Rep. Kristine Howard

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 bill modifies Pennsylvania laws regarding child welfare, parental rights, and police procedures. It prevents courts from terminating parental rights solely due to a parent's incarceration or lack of resources beyond their control, while also restricting how late efforts to fix problems are weighed in adoption cases. The legislation requires juvenile courts to actively decide whether to file for terminating parental rights during permanency hearings, with specific exceptions for cases involving incarcerated parents who remain involved in their child's life. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement officers receive training and follow guidelines to identify and ensure the safety of any minor or dependent children present or at risk when arresting a parent or guardian.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends state laws to ensure that residents of condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities have the right to dry their clothes outdoors. It prohibits property associations from enforcing unreasonable rules that block this access, provided the drying happens in approved areas and remains out of view from public entrances. While associations can still set reasonable guidelines on timing and safety, they cannot ban outdoor clothes drying unless it creates a fire hazard, blocks evacuation routes, or obstructs other residents' views. The changes take effect 60 days after the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state residents by encouraging them to learn about and celebrate the history and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The measure highlights specific historical events, such as the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant and the role of Chinese laborers in building the transcontinental railroad, to acknowledge the cultural significance of the month. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the diverse heritage present in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's divorce laws to create a more efficient legal process while prioritizing the welfare of families and children. It removes requirements for mandatory counseling and jury trials, expands the definition of what counts as living separately, and clarifies how courts should handle property division and financial support based on actual need and ability to pay. The legislation also repeals old rules regarding defenses like collusion and mental disorder, streamlining how courts issue final divorce decrees.

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 bill requires mortgage lenders in Pennsylvania who offer reverse mortgages to provide housing counseling to applicants before approving a loan. The counseling must be conducted in person by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, though telephone or video calls are permitted if an in-person meeting is not feasible. Lenders must also issue a signed certificate documenting the counseling session and keep it on file for the entire duration of the loan. These rules directly affect mortgage loan industry licensees and consumers seeking reverse mortgage products.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 24, 2024, as "Bayard Rustin Day" to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. The measure directly affects the state by officially recognizing the anniversary of Rustin's death on that date. It highlights his significant contributions to nonviolent activism, including his role as the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and his advocacy for racial and LGBTQ+ equality. The resolution serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies sentencing guidelines and parole rules for specific murder cases in Pennsylvania, including the killing of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes new minimum prison terms for adult offenders, setting a floor of 50 years, and creates age-based minimums for juveniles, ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on their age at the time of the crime. Additionally, the legislation grants the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole the authority to consider parole for these individuals after serving their minimum sentences, provided they meet specific criteria regarding public safety and victim impact. A key provision requires the board to notify victims of the crime and offer them the chance to speak during parole hearings before a decision is made.

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.