Rep. Chris Pielli

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the State Highway Law to update the definition of the most recent edition of the Department of Agriculture's geographic information system. Specifically, it sets the baseline for weather data to the 2012 edition covering the period from 1976 through 2005. The change allows the Department of Agriculture to update this definition through future regulations as needed. This adjustment directly affects how weather data is referenced when planning the construction, improvement, maintenance, and repair of state highways.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private health insurers and state-managed health plans to cover biomarker testing when it is used to diagnose, treat, or monitor a specific disease or condition. The legislation defines biomarker testing as the analysis of tissue, blood, or other biological samples to identify indicators of biological processes, while explicitly excluding coverage for general screening purposes. Coverage for these tests must follow the same rules as other medical services, including standard cost-sharing and medical necessity reviews, and the changes will take effect 180 days after the bill is signed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 19, 2024, as "Marion Munley Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the legacy of the late state representative. It recognizes Munley's historic achievements, including becoming the first woman elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from northeastern Pennsylvania and the first woman to serve as Secretary of the House. The document highlights her significant contributions to women's rights, such as co-authoring the state's Equal Pay Law, and aims to commemorate her life and work in promoting equality.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's game laws to protect the privacy of law enforcement officers. It directly affects game wardens and other officers who issue citations by prohibiting them from listing their home addresses on official documents like tickets or special permits. The key provision adds a specific rule to the statute that bans the inclusion of personal residential information on any business issued by an officer. This change aims to mitigate potential safety risks for officers without altering their general enforcement duties or hunter registration requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is appointed, shifting the power from the commission itself to the Governor. Under the new rules, the Governor would select the director for a two-year term with the approval of the state Senate, while current or recent commission members would be ineligible for the role. The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and are part of a broader legislative effort to reorganize and increase accountability within the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing abortion laws to clarify requirements for medical consultations and informed consent. It mandates that, except in medical emergencies, a woman must have a private consultation with a physician to determine if an abortion is necessary based on her physical, emotional, and other relevant circumstances. Additionally, the law requires that at least 24 hours before the procedure, a physician must provide specific information about the procedure, the unborn child, medical risks of carrying the pregnancy to term, and available support services, while also informing the patient of her right to review printed materials. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but rather refines the current legal framework governing how abortions are performed and documented in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to clarify definitions and establish rules for open enrollment. It defines "medicare supplement policies" to include specific group insurance plans while excluding those offered by certain employers, labor organizations, and professional associations. The legislation requires insurers to issue policies within one month of application and payment, prohibits discrimination based on health status or medical history, and limits preexisting condition exclusions for applicants with at least six months of prior coverage. These changes aim to standardize how these insurance products are sold and ensure broader access for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require licensed hospitals providing general medical and surgical services to offer emergency care to anyone arriving with an injury or acute medical condition. The law mandates that these services include medical screening, stabilizing treatment, and protections against discrimination or delays, while allowing specific types of hospitals like long-term acute care facilities to opt out. Notably, the bill explicitly defines stabilizing treatment to include abortion when it is necessary to resolve a patient's injury or acute medical condition. These requirements must follow existing federal guidelines and state rules, and the changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the historical and cultural contributions of Italian-Americans to the region, noting that approximately 1.7 million Pennsylvanians have Italian ancestry. It serves as a commemorative recognition rather than a policy change, aiming to celebrate the community's legacy and ongoing impact on the Commonwealth.

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.