Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania colleges and universities to clearly explain all mandatory fees students must pay, such as enrollment or incidental charges. Institutions must list these fees, along with their purpose and how the money will be spent, on their public websites and student portals before the fees are charged. Additionally, schools must report the total amount collected and how those funds were used to the state Department of Education by November 15 each year. The law applies to both public state schools and private accredited institutions operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Artist Fellowship Grant Program to provide financial support to artists living in the state. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Pennsylvania, actively practice in visual, media, film, or performing arts, and not be currently enrolled in school. The program awards up to 25 grants of $100,000 each annually, which recipients can use for a wide range of expenses including housing, studio rentals, materials, travel, and student loans, provided the funds are not used for political campaigns or regular employment. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is responsible for managing the application process and administering the program, which is funded by a $2.5 million appropriation for grants and an additional $250,000 for administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state government agencies and officers by encouraging them to acknowledge the historical significance of LGBTQ+ contributions and the ongoing struggle for equality. The text cites specific local milestones, such as the 1965 sit-in at Dewey's lunch counter in Philadelphia and the establishment of early support organizations, to highlight the state's role in LGBTQ+ history. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable policies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to create an advisory committee and conduct a comprehensive study on artificial intelligence. The proposed committee includes representatives from various state agencies, labor unions, academic institutions, and technical experts to examine AI's benefits, risks, and potential impacts on the state. The study will assess how AI is currently used, evaluate its effects on employment and disinformation, and propose regulations for its responsible development within Pennsylvania government and society. Ultimately, the commission must submit a report with recommendations on whether to establish a permanent oversight body and how to allocate rights between workers and employers regarding AI implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 10 through 19, 2024, as "Go Public Gardens Days" throughout Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes the economic and environmental importance of public gardens, which support thousands of jobs and attract millions of visitors annually. It highlights the state's role in agriculture and tourism by acknowledging the efforts of public gardens to conserve natural resources and promote biodiversity. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture to encourage public engagement with these institutions during a specific week in May.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new eligibility rules for nonprofit corporations in Pennsylvania that receive state contracts, funding, or grants. To qualify, these organizations must have at least 200 employees in the state and must not have violated federal fair labor standards or committed unfair labor practices within the last five years. Additionally, the nonprofit's bylaws must require that at least 20% of its governing board consists of current employees elected by the workforce. The law does not apply to healthcare-related state payments like Medicaid reimbursements and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the services, processes, and wait times provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services in Pennsylvania. The investigation will examine how long individuals with visual impairments wait for essential support and analyze how these delays affect their lives and career prospects. Additionally, the study will look into ways to improve efficiency, such as exploring partnerships with outside agencies to reduce waiting lists. The committee is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 180 days.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill expands stalking laws and introduces a new crime called unauthorized location tracking to address privacy concerns regarding digital surveillance. The stalking provisions clarify that repeated acts intended to cause fear or emotional distress are criminal offenses, with penalties increasing to a felony for repeat offenders or those with prior violent convictions. Additionally, the bill makes it a misdemeanor to use technology to monitor another person's location without permission, though it includes specific exceptions for law enforcement investigations, court-ordered supervision, and parents tracking their own children. These changes aim to provide clearer legal tools for protecting individuals from harassment and invasive tracking while allowing for legitimate uses like parental monitoring and fleet management.

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 Pennsylvania's existing Wild Resource Conservation Act to specifically include wild native terrestrial invertebrates, such as land-dwelling insects and other non-aquatic animals without backbones, under state protection. It directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to investigate these species' populations and habitats, classify them as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable, and establish a formal management system. Once classified, the department will create regulations within two years that limit activities like taking, selling, or transporting these invertebrates to ensure their survival. The law also officially defines these creatures as "wild resources" and sets the bill into effect 60 days after it is signed.