Rep. Carol Kazeem

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of firefighting protective gear containing PFAS chemicals to attach warning labels and provide written notices to buyers in Pennsylvania. It specifically targets equipment used by municipal fire departments and volunteer fire companies, covering items like jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets. The legislation mandates that these documents be kept on file for at least three years and assigns the Office of the State Fire Commissioner with the authority to enforce the rules. Penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent violations, with the collected funds directed to state fire and emergency medical services grant programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's corporate tax code to create a specific tax deduction for medical cannabis businesses, allowing them to claim ordinary business expenses that were not deducted on their federal tax returns. It also updates the procedures for taxpayers to request tax reassessments and board reviews, extending the deadline for these petitions to 90 days for corporate taxes instead of the standard 60 days. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new settlement conference process where independent attorneys appointed by the tax board can help resolve disputes between taxpayers and the Department of Revenue. These changes directly affect medical marijuana organizations and other corporations subject to state net income tax by altering how they calculate deductions and how they appeal tax assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands workers' compensation coverage to include post-traumatic stress injuries sustained by active volunteer emergency medical services personnel. It specifically defines eligible EMS providers as those designated by a municipality as its primary responder or dispatched via public safety answering points and mutual aid agreements. The legislation also clarifies that compensation is not required to be filed within a specific timeframe and broadens the list of qualified medical professionals who can evaluate these claims to include psychologists and psychiatrists. Finally, the bill sets an immediate effective date for most provisions while delaying the implementation of new sections regarding specific act amendments for one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to strengthen the Attorney General's authority in reviewing proposed mergers and acquisitions within the healthcare sector. It establishes a detailed list of factors the Attorney General must evaluate, including potential impacts on prices, service quality, market competition, and access for vulnerable populations. The legislation also requires state agencies like the Department of Aging and the Insurance Department to assist in these reviews while protecting certain documents from public disclosure. Ultimately, the law aims to ensure that large healthcare transactions do not negatively affect patients or the overall public interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to update definitions and policies regarding utility customer protection programs for residential electricity, natural gas, and water services. It clarifies who qualifies as a customer or applicant for assistance, establishes specific income thresholds for determining financial hardship, and expands the scope of these protections to include water and sewer authorities in second-class cities. The legislation also standardizes terms related to complaints, payment arrangements, and service termination to ensure consistent application across different utility types.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the entire stretch of Pennsylvania Route 232 in the Borough of Rockledge as the PFC Helmut Boehm Memorial Road to honor a local World War II veteran. The legislation includes provisions for the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying this new name for traffic in both directions. The act also provides a brief history of PFC Helmut Boehm, detailing his service as an ambulance orderly who evacuated wounded soldiers and liberated concentration camps before his passing in 2024. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act by removing language that previously allowed landlords to withhold rent. The change directly affects tenants and landlords by eliminating the specific provision that authorized rent withholding as a remedy. Consequently, the bill alters the legal framework for tenant protections without adding new rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates November 2024 as National Epilepsy Awareness Month to highlight the condition and combat associated stigma. The measure directly affects the state's residents by encouraging public education about epilepsy, a neurological disorder that impacts millions of Americans. By formally recognizing this month, the resolution aims to support organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern and Western and Central Pennsylvania in their efforts to improve quality of life for people with seizures.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates October 2024 as Dyslexia Awareness Month to highlight the condition and its impact on individuals across all demographics. The measure aims to promote public understanding of dyslexia as a neurological learning disability and encourage early diagnosis and intervention. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution seeks to foster advocacy and support for educators, parents, and people affected by dyslexia within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially recognizes September 2024 as "National Recovery Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. It directly affects the general public by encouraging them to participate in awareness activities and support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The measure highlights the ongoing challenges of addiction and the state's existing network of licensed recovery houses, aiming to foster a supportive environment for prevention and treatment. By adopting this designation, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aligns with a national observance to promote resources and encouragement for those seeking recovery.