Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Human Services department to apply for a federal waiver that would allow SNAP and WIC benefit recipients to use their funds to buy diapers or menstrual hygiene products. The legislation authorizes the department to adopt necessary rules once the USDA approves the waiver, ensuring the state can participate in this potential program change. It does not immediately change how benefits are used but establishes the legal framework to implement such a waiver if federal approval is granted.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state government agencies and officers by encouraging them to acknowledge the historical significance of LGBTQ+ contributions and the ongoing struggle for equality. The text cites specific local milestones, such as the 1965 sit-in at Dewey's lunch counter in Philadelphia and the establishment of early support organizations, to highlight the state's role in LGBTQ+ history. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's procurement laws to allow state agencies to purchase supplies and services from organizations employing people with disabilities without requiring competitive bidding. It mandates that these organizations make a significant contribution to production and prohibits the use of subminimum wage certificates for new contracts, with a complete ban on such certificates planned within two years. Additionally, the law requires work environments to become integrated, meaning employees with disabilities must interact with non-disabled coworkers, customers, and the public, and sets up a system for the state to review compliance and determine fair market prices.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the growth and changes of short-term rentals across the Commonwealth. The study will examine current market data, existing local ordinances, state laws, and the impacts of these rentals on the economy, affordable housing, and traditional tourism. The commission is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and various legislative committee chairs within 180 days of the bill's adoption.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Survivor-Centered, Accessible, Fair and Empowering (SAFE) Housing Trust Fund within Pennsylvania's State Treasury to support victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, human trafficking, and stalking. The fund is designed to provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing along with related support services to help these individuals and their immediate family members move toward independent living. Money for the fund will be generated through an interfund transfer, and the program must remain accessible to all regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that asks the U.S. House of Representatives to officially recognize October 10, 2024, as "National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan)" within the state of Pennsylvania. It does not change any laws or alter the status of Taiwan but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge Taiwan's cultural diversity, democratic values, and economic partnership with Pennsylvania. The text cites various achievements and trade statistics to highlight the relationship between the two regions before calling for the specific date recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill expands stalking laws and introduces a new crime called unauthorized location tracking to address privacy concerns regarding digital surveillance. The stalking provisions clarify that repeated acts intended to cause fear or emotional distress are criminal offenses, with penalties increasing to a felony for repeat offenders or those with prior violent convictions. Additionally, the bill makes it a misdemeanor to use technology to monitor another person's location without permission, though it includes specific exceptions for law enforcement investigations, court-ordered supervision, and parents tracking their own children. These changes aim to provide clearer legal tools for protecting individuals from harassment and invasive tracking while allowing for legitimate uses like parental monitoring and fleet management.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a consumer data privacy framework that defines the responsibilities of data controllers and processors while setting penalties for non-compliance. It clarifies that controllers are entities that determine how personal information is used and requires them to implement reasonable safeguards to protect collected data. The legislation specifies that publicly available information and certain mathematical representations of data are excluded from the definition of personal information, and it includes exemptions for financial institutions. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for consumers to opt out of data processing and grants them a 60-day window to correct errors in their data requests.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates June 23, 2024, as "Widows' and Widowers' Day" to acknowledge the approximately 681,800 widowed individuals in the state. The measure expresses condolences to those who have lost a spouse and encourages them to seek support from family, friends, and counselors. It does not create any new laws or change existing programs but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widowed residents.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill requires school districts to print a 24/7 accessible suicide prevention hotline number on student identification cards for grades six through twelve. It also mandates that school safety coordinators ensure the same hotline number is prominently displayed on school websites and in the offices of counselors, principals, and administrators. These changes aim to make mental health resources more visible and accessible to students and staff within the school environment.