Rep. Heather Boyd

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania government agencies to prioritize using insecticide-free native plants over non-native options when landscaping state facilities. It mandates that these agencies consider the environmental benefits of such plants, including habitat creation for pollinators and reduced water usage, during construction and maintenance projects. Additionally, the law directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to create specific pollinator meadows on unused turfgrass areas at Commonwealth facilities. The legislation defines specific terms like "pollinator meadow" and lists various state departments and entities that must follow these new planting guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands tenant protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to provide stronger rights when tenants or their immediate family members are victims of violence. It broadens the definition of who qualifies as an immediate family or household member to include a wider range of relatives and partners, and it extends coverage to victims who live within 1,000 feet of the tenant's home or who were killed in a violent act. The legislation also allows tenants to request a temporary relocation from their rental unit if they have suffered physical or mental injury due to a violent crime, provided they submit specific documentation such as a restraining order, a police report, or a medical letter. Additionally, the bill reduces the time a landlord has to respond to such requests from 180 days to 120 days and clarifies the types of evidence tenants must provide to support their claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing abortion laws to clarify requirements for medical consultations and informed consent. It mandates that, except in medical emergencies, a woman must have a private consultation with a physician to determine if an abortion is necessary based on her physical, emotional, and other relevant circumstances. Additionally, the law requires that at least 24 hours before the procedure, a physician must provide specific information about the procedure, the unborn child, medical risks of carrying the pregnancy to term, and available support services, while also informing the patient of her right to review printed materials. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but rather refines the current legal framework governing how abortions are performed and documented in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require licensed hospitals providing general medical and surgical services to offer emergency care to anyone arriving with an injury or acute medical condition. The law mandates that these services include medical screening, stabilizing treatment, and protections against discrimination or delays, while allowing specific types of hospitals like long-term acute care facilities to opt out. Notably, the bill explicitly defines stabilizing treatment to include abortion when it is necessary to resolve a patient's injury or acute medical condition. These requirements must follow existing federal guidelines and state rules, and the changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

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's Tax Reform Code to create a specific tax deduction for medical cannabis businesses. It allows these businesses to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses from their taxable income if they did not claim those same expenses on their federal tax returns. The provision applies to companies holding active grower, processor, or dispensary permits issued by the state Department of Health. The new rule will take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new School Facilities Office within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help school districts assess infrastructure needs and secure funding for improvements. It also establishes a Public School Facility Advisory Committee made up of representatives from government, industry, and education groups to guide facility planning and policy. Under the law, all public schools must submit detailed inventory data about their buildings by April 2025, and this information will be made available online for public viewing. Additionally, the legislation repeals previous rules regarding building condition assessments to allow for a new, standardized statewide evaluation process.

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 creates the Pennsylvania Affordable Homeownership Subsidy Program to help middle-income families buy homes by providing financial grants. It targets households earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income and allows grants of up to $125,000 to nonprofit groups, government entities, or developers. The funding can be used for various purposes, including purchasing properties, offering homebuyer education, repairing homes, and managing assets to ensure long-term affordability. The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the program, set application rules, and submit annual reports to the legislature on how the funds are used.

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.