program, or both, with a cap of 3.5% on total monthly premiums. The legislation also directs the state to apply for a federal waiver to allow the creation of a reinsurance program and to maximize federal funding for it. Additionally, the bill outlines how an affordability assistance program would work in 2025 to provide financial benefits to consumers based on income or other eligibility criteria without creating a permanent entitlement.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow the use of electronic poll books and establishes a funding mechanism through bonds to purchase election infrastructure equipment. It requires county election boards to adopt these digital systems for early voting locations and half of all polling places on election day starting in 2025, with full implementation across all precincts by 2026. The legislation mandates that these devices must securely connect to the statewide voter registration system, track voter participation in real-time, and maintain paper backups in case of technical failures. Additionally, the bill introduces same-day voter registration options on election day and during early voting periods while removing previous rules regarding voter registration transfers and party enrollment changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 8, 2024, as Marian Anderson Day in Pennsylvania to honor the African American contralto. The resolution specifically commemorates the day the Philadelphia Orchestra rededicated Verizon Hall as Marian Anderson Hall, marking 85 years since Anderson was denied a performance at Constitution Hall due to her race. It serves as a ceremonial recognition of this historical event and the renaming of the venue.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 20, 2024, as "Rescue Dog Day" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness for dogs in shelters. The measure aims to encourage the adoption of shelter pets and promote responsible pet care, such as spaying and neutering, to help reduce overcrowding in animal shelters. It does not create new laws or require any specific actions from residents but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the issue of shelter dog populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify requirements for child safety restraint systems in vehicles. It specifies that seats equipped by the manufacturer to install child passenger or rear-facing restraint systems, as well as those for child booster seats, must comply with specific regulations. The changes update the text to ensure these seating positions are properly included in the legal definitions for required safety equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow businesses to claim a tax deduction for money they contribute toward their employees' child care costs. To qualify, employers must make payments to licensed child care centers, group homes, or family homes to help workers cover eligible care expenses while they work. The law permits a deduction equal to 110% of the total contributions made, with a separate provision that allows up to $5,000 of these costs to be excluded from the employer's taxable income. Employers claiming this benefit must file a specific form that details the names and contact information of participating employees and the child care providers they used. The changes apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to distribute money to Pennsylvania municipalities based on the value of tax-exempt properties located within their borders. It establishes a specific fund and requires county offices to collect detailed annual data on these properties, including owner information and assessed values, to calculate funding amounts. The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee this process and distribute the funds, while counties that fail to submit the required reports by the deadline will lose their ability to receive any share of the money for that year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state residents by encouraging them to learn about and celebrate the history and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The measure highlights specific historical events, such as the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant and the role of Chinese laborers in building the transcontinental railroad, to acknowledge the cultural significance of the month. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the diverse heritage present in the Commonwealth.