Rep. Jenn O'Mara

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's mental health laws to require social media companies to take specific actions to protect minors, defined as individuals under 16 years of age. It mandates that platforms provide parents with notice when their child's account is flagged for sensitive content and requires explicit parental consent before a minor can open a new social media account. Additionally, the legislation imposes penalties on companies that fail to comply with these new oversight and data protection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that designates the week of March 10 through 16, 2024, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. It directly affects residents of the state by encouraging them to participate in efforts to raise awareness about the neurological disease. The measure highlights the impact of multiple sclerosis on over 24,000 Pennsylvanians and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in funding research and supporting patients. By formally recognizing this specific week, the resolution aims to draw public attention to the condition and the ongoing fight for a cure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of mental well-being. It calls on government agencies, schools, businesses, and residents to increase understanding of mental illnesses and promote access to appropriate services. The text emphasizes that mental health issues affect people of all backgrounds and are biological disorders requiring proper treatment rather than willpower. By designating this month for awareness, the bill aims to foster a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates May 2024 as Preeclampsia Awareness Month to highlight the dangers of high blood pressure during pregnancy. The bill aims to encourage public education on recognizing symptoms such as sudden swelling, severe headaches, and blurred vision, which can lead to life-threatening conditions for both mothers and infants. By supporting the Preeclampsia Foundation's efforts, the measure seeks to increase awareness and promote timely medical care without imposing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Equal Pay Law to broaden protections against wage discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnicity by expanding the definition of comparable work to include similar working conditions such as exposure to hazards or extreme temperatures. It explicitly prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their prior salary history or requiring them to refrain from discussing their own or others' wages, while still allowing employers to consider voluntarily provided wage information if it supports a higher offer. The legislation also clarifies that job titles alone cannot determine if two roles are comparable and restricts the use of factors like seniority or merit systems if they result in illegal pay gaps without legitimate business justification. Additionally, the bill establishes an Equal Pay Enforcement Fund to support the collection of unpaid wages and outlines specific penalties for violations of these updated rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2, 2024, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight the impact of rheumatoid arthritis. The measure directly affects the public by encouraging awareness of the disease's symptoms and health risks, such as joint damage and increased heart disease. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote understanding of the condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to replace the existing Abortion Control Act with a new framework that reorganizes abortion-related offenses under a chapter titled "Reproductive Offenses." It removes previous requirements for informed consent, parental consent, and spousal notification while also eliminating penalties for physicians who perform abortions on fetuses of 24 weeks or more gestational age. The legislation further repeals restrictions on fetal experimentation and changes how insurance regulations are handled regarding abortion services, aiming to provide a clearer legal structure for reproductive health care in the state.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes May 2024 as "Menstrual Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of menstrual health and reduce associated stigma. The measure does not enact new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to issues such as access to hygiene products and comprehensive education. By acknowledging these challenges, the resolution aims to encourage further discussion and action on menstrual health within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, a national agreement designed to allow licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines without needing separate licenses in each state. Under the compact, a counselor's ability to work in another member state would depend on their primary home state license, while still maintaining the authority of each state to regulate practice and protect public safety. The legislation includes specific provisions to share information about disciplinary actions and investigations among states, supports military families by easing licensure barriers for spouses, and promotes the use of telehealth services. By adopting this compact, Pennsylvania aims to increase access to counseling services and streamline the regulatory process for counselors working in multiple jurisdictions.