Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Pennsylvania's existing rules on firearm possession by clarifying the responsibilities of individuals who are legally prohibited from owning guns. It mandates that people facing certain disabilities must surrender their firearms, ammunition, and licenses to law enforcement or transfer them to eligible buyers within a specific timeframe, with stricter requirements for those subject to abuse protection orders. The legislation also introduces new penalties for failing to comply with these surrender orders and for knowingly accepting or returning weapons to prohibited individuals before a court order allows it. Additionally, the bill outlines duties for the Office of Attorney General and establishes procedures for handling firearms in community and municipal courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require insurers sending reimbursement payments for emergency medical services to include a specific notice with the payment. The notice must be printed on red paper with bold "STOP" and "Read this notice before depositing payment" headings, and it must clearly explain the services covered, the patient's financial responsibility, and their right to negotiate the bill with the EMS agency before paying. Directly affecting insurance companies and individuals receiving emergency medical care, the provision ensures that patients are aware they can discuss costs with providers and cannot pay less than the amount reimbursed by the insurer. The changes take effect 120 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands workers' compensation coverage to include post-traumatic stress injuries sustained by active volunteer emergency medical services personnel. It specifically defines eligible EMS providers as those designated by a municipality as its primary responder or dispatched via public safety answering points and mutual aid agreements. The legislation also clarifies that compensation is not required to be filed within a specific timeframe and broadens the list of qualified medical professionals who can evaluate these claims to include psychologists and psychiatrists. Finally, the bill sets an immediate effective date for most provisions while delaying the implementation of new sections regarding specific act amendments for one year.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates the week of October 13 through 19, 2024, as "Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Week" to raise awareness about sexual assault in the military. The measure directly affects veterans and service members who have experienced sexual trauma by highlighting their struggles and the need for better support systems. The text cites statistics on underreporting and the specific challenges survivors face, such as stigma and difficulties accessing benefits, to justify the designation. By formally recognizing this issue, the resolution aims to encourage community support and prompt a statewide examination of how to better assist these individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 15, 2024, as White Cane Safety Day in Pennsylvania to honor individuals with vision loss. It highlights the state's existing law requiring drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians using white canes or guide dogs. The measure also calls for increased public education about these safety measures to protect people with visual impairments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about student hunger and food waste. The bill highlights the issue of food insecurity among children and references the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which mandates specific nutritional standards for school meals. It also mentions "share tables," a strategy allowing students to return unopened food for others to take, as a method to reduce waste and improve nutrition access. The measure is symbolic and does not alter existing laws or create new funding or mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws by refining the specific factors judges must consider when deciding custody arrangements. It places a strong emphasis on evaluating the safety of the child, particularly regarding past abuse, the risk of future harm, and any attempts by a parent to turn the child against the other parent. The legislation also clarifies how courts should weigh a child's own preferences based on their maturity and assesses practical issues like parental work schedules, proximity of homes, and the ability to meet the child's daily needs. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance for courts in determining the best interests of the child during custody disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide owners and independent repair shops with the necessary documentation, parts, and tools for maintenance and repair on fair and reasonable terms. The legislation specifically expands the definition of covered equipment to include security and life safety systems such as fire alarms, medical alert devices, intrusion detection systems, and access control tools. Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from replacing batteries in residential smoke detectors, likely to ensure safety standards are maintained. These changes aim to facilitate independent repair options while addressing specific safety concerns related to critical home systems.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of September 23 through 29, 2024, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" to highlight the shortage of disposable diapers for children and incontinent adults. The measure aims to draw public attention to the financial burden families face, noting that many must cut back on essentials like food to afford these necessities. Additionally, the resolution formally recognizes the work of Pennsylvania's 10 diaper banks and encourages residents to support community organizations through donations and participation in diaper drives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school nurses and other staff with direct student contact in Pennsylvania to complete approved training on recognizing seizures and providing first aid. Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, these employees must finish either an online course or in-person instruction covering seizure recognition and action plans. The law applies to all public, private, and parochial schools in the state to ensure staff are prepared to respond to medical emergencies. The training requirement is mandatory for the specified personnel, replacing any previous optional status for these courses.