Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Small Business Innovation Grant and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds Program to offer financial support to local small businesses participating in federal research initiatives. Administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, the program provides matching grants of up to $50,000 to businesses that have received Phase I awards from the Small Business Administration for federal research projects. To qualify, companies must be headquartered in Pennsylvania, commit to keeping at least 51% of their research work within the state, and submit specific reports demonstrating their ability to advance the project to Phase II. The legislation also sets limits on funding, allowing each business to receive only one grant per year and a maximum of five total awards, with funds released in installments tied to project milestones.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania government agencies to prioritize using insecticide-free native plants over non-native options when landscaping state facilities. It mandates that these agencies consider the environmental benefits of such plants, including habitat creation for pollinators and reduced water usage, during construction and maintenance projects. Additionally, the law directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to create specific pollinator meadows on unused turfgrass areas at Commonwealth facilities. The legislation defines specific terms like "pollinator meadow" and lists various state departments and entities that must follow these new planting guidelines.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Pennsylvania's existing Wild Resource Conservation Act to specifically include wild native terrestrial invertebrates, such as land-dwelling insects and other non-aquatic animals without backbones, under state protection. It directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to investigate these species' populations and habitats, classify them as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable, and establish a formal management system. Once classified, the department will create regulations within two years that limit activities like taking, selling, or transporting these invertebrates to ensure their survival. The law also officially defines these creatures as "wild resources" and sets the bill into effect 60 days after it is signed.
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 bill requires private health insurers and state-managed health plans to cover biomarker testing when it is used to diagnose, treat, or monitor a specific disease or condition. The legislation defines biomarker testing as the analysis of tissue, blood, or other biological samples to identify indicators of biological processes, while explicitly excluding coverage for general screening purposes. Coverage for these tests must follow the same rules as other medical services, including standard cost-sharing and medical necessity reviews, and the changes will take effect 180 days after the bill is signed.
Maddy summaryThis resolution officially recognizes August 9, 2024, as Smokey Bear's 80th birthday within the state of Pennsylvania. It serves as a commemorative gesture to honor the iconic character, who is widely known for his long-running public service campaign on wildfire prevention. The document highlights Smokey Bear's cultural significance and his role in educating the public about fire safety, while also noting the importance of Pennsylvania's forests for the economy and environment.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update funding rules for two specific programs: the Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program and a disability-inclusive curriculum pilot. It allows the state education department to use up to $300,000 annually from existing, unspent funds to award grants to eligible schools and districts. The legislation also clarifies that these funds must be moved to a restricted account by the Secretary of the Budget before they can be used. These changes aim to provide more flexibility in utilizing available money to support virtual learning tools and inclusive educational materials without requiring new budget allocations.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's game laws to protect the privacy of law enforcement officers. It directly affects game wardens and other officers who issue citations by prohibiting them from listing their home addresses on official documents like tickets or special permits. The key provision adds a specific rule to the statute that bans the inclusion of personal residential information on any business issued by an officer. This change aims to mitigate potential safety risks for officers without altering their general enforcement duties or hunter registration requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is appointed, shifting the power from the commission itself to the Governor. Under the new rules, the Governor would select the director for a two-year term with the approval of the state Senate, while current or recent commission members would be ineligible for the role. The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and are part of a broader legislative effort to reorganize and increase accountability within the commission.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's hunting laws by creating a specific exception that allows unarmed individuals to enter posted or marked private property solely to retrieve a hunting dog. The exception does not apply if the land is fenced to exclude trespassers, designated as a biosecurity area, or if the person fails to contact the landowner before entering. Additionally, the legislation clarifies penalties for trespassing on private land while hunting or trapping and outlines rules for training dogs on small game.