Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania county laws to set specific fees that coroners can charge for various death-related reports. Under the new rules, coroners must collect $500 for autopsy reports and $100 for toxicology or inquisition reports from nongovernmental agencies, such as insurance companies, investigating a death. Family members, including spouses, children, parents, guardians, and siblings, may request these same reports for a reduced fee of up to $100 for an autopsy and $50 for other documents. All money collected from these fees must be turned over to the county treasurer and used specifically to fund training for coroners and their office staff. The changes apply to all counties in the state and will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to create a new tax credit program designed to help beginning farmers acquire land from existing owners. Under the proposed changes, both the seller of agricultural assets and the new beginning farmer would receive a tax credit equal to five percent of the sale price or fair market value, capped at $50,000 per farm. To qualify, individuals must apply to the Department of Agriculture for certification as a beginning farmer, which requires submitting financial projections and proof of agricultural experience. The legislation also updates definitions to clarify which government department oversees the program and specifies the documentation needed to verify eligibility for the credit.

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 formally recognizes June 14, 2024, as "World Blood Donor Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. It serves as a commemorative resolution intended to raise awareness about the critical need for volunteer blood donors to support local hospitals and cancer patients. The text highlights statistics regarding blood donation frequency, the high demand for O-type blood, and the low current participation rates among eligible residents. By designating this specific date, the legislation aims to encourage community engagement with blood drives rather than implementing new operational rules or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act to update definitions and clarify which specific types of businesses are subject to smoking restrictions. It directly affects establishments such as drinking establishments, cigar bars, and gaming floors by refining the criteria used to classify them under the law. Key provisions include adding new definitions for terms like "electronic smoking device" and "private club," while also removing certain categories like "cigar bars" from the list of regulated venues. The legislation maintains the state's authority to set these rules and prevents local governments from passing conflicting ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover custom-fabricated and custom-fitted devices, such as prosthetics and orthotics, when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Coverage is granted if a doctor determines the device is medically necessary for daily living, physical activities, or improving limb function, while excluding costs resulting from patient negligence or misuse. Insurers may still require prior authorization and can limit coverage to services provided by contracted vendors or designated suppliers, and standard deductibles and copayments remain applicable. The law specifically applies to health insurance plans but excludes accident-only, dental, vision, Medicare supplement, and other limited-benefit policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to regulate abortion facilities similarly to ambulatory surgical centers. It requires these facilities to follow the same safety regulations and classification standards as surgical centers, while also granting them the ability to request specific exceptions to those rules. The legislation explicitly prohibits requiring abortion facilities to have transfer agreements with hospitals or for their staff to hold admitting privileges at hospitals. Additionally, the bill removes certain existing definitions that previously applied to these facilities and repeals a related state regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a resolution to update the year for a cost analysis study from 2005 to 2006 and extends the timeline for the study from 180 days to one year. The study is intended to examine the financial impact of an early retirement proposal for members of the State Employees' Retirement System and the Public School Employees' Retirement System. By making these specific adjustments, the bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct the review within a longer timeframe using the updated year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to adjust funding rates for personal assistance services provided under the Community HealthChoices program starting in January 2025. It mandates that providers receiving these funds spend at least 80% of their budget on worker salaries and benefits, while offering an enhanced rate to providers who invest 90% or more in wages. The legislation also directs the Department of Human Services to conduct regular reviews of these rates every three years to ensure they reflect local wage data and cost factors. Additionally, the bill allocates specific budget increases for direct care workers, including a 16% raise for consumer-directed services and a 10% raise for agency-directed services.