Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Ebony Alert System, a program operated by the Pennsylvania State Police to quickly notify the public and other agencies when specific young people of color go missing. The system is designed for individuals between the ages of 12 and 25 who are missing under suspicious circumstances, are at risk due to disabilities, or may be victims of human trafficking. When activated, law enforcement can request alerts through various media channels, while the Department of Transportation can assist with electronic signs. To fund this initiative, the bill imposes a $25 fee on individuals convicted of kidnapping offenses, with the money directed to the State Police. Additionally, the legislation prohibits unauthorized use of the alert system and sets a $5,000 penalty for violations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the management, structure, and finances of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The study will examine the association's financial records, including bank accounts and tax filings, and review its competition classification formula. It also requires the committee to protect privileged legal communications during the investigation and limits PIAA's cooperation costs to $25,000.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates the week of October 13 through 19, 2024, as "Credit Union Week" to recognize the role of credit unions in the state. The measure highlights how these financial cooperatives provide low-cost services and financial education to over 5.3 million members across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. By officially naming this time period, the resolution aims to raise awareness about credit unions' commitment to community service and member advancement. The text is a ceremonial designation that does not alter laws or create new regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 12, 2024, as "1982 Cheyney State College Lady Wolves Women's Basketball Team Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the team's historic achievements. It recognizes the 1982 squad as the first HBCU women's basketball team to reach the NCAA Division I Final Four during the inaugural tournament. The resolution also highlights the legacy of Coach C. Vivian Stringer and acknowledges the team's induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. This measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than implementing new laws or funding changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a three-year pilot program in Pennsylvania to raise salaries for pre-kindergarten teachers to match those of elementary school teachers with similar skills. The Department of Education will select participating programs based on poverty levels, compare teacher qualifications, and use a specific formula to calculate the necessary salary increase. Funding for these raises will come from federal, state, private, or other non-state sources, with strict rules requiring that all money be used solely for teacher pay. The program will also collect data and submit a report to the General Assembly after one year to evaluate its success and suggest future improvements.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania state laws to strengthen support for veteran-owned and small disadvantaged businesses by setting participation goals and creating new programs. It requires the Department of General Services to establish specific targets for contracting with these businesses and mandates a study to check if there is a gap between available businesses and their actual use by the state. The legislation also allows for waivers of these goals in certain cases and provides financial protections like bonding and progress payments to help these companies secure contracts. Additionally, it defines key terms such as "veteran-owned small business" and outlines rules to prevent fraud while ensuring fair opportunities for diverse contractors.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new special registration plate for vehicles in Pennsylvania that supports the arts. Vehicle owners can purchase this plate for an additional $41 fee, with $15 of that amount directed to a newly established Arts Promotion Fund. The money collected will be used to provide grants for arts programs through the state's Council on the Arts. The law also sets up specific rules for how the fund is managed and ensures that spending stays within approved estimates.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new system in Pennsylvania to directly notify car repair shops when a vehicle involved in a fatal or serious hit-and-run accident is brought in for repairs. Under the law, law enforcement must use this system to alert all repair facilities about the make, model, license plate, and damage details of fleeing vehicles, and repair shops are required to register with the state to receive these alerts. If a repair shop identifies a vehicle matching the description sent through the system, they must immediately contact the police, and failing to do so is punishable as a misdemeanor. The legislation is named in memory of Jayanna Powell, a young girl who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in 2016.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a workfare pilot program for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients in Pennsylvania's fourth and fifth class counties. Under the new provisions, individuals receiving cash assistance would work forty-hour weeks for employers while receiving partial benefits that gradually decrease over time. After six months of work, recipients would receive up to seventy percent of their assistance, and after twelve months, they would receive full wages with their cash benefits terminated. The program is designed to transition participants from welfare to employment through a structured timeline of reduced support.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program in Pennsylvania to provide salary supplements to Head Start teachers, aiming to align their pay with that of elementary school teachers who have comparable skills and experience. The program would target school districts with at least 20% poverty rates or independent Head Start programs located in census tracts with poverty levels at or below 80% of the statewide median. Under the plan, the Department of Education would calculate the salary difference for participating teachers and provide funding to close that gap, while strictly monitoring that all funds are used solely for salary increases. The bill also requires the department to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the program's implementation, results, and recommendations for future changes.