Rep. Missy Cerrato

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 10, 2024, as "Child-Care Provider Appreciation Day" to honor the work of caregivers in Pennsylvania. It is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws, allocate funds, or create new programs. The text highlights the importance of child care for working families and the positive impact of quality care on children's development. Ultimately, the measure serves to publicly recognize child-care workers rather than implement concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow medically retired service members to receive both their retirement pay and VA disability benefits simultaneously. Currently, the law reduces retirement pay by the amount of disability compensation received, a restriction that affects an estimated 50,000 veterans who retired due to service-related injuries. The bill aims to eliminate this offset so that all medically retired personnel can access their full financial entitlements without penalty. The resolution is a symbolic call to action rather than a law itself, directing Pennsylvania lawmakers to lobby federal legislators for this policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 657 aims to increase transparency in real estate agreements and ban unfair service contracts between property owners and agents. The bill requires clearer terms in these agreements to ensure both parties understand their rights and obligations. It also establishes penalties for those who violate these new rules. This legislation directly impacts homeowners, renters, and real estate professionals by setting stricter standards for how services are offered and documented.

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 designates April 2024 as "National Volunteer Month" within Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of volunteers. It highlights the benefits of volunteering, such as job assistance, skill development, and improved community resilience, without creating new laws or funding. The resolution serves as a formal recognition and encourages residents to participate in community service efforts during the specified month.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 24 through 28, 2024, as "Union Organizing Week" in Pennsylvania to honor workers who advocate for their right to organize. The resolution includes language acknowledging the contributions of union negotiators and diverse workers, including veterans, to the state's economy and communities. It also expresses the view that employers and unions should collaborate for mutual success and recognizes the dedication of those seeking fair treatment at the workplace.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to officially recognize September 12, 2024, as "National Police Woman Day" within the state. The resolution honors female law enforcement officers for their service and aims to highlight their contributions to public safety and community trust. It does not create new laws or change any policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the role of women in policing.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to improve substance use overdose awareness by requiring the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to distribute educational posters in multiple languages. The department is authorized to cover the costs of printing and distributing these materials, which must be placed in conspicuous locations where permitted. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new grant program designed to support long-term recovery from substance use. These changes directly affect state agencies responsible for drug and alcohol prevention and the communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program called the Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities improve their local police departments. Administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the program provides funding for specific goals such as merging small police departments, achieving professional accreditation, officer training, and community outreach. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the purpose, with smaller departments receiving extra points for consolidation or accreditation efforts. The legislation establishes a dedicated fund to finance these awards and sets specific deadlines for publishing program details and accepting applications starting in fiscal year 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against individuals based on their use of specific drugs when underwriting, issuing, or renewing certain life insurance policies. The key provision expands the scope of protection to include the refusal to renew a policy, ensuring that coverage cannot be denied solely due to drug use. It directly affects insurance carriers and policyholders by mandating that decisions be based on factors other than the presence of certain substances. The legislation aims to create a more uniform standard for drug-related assessments in life insurance without advocating for a specific outcome.