Rep. Carol Kazeem

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates October 29, 2024, as "World Stroke Day" to raise awareness about the condition. The measure highlights key facts about strokes, such as their status as a leading cause of disability and the importance of immediate medical care. It also urges the state to improve education on stroke signs and enhance access to appropriate treatment for patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify how public utilities value water and wastewater systems they purchase from other companies. It allows the buying utility to include the system's depreciated original cost in its rate calculations immediately after the deal closes or in its first rate filing. The law also requires that any difference between the new system's value and the seller's previous rate base be spread evenly over the next three rate cases. These changes directly affect public utility companies in Pennsylvania and the rates they charge customers for water and wastewater services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to set a strict six-month deadline for the Public Utility Commission to issue final decisions on applications regarding the valuation of water and wastewater systems acquired by public utilities. The change directly affects utility companies seeking to determine the value of these assets and the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the process. By removing the previous language that allowed for extensions, the legislation ensures a faster timeline for resolving these specific valuation cases. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for how Pennsylvania municipalities must sell their water and sewer systems to other public utilities. It requires the selling municipality to issue a formal request for proposals, advertise the sale in local newspapers, and provide residents with rate estimates from approved actuaries before a final decision is made. The acquiring utility must also notify its customers about the deal and any potential rate increases, while the state commission is mandated to hold at least two public hearings to review the transaction. These procedures aim to ensure transparency and protect consumers during the acquisition of public water and wastewater infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act to update definitions regarding construction work. Specifically, it adds "rebar system assembly" to the list of covered activities while removing the phrase "or smaller prefabricated components" from the definition of prefabricated components. These changes clarify which specific tasks and materials are subject to prevailing wage requirements for public projects. The bill also outlines updated duties for the Secretary of Labor and Industry in enforcing these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Reapportionment Openness and Fairness Act, establishes rules for redrawing Pennsylvania's legislative districts to ensure the process is transparent and inclusive. It mandates that the Legislative Reapportionment Commission include incarcerated individuals in population counts for state and local districts, counting them at their last known residence if they were Pennsylvania residents before incarceration. The legislation also sets strict eligibility requirements for commission members, prohibiting recent government officials, lobbyists, and relatives of legislators from serving to prevent conflicts of interest. Additionally, the act requires the commission to actively solicit public input and disseminate information to educate residents about the redistricting process.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a five-year pilot program to provide funding for restoring school libraries in Pennsylvania's low-achieving schools. Eligible schools can receive grants of up to $170,000 to purchase books, digital resources, and technology, as well as to hire or train certified school librarians. The Department of Education will select at least 12 schools representing diverse student demographics to participate, and the program requires annual reporting and an independent evaluation to assess its impact on student performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to authorize the creation of school-based health centers within public and private schools. These centers must remain open during school hours and cannot refuse care based on a student's ability to pay, insurance status, or existing primary care provider. Services are determined by school boards based on student demographics and needs, with strict requirements for parental consent and data confidentiality. The legislation also mandates the establishment of a statewide advisory council to oversee program operations and requires the Department of Health to collect usage and demographic data once funding is available.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania real property laws to prevent homeowners and condominium owners from being blocked by deed restrictions or community rules from installing solar energy systems on their detached roofs or townhouse units. It establishes clear definitions for "solar energy systems" and "detached roofs" to ensure these protections apply to the correct types of residential properties. While the law prohibits outright bans, it allows homeowners' associations to set reasonable regulations regarding safety, aesthetics, and certification to maintain community standards. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted, giving communities time to update their governing documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts public access to eviction records in Pennsylvania by automatically placing such files under limited access seven years after the case is filed or once a judgment is satisfied. It prohibits courts, landlords, and consumer reporting agencies from sharing these records with the public or using them in tenant screening reports, while still allowing access to the parties involved, their attorneys, and specific entities like nonprofit researchers. Landlords are required to notify the court within 30 days if a tenant pays a money judgment in full or vacates the property by the agreed date. The legislation also creates a private right of action for tenants, allowing them to seek damages of up to two months' rent or $5,000, whichever is greater, along with attorney fees, if their eviction records are improperly disclosed.