Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 2024 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to highlight the condition's impact on women's health. The bill urges federal officials to increase research funding, improve medical reimbursement for endometriosis surgeries, and establish a national awareness month. It also calls for better education of the public and medical professionals regarding the symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis.

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 bill amends Pennsylvania state laws to protect licensed professionals from disciplinary action if they provide gender-affirming health care services. It specifically prohibits licensing boards from disqualifying individuals or imposing penalties solely because they offer care such as hormone therapy, surgery, or mental health support that aligns with a person's gender identity. The legislation also ensures that professionals are not penalized for facing sanctions in other states for providing these same services, provided the care meets Pennsylvania's professional standards. These protections apply to all state-licensed professions and take effect 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "establishment" under Pennsylvania's human trafficking laws to include various venues such as hotels, motels, truck stops, and transportation hubs. It mandates that owners and managers of public lodging establishments provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees within 90 days of hiring or the bill's effective date, with specific content on identifying victims and reporting signs of exploitation. The legislation also requires these businesses to maintain records of employee training for two years and submit proposed training materials to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval. Additionally, the bill introduces enforcement mechanisms, including administrative and criminal penalties for violations, while allowing for affirmative defenses if an establishment can prove it took reasonable steps to prevent trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding interstate legal cooperation to restrict assistance in cases involving gender-affirming health care. Specifically, it prevents Pennsylvania courts from ordering service of out-of-state court documents and stops state officials from issuing subpoenas for such matters. Additionally, the law bars peace officers from arresting individuals in Pennsylvania for crimes related to gender-affirming care committed in other states. The legislation also clarifies definitions for these services, which include mental health care, surgery, hormone therapy, and other treatments supporting gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent used car dealers in Pennsylvania to complete an approved education and training course before obtaining a new license or renewing an existing one. The training must cover state laws and regulations, include at least 20 hours of instruction for new applicants, and cost no more than $300 for initial courses or $75 for renewals. Dealers who have held a license for over 10 years or those already licensed as new vehicle dealers are exempt from these requirements. The state Board of Vehicles is tasked with developing and approving the curriculum within 180 days and may mandate additional training for dealers found in violation of the law.

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 modifies the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program to require grantees to verify the residency of every SNAP recipient receiving benefits. It specifically prohibits providing benefit incentives to individuals who are not residents of Pennsylvania or who are not lawful residents of the United States. Additionally, the legislation mandates that program evaluators conduct biennial reviews and publish detailed reports on funding usage, geographic distribution, and participating retailers. The bill also grants the department authority to refer suspected immigration law violations to enforcement agencies. These changes directly affect the administration of the food incentive program and the eligibility criteria for participating SNAP recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows practical nurses working in licensed hospices to officially pronounce death under specific conditions, such as when a patient has a valid Do Not Resuscitate order. To qualify, the nurse must complete required training on assessing vital signs and postmortem care, and the pronouncement is limited to confirming the cessation of breathing and heart function without determining the cause of death. The law also grants nurses the authority to release a deceased patient's body to a funeral home or family member immediately after notifying the attending physician or nurse practitioner, unless a coroner's investigation is needed. Additionally, the legislation provides legal immunity for nurses and hospices acting in good faith while complying with these new procedures.

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.