Rep. Nancy Guenst

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program in Pennsylvania to provide parents and guardians with a package of essential health products and educational materials. To receive the kit, which includes items like postpartum pads, baby diapers, and care instructions, parents must complete an online education syllabus or be referred by a community organization. The Department of Health will manage the program using a dedicated state fund and may partner with private organizations to distribute the kits while reporting on their effectiveness annually. The program is designed to operate for two years with the goal of improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends state insurance laws to update definitions and clarify the responsibilities of the health insurance exchange authority. It establishes a framework for collecting fees from insurers to fund either a reinsurance program, an affordability assistance program, or both, with a cap of 3.5% on total monthly premiums. The legislation also directs the state to apply for a federal waiver to allow the creation of a reinsurance program and to maximize federal funding for it. Additionally, the bill outlines how an affordability assistance program would work in 2025 to provide financial benefits to consumers based on income or other eligibility criteria without creating a permanent entitlement.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding abandoned vehicles to streamline how the state notifies owners and lienholders before disposing of unclaimed cars. It requires the Department of Transportation to send certified mail notices to known owners and lienholders within 10 business days of receiving a report, or to publish a notice in a local newspaper if those parties cannot be identified. Once a 30-day waiting period passes without the vehicle being reclaimed, the department must authorize disposal within 10 business days. Additionally, the bill sets a 10-day limit for the department to approve or deny applications for salvage certificates for nonrepairable vehicles, ensuring faster processing for vehicles that cannot be fixed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow the use of electronic poll books and establishes a funding mechanism through bonds to purchase election infrastructure equipment. It requires county election boards to adopt these digital systems for early voting locations and half of all polling places on election day starting in 2025, with full implementation across all precincts by 2026. The legislation mandates that these devices must securely connect to the statewide voter registration system, track voter participation in real-time, and maintain paper backups in case of technical failures. Additionally, the bill introduces same-day voter registration options on election day and during early voting periods while removing previous rules regarding voter registration transfers and party enrollment changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to maintain a supply of bronchodilators for students with asthma. It changes the rules so that these medications can be administered by designated individuals rather than just school nurses or trained staff. The legislation also mandates that if a school uses a reporting system, it must record who gave the medication to the student. These changes aim to improve access to emergency asthma treatment within school settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called intimidation of health care workers in Pennsylvania to protect doctors, nurses, technicians, and hospital security officers from threats. It makes it illegal to knowingly make or send a threat intended to stop these workers from doing their jobs, with penalties starting as a fine and community service for first-time offenders and escalating to jail time for repeat violations. The law also requires hospitals to post notices about this offense at all public entrances, which must be done before anyone can be convicted unless they already knew about the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school directors in Pennsylvania to complete mandatory training programs to improve their ability to lead school boards. New directors must finish at least five hours of instruction covering topics like academics, personnel, finances, and ethics within their first year, while those seeking reappointment must complete an additional three hours of advanced training annually. The Department of Education will provide these courses for free, either directly or through a designated statewide organization that represents school directors. The training specifically includes at least one hour dedicated to trauma-informed approaches, and the law ensures that the statewide organization remains independent from the state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow businesses to claim a tax deduction for money they contribute toward their employees' child care costs. To qualify, employers must make payments to licensed child care centers, group homes, or family homes to help workers cover eligible care expenses while they work. The law permits a deduction equal to 110% of the total contributions made, with a separate provision that allows up to $5,000 of these costs to be excluded from the employer's taxable income. Employers claiming this benefit must file a specific form that details the names and contact information of participating employees and the child care providers they used. The changes apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to help long-term care nursing facilities manage unpaid care costs while waiting for medical assistance decisions. It allows facilities to request payments for uncompensated care after an application has been pending for at least sixty days due to delays or denials with appeals. If the application is eventually denied, the state can recover these payments, but if approved, the state will offset future benefits by the amount already paid. Additionally, the bill requires the state to provide nursing homes with specific application status updates within five business days if the facility has obtained the applicant's permission to share that information.