Rep. Missy Cerrato

Maddy summaryHB 1310 amends the Human Services Code to modify how medical assistance payments are determined for institutional care in nursing facilities. The bill specifically adjusts the application of a "revenue adjustment neutrality factor" to payment rates for county and nonpublic nursing facilities. Beginning July 1, 2025, the factor for nonpublic facilities must be equal to or greater than 0.90, while for county facilities, it will be 1.00 plus the percentage rate of change applied to nonpublic facilities. This change directly affects these nursing facilities and the eligible individuals receiving care within them.

Maddy summaryHB 1246 requires Pennsylvania public and charter schools to maintain indoor temperatures between 68°F and 79°F in occupied areas to support learning. If temperatures fall below 63°F or exceed 89°F, schools must relocate students/staff within two hours and report the incident to the Department of Environmental Protection within 24 hours. Schools with more than four such relocations in a year will face inspections to ensure compliance with indoor air quality standards. The bill also mandates reviewing short-term fixes (like portable heaters) and long-term solutions (like upgraded heating systems) for extreme temperatures. This applies to all school districts, charter schools, and career technical schools operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1253 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to strengthen school safety and student support systems. It updates definitions to include charter schools and nonpublic schools in reporting requirements, mandating standardized forms for schools to report incidents of violence and weapons on school property (including school-sponsored activities and transportation). The bill requires the School Safety and Security Committee to verify school compliance with reporting rules, publish an annual safety report by November 1, and develop a model agreement between schools and law enforcement that must be reviewed every three years. These changes directly affect public and nonpublic schools, their administrators, and local law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1241 amends Pennsylvania's Auctioneer Licensing Act to require auction companies selling horses to verify and publicly post identifying information (microchip numbers, tattoos, or brands) on their website before listing. It mandates a 72-hour waiting period after posting before a horse can be offered for sale, and requires auction companies to maintain detailed records of compliance for one year. This bill directly affects horse auction companies in Pennsylvania by adding transparency measures to help verify ownership and prevent the sale of stolen horses. The key provisions focus on mandatory identification checks, public online disclosure, and recordkeeping, without changing existing licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's House Resolution 193 urges the President to unfreeze federal funds already approved by Congress and stop future freezes of such funds. It specifically references over $700 million in federal infrastructure funding for Pennsylvania projects - like rail service between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, new passenger routes, EV charging stations, and bridge repairs - that remain unspent due to the freeze. The resolution cites legal challenges (including two federal court orders blocking the freeze) and notes the President's administration has not restored these funds despite court rulings. It argues the freeze violates the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which limits the President's authority to unilaterally withhold congressionally appropriated funds. This is a symbolic state-level resolution with no legal effect on federal policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1267 creates tax credits for Pennsylvania businesses investing in semiconductor manufacturing or biomedical manufacturing and research. To qualify, companies must invest at least $100 million in a new facility, create 100 permanent jobs paying at least the prevailing wage, and meet local hiring and construction requirements. The tax credit can be calculated as up to 2.5% of the capital investment or up to $20,000 per job based on payroll taxes. Early stage semiconductor businesses (with under $10 million in revenue) must invest $3 million in R&D and receive a minimum $100,000 credit per year, with a yearly cap of $2 million for all such businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to establish a bone marrow donor recruitment program that educates residents about registering with the National Marrow Donor Program and the bone marrow donation process. The program will develop and share electronic materials - including website content and machine-readable codes - at state websites, driver's license offices, and healthcare facilities to explain donor eligibility, registration steps, and donation procedures. This bill directs the state to provide accessible information to help Pennsylvanians understand how to become bone marrow donors, with a focus on increasing participation from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Maddy summaryHB 1259 would amend Pennsylvania's procurement laws to require contractors and subcontractors working on public work projects costing $300,000 or more to certify compliance with specific qualifications. These qualifications include maintaining required registrations and insurance, being in good standing with government agencies, and having no recent debarments, license revocations, or project defaults. The bill creates a new certification form that must be submitted with bids, and gives purchasing agencies authority to review compliance and disqualify non-compliant contractors. The Office of State Inspector General would have enforcement duties, with penalties for violations of these requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 190 is a resolution designating April 7-11, 2025, as "Health Equity Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about health inequities affecting marginalized communities, including those based on race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to support efforts advancing health equity across all communities and sectors. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally recognizes the need for systemic change in health access.

Maddy summaryHB 156 requires child care centers and family child care homes in Pennsylvania that use fossil-fuel heaters, fireplaces, or have attached garages to install operational carbon monoxide alarms. Specifically, alarms must be placed within 15 feet of these hazards and on every level of the facility, with full compliance needed within 18 months of the law's effective date. The Department of Human Services must notify all affected facilities within 12 months of the law taking effect. This bill amends the Human Services Code to add these safety standards, referencing existing carbon monoxide alarm definitions from the 2013 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act. It does not change the Department of Labor and Industry's authority under the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act.