Rep. Missy Cerrato

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to establish new salary thresholds for employees classified as exempt in executive, administrative, or professional roles, affecting employers and workers in these positions. It defines "executive capacity" as requiring management duties, directing two or more employees, and having hiring/firing authority, with a minimum weekly salary starting at $844 (effective October 2027), rising to $1,128 by 2029, and then adjusting every three years based on Pennsylvania's 10th percentile wage for exempt workers. Employers may meet up to 10% of the salary requirement through nondiscretionary bonuses, incentives, or commissions paid annually. The bill does not alter minimum wage rates for non-exempt workers but clarifies exemption criteria for specific job classifications.

Maddy summaryHB 1050 defines new types of electronic games under Pennsylvania's small games of chance law, specifically creating legal terms for electronic pull-tab devices, games, and systems. It clarifies that these electronic games cannot resemble casino-style games like slots or poker and must follow strict technical rules (e.g., no mobile phone use, no spinning reels). The bill directly affects licensed organizations already operating games like pull-tabs, ensuring new electronic formats comply with existing regulations. Key provisions include banning duplicate hold combinations in event games and requiring distinguishable features for multiple prize sets. This is a definitional update, not a policy change to prize limits or licensing.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing counties (of first and second class) to create special property tax exemptions for longtime owner-occupants in neighborhoods where home values have risen significantly due to renovations or new construction nearby. It would let local governments establish uniform tax rules for these homeowners without increasing overall property tax rates to fund the exemptions. The amendment requires approval by the General Assembly and then a vote by Pennsylvania voters before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1029 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Labor Relations Act to clarify worker protections and union election processes. It defines "employe" more broadly (excluding independent contractors) and bans agreements that prevent workers from joining class or collective lawsuits. Employers must post notices about labor rights and provide detailed voter lists for union elections within two business days of a board order. The bill also adds new unfair labor practices, including coercing workers to sign agreements that limit their right to pursue collective claims. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers, employers, and labor organizations involved in union representation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1034 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to clarify utility payment rules for renters. It requires landlords who collect water, sewer, gas, or electricity payments directly from tenants to include a written notice in the lease about this obligation and provide a copy of the utility bill to the tenant within five days of a written request. The bill directly affects residential tenants and landlords in Pennsylvania rental agreements. Key provisions ensure transparency by mandating written notice and timely access to billing information, with the law taking effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 963 creates a new tax credit program in Pennsylvania for employers covering educational expenses of apprentices. It allows employers to claim tax credits for up to $3,500 per qualifying apprentice toward tuition, books, and lab fees at eligible PA schools. To qualify, apprentices must be PA residents, at least 16, enrolled full-time in a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, and employed by the claiming employer in Pennsylvania. The Department of Revenue administers the program, requiring electronic applications and setting eligibility criteria for schools and apprentices. This policy directly affects PA employers in registered apprenticeship programs and their apprentices pursuing postsecondary training.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 138) orders Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission to study civic education in the state and develop cost-effective recommendations to improve it. It directly affects Pennsylvania students and schools by requiring an analysis of current civics assessments (under Act 35 of 2018), comparisons with high-performing states, and strategies to strengthen civic education across three pillars: knowledge, skills, and action. The study must include evaluations of existing assessment methods, successful models from other states, and approaches to boost student engagement, with a report due within 18 months. The resolution does not change laws but aims to inform future policy based on evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 974 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to clarify how agencies assess the specificity of written public records requests. It requires agencies to consider three factors when determining if a request is specific enough: the burden on the agency to locate records within time limits, potential privacy or proprietary harm to third parties, and compliance with federal or state disclosure laws. This change directly affects agencies handling public records requests and requesters seeking information under the law. The bill does not alter who can request records or basic submission methods, but refines the process for evaluating request clarity. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the month to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer, emphasizing the importance of early screening and prevention based on current health data. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to prioritize screenings and adopt preventive health habits. It aligns with national awareness efforts and references recent medical recommendations for screenings starting at age 45.

Maddy summaryHB 970 establishes clear procedures for investigating Pennsylvania correctional and forensic employees (those responsible for inmate or patient care). It requires recorded interrogations, informs employees of their rights (including the right to counsel and protection from polygraph coercion), and prohibits adverse actions for exercising these rights. The bill ensures suspensions during investigations are with pay and benefits unless criminal charges trigger specific rules, and clarifies that union contracts cannot reduce these protections. It directly affects correctional officers and forensic staff employed by the state's Department of Corrections or Department of Human Services. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.