Rep. Carol Kazeem

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Freedom Schools Grant Program to provide funding for six-week summer educational programs aimed at helping students in disenfranchised communities recover learning loss and address opportunity gaps. Eligible applicants include public schools, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations that plan to offer a multicultural curriculum focusing on African American history, civil rights, and leadership skills. The Department of Education would manage the program by setting application guidelines and awarding up to $5 million from the General Fund to projects that prioritize racial equity, community-based hiring, and restorative justice practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update and expand the rules for city revitalization and improvement zones, which are designated areas intended to spur economic development and job creation. It primarily affects cities with at least 20,000 residents and establishes a "contracting authority" to manage these zones, including the power to designate specific areas and oversee construction projects. The legislation clarifies definitions for various terms, outlines the types of taxes that can be used for zone funding, and sets new guidelines for how baseline calculations and financial transfers are handled within these districts. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for "floating zones," which allow for more flexible designation of areas, and ensures confidentiality regarding Commonwealth pledges related to these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's personal income tax law to introduce tax incentives for 529 savings accounts and tuition programs. It allows employers to claim a tax credit for matching employee contributions to 529 accounts, with a limit of $500 per employee per year, provided the employee also contributes to the account. Additionally, the bill updates tuition account rules to prevent fees from being charged when an account is closed due to the beneficiary's death or disability and ensures such payments are not taxed as income. These changes aim to encourage education savings while clarifying tax treatment for specific account events.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to create a tracking system for publicly financed housing across the state. The agency must establish an online database that lists property addresses, owner information, and the anticipated dates when affordability restrictions on these homes may expire. Additionally, the database will include details on whether owners can extend these restrictions and any modifications made to them. The agency is required to update this information quarterly and submit annual reports to the Governor summarizing the status of these properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide menstrual hygiene products to students in Pennsylvania public schools without charge. It directs the Department of Education to award funding to school districts that have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch, allowing recipients to purchase items like tampons and pads or install dispensing machines. The program requires that these products be accessible to all students regardless of their gender identity and mandates that schools report how the funds are spent. A total of $100,000 is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support this initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania schools to create and distribute mental health awareness materials specifically for student athletes, their parents, and coaches. It mandates that these groups sign an acknowledgment form each year confirming they have reviewed information about mental health warning signs and available resources. Additionally, the law requires coaches to complete an approved mental health training course annually before they can lead any athletic activity. Schools may also hold informational meetings at the start of each season to discuss these topics with students, families, and staff. Coaches who fail to complete the required training face suspensions that increase in severity with each violation, ranging from the remainder of the current season to permanent removal from coaching.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to allow participating healthcare providers to choose how they receive payments, rather than forcing them to accept only credit card transactions. Insurers must inform providers about all available payment options, disclose any associated fees, and provide clear instructions on how to select a method. The law also prohibits charging fees for transmitting payments unless the provider agrees to them, while allowing billing agents to charge for specific management services. These rules apply to licensed hospitals, doctors, and other regulated medical professionals who have contracts with health insurers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 2 through 8, 2024, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" within Pennsylvania. It does not change any laws or allocate funding but instead encourages residents and visitors to participate in events and educational programs that highlight the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the state. The resolution serves as a commemorative measure to raise public awareness about the bay's ecological significance and its role in the region's economy and history.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow the use of electronic poll books and establishes a funding mechanism through bonds to purchase election infrastructure equipment. It requires county election boards to adopt these digital systems for early voting locations and half of all polling places on election day starting in 2025, with full implementation across all precincts by 2026. The legislation mandates that these devices must securely connect to the statewide voter registration system, track voter participation in real-time, and maintain paper backups in case of technical failures. Additionally, the bill introduces same-day voter registration options on election day and during early voting periods while removing previous rules regarding voter registration transfers and party enrollment changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution extends official condolences to the family of James R. Roebuck, who passed away in May 2024 after serving as a state representative for the 188th Legislative District from 1985 to 2020. The document highlights his long history of public service, including his work on education committees and his leadership within the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. It also notes that a scholarship fund was renamed in his honor to support students. Finally, the resolution directs that a copy of the text be sent to Roebuck's family.