Rep. Mary Jo Daley

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent used car dealers in Pennsylvania to complete an approved education and training course before obtaining a new license or renewing an existing one. The training must cover state laws and regulations, include at least 20 hours of instruction for new applicants, and cost no more than $300 for initial courses or $75 for renewals. Dealers who have held a license for over 10 years or those already licensed as new vehicle dealers are exempt from these requirements. The state Board of Vehicles is tasked with developing and approving the curriculum within 180 days and may mandate additional training for dealers found in violation of the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law to establish fee waivers for obtaining certified copies of birth and death records. It directly affects active duty military personnel, veterans, their spouses, dependents, funeral homes, and legal representatives of deceased service members. The key provision allows these specific groups to receive their first ten certified copies of a record for free each year, while also clarifying definitions for terms like "veteran" and outlining specific conditions for who qualifies for the waiver.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program to require grantees to verify the residency of every SNAP recipient receiving benefits. It specifically prohibits providing benefit incentives to individuals who are not residents of Pennsylvania or who are not lawful residents of the United States. Additionally, the legislation mandates that program evaluators conduct biennial reviews and publish detailed reports on funding usage, geographic distribution, and participating retailers. The bill also grants the department authority to refer suspected immigration law violations to enforcement agencies. These changes directly affect the administration of the food incentive program and the eligibility criteria for participating SNAP recipients.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates the week of May 12 through 18, 2024, as "Food Allergy Awareness Week" to highlight the prevalence and risks of food allergies. The bill does not alter laws or allocate funding but serves to draw public attention to the nine major food allergens and the challenges faced by millions of Americans. It was referred to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee but was subsequently laid on the table, meaning it did not proceed to a vote.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as "National Safety Month" within Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of preventing unintentional injuries and deaths. It encourages residents, businesses, and government entities to participate in safety awareness campaigns and adopt safer behaviors during the summer season, a time when accident rates often rise. The measure does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal declaration urging cooperation among all sectors of society to promote public health and safety.

Maddy summaryHB 2444 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update definitions and rules for games of chance, specifically allowing for new types of electronic pull-tab systems and games. The bill clarifies what constitutes an electronic pull-tab device and game, explicitly prohibiting them from simulating casino-style games like slots or blackjack, while also defining other game formats such as event games and progressive pull-tab games. It establishes new prize limits, setting a general maximum of $10,000 per individual prize and a separate limit of $20,000 for jackpots in progressive or subset pull-tab games. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter regulations on distributor licenses and manufacturer registration, requires licensed organizations to undergo audits by the Auditor General, and outlines penalties for license revocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Right to Counsel Program within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction or housing discrimination. The program will fund designated nonprofit organizations to offer direct legal services to eligible individuals, defined as renters earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level or those receiving medical assistance. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Tenant Right to Counsel Task Force to oversee the initiative and report on its progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ride-share drivers in Pennsylvania to display specific identification markers on their vehicles while they are active on the platform or providing a ride. Drivers must show a company placard on the windshield and rear windows, along with a unique barcode and a credential card featuring their photo and license plate number on the rear side windows. These markers must be clearly visible during the day and illuminated at night, and drivers are responsible for returning them within 30 days of quitting. The Department of Transportation is tasked with creating a uniform template for these identification items, which companies must then issue to their drivers. Failure to comply with these new display and record-keeping rules could result in fines imposed by the state commission.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of June 17 through 21, 2024, as "Apprenticeship Week" to highlight the importance of registered apprenticeship programs. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture recognizing the history and benefits of these training initiatives, which provide workers with on-the-job learning and mentorship while helping employers build a skilled workforce. By officially setting aside this specific time frame, the resolution aims to raise public awareness about apprenticeships as a pathway to high-paying jobs and career development.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows practical nurses working in licensed hospices to officially pronounce death under specific conditions, such as when a patient has a valid Do Not Resuscitate order. To qualify, the nurse must complete required training on assessing vital signs and postmortem care, and the pronouncement is limited to confirming the cessation of breathing and heart function without determining the cause of death. The law also grants nurses the authority to release a deceased patient's body to a funeral home or family member immediately after notifying the attending physician or nurse practitioner, unless a coroner's investigation is needed. Additionally, the legislation provides legal immunity for nurses and hospices acting in good faith while complying with these new procedures.