Rep. Chris Pielli

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's personal income tax law to introduce tax incentives for 529 savings accounts and tuition programs. It allows employers to claim a tax credit for matching employee contributions to 529 accounts, with a limit of $500 per employee per year, provided the employee also contributes to the account. Additionally, the bill updates tuition account rules to prevent fees from being charged when an account is closed due to the beneficiary's death or disability and ensures such payments are not taxed as income. These changes aim to encourage education savings while clarifying tax treatment for specific account events.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing Assistance and Service Animal Integrity Act to clarify definitions and establish a formal system for documenting service dogs. It creates a new trained service animal card and a corresponding database managed by the Department of Health to verify the credentials of service animals entering public accommodations. The legislation also updates rules for housing, allowing landlords to request written documentation from tenants only when a disability is not obvious, while providing immunity from liability for injuries caused by registered service animals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide menstrual hygiene products to students in Pennsylvania public schools without charge. It directs the Department of Education to award funding to school districts that have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch, allowing recipients to purchase items like tampons and pads or install dispensing machines. The program requires that these products be accessible to all students regardless of their gender identity and mandates that schools report how the funds are spent. A total of $100,000 is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support this initiative.

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 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to establish specific rules for issuing, renewing, and canceling homeowner's insurance policies. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage or canceling policies based on personal characteristics such as age, race, or residence, as well as from canceling due to two or fewer claims within a three-year period. The legislation also requires insurers to provide clear written notices before canceling a policy and mandates that premium increases be broken down to show exactly how much is added due to claims or other factors. Additionally, the bill sets guidelines for what happens when an insurance agent is terminated, ensuring that existing policies written by that agent are not unfairly affected and that customers are offered coverage options.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to regulate abortion facilities similarly to ambulatory surgical centers. It requires these facilities to follow the same safety regulations and classification standards as surgical centers, while also granting them the ability to request specific exceptions to those rules. The legislation explicitly prohibits requiring abortion facilities to have transfer agreements with hospitals or for their staff to hold admitting privileges at hospitals. Additionally, the bill removes certain existing definitions that previously applied to these facilities and repeals a related state regulation.

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 Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as "Correctional Officers Week" to honor the state's correctional officers. The measure highlights the essential roles these workers play in maintaining facility security, ensuring safety, and supporting rehabilitation efforts within the criminal justice system. By officially recognizing this specific time period, the resolution aims to acknowledge the challenges and contributions of correctional officers without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of New Pennsylvanians within the Department of Community and Economic Development to support immigrants and refugees in the state. The office will serve as a central hub for information, coordinate efforts among various agencies, and develop strategies to attract, retain, and integrate newcomers into the local economy. It also establishes a restricted funding account for the office and an advisory committee to guide its work, while providing resources for English language instruction, legal services, and business development.