Rep. Carol Kazeem

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Statewide Advisory Council on Playground Safety in Pennsylvania to improve safety standards for playgrounds across the state. The council will be responsible for developing guidelines and recommendations to help local communities create safer play environments for children. As a procedural measure, the bill also makes minor technical adjustments to the text of the legislation to correct line numbering and remove an outdated provision.

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 resolution designates June 15, 2024, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the issue of harm or neglect against older adults. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to draw public attention to the prevalence of elder abuse and the resources available for reporting it. The measure aims to encourage daily awareness and education about preventing abuse in the state's aging population.

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 summaryHB 657 aims to increase transparency in real estate agreements and ban unfair service contracts between property owners and agents. The bill requires clearer terms in these agreements to ensure both parties understand their rights and obligations. It also establishes penalties for those who violate these new rules. This legislation directly impacts homeowners, renters, and real estate professionals by setting stricter standards for how services are offered and documented.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Right to Counsel Program within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction or housing discrimination. The program will fund designated nonprofit organizations to offer direct legal services to eligible individuals, defined as renters earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level or those receiving medical assistance. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Tenant Right to Counsel Task Force to oversee the initiative and report on its progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 24 through 28, 2024, as "Union Organizing Week" in Pennsylvania to honor workers who advocate for their right to organize. The resolution includes language acknowledging the contributions of union negotiators and diverse workers, including veterans, to the state's economy and communities. It also expresses the view that employers and unions should collaborate for mutual success and recognizes the dedication of those seeking fair treatment at the workplace.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania county laws to set specific fees that coroners can charge for various death-related reports. Under the new rules, coroners must collect $500 for autopsy reports and $100 for toxicology or inquisition reports from nongovernmental agencies, such as insurance companies, investigating a death. Family members, including spouses, children, parents, guardians, and siblings, may request these same reports for a reduced fee of up to $100 for an autopsy and $50 for other documents. All money collected from these fees must be turned over to the county treasurer and used specifically to fund training for coroners and their office staff. The changes apply to all counties in the state and will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 2370 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update regulations for public schools and charter schools, with specific new rules on advertising and funding. The bill requires public schools to clearly state that any advertised costs for tuition or technology are paid by taxpayers and prohibits schools from using taxpayer money to sponsor public events. It also establishes reporting requirements for school advertising expenditures and expands definitions related to charter school management and enrollment. Additionally, the legislation modifies how student-weighted basic education funding is calculated and introduces new accountability grants for the state.