Rep. Kate Klunk

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the President of the United States to approve the proposed sale of United States Steel Corporation to the Japanese company Nippon Steel. The bill highlights arguments in favor of the deal, citing projected economic benefits for Pennsylvania such as job retention, tax revenue, and billions in planned investments. It also notes that U.S. Steel stockholders have overwhelmingly supported the merger and emphasizes the strategic alliance between the United States and Japan. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a formal statement of support from the Pennsylvania legislature rather than a law that directly changes policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires correctional officers in Pennsylvania to use safety seat belts when transporting detained individuals or inmates in vehicles. It allows for exceptions if using a seat belt would endanger the officer or others, or if the person is being transported on a bus. The Department of Corrections must create specific regulations for seat belt use within 120 days, including rules for transporting pregnant individuals. The law applies to all peace officers and other authorized personnel who transport detainees under official detention.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows grandparents and great-grandparents in Pennsylvania to seek partial or supervised physical custody of their grandchildren under specific circumstances. It grants standing to these relatives when a parent has died, when the child has lived with the grandparent for at least 12 months before being removed by the parents, or when the parents are in custody proceedings and disagree about the grandparent's role. The law also permits grandparents to file for custody if neither parent has care of the child or if a parent has supervised physical custody, provided the grandparent has shown a sustained interest in the child's welfare. This legislation directly affects families navigating child custody disputes by expanding the legal options available to extended family members.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates August 19, 2024, as "York County Day" in Pennsylvania to celebrate the 275th anniversary of York County. The bill acknowledges the county's historical significance as the temporary home of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and highlights its modern economy, which includes manufacturing and agriculture. It also notes the county's diverse population of over 550,000 people living across various municipalities. As a commemorative measure, the resolution has no impact on laws or funding but serves to recognize local history and community pride.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates November 15, 2024, as "Articles of the Confederation Day" to honor the historical adoption of the Articles of Confederation. The bill also recognizes the document as an early framework for American self-governance and looks forward to celebrating the 250th anniversary of this event in 2027. As a commemorative measure, the legislation does not alter laws or policies but serves to acknowledge a specific date in state and national history.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution establishes a select committee to investigate the security failures at the July 13, 2024, rally in Butler where a gunman targeted former President Trump. The committee will examine how federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies coordinated their response and will propose best practices for protecting public figures at future events. Authorized to subpoena witnesses and documents, the six-member panel must submit its findings and recommendations to the House by November 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws on negligence to allow injured parties to recover damages even if they share some fault with the person who caused the injury, provided their fault is not greater than the defendant's. It requires courts to split the total damage award among all responsible parties based on their specific percentage of fault, rather than holding one defendant fully liable for the entire cost. However, the law still makes the defendant fully responsible for the total damages in specific situations, such as cases involving intentional harm, hazardous substance releases, or when the defendant is found to be at least 60% at fault. Additionally, the bill allows courts to consider the fault of people who are not currently part of the lawsuit, such as those who have already settled or are immune from suit, when calculating how much each defendant must pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax laws by adjusting personal income tax rates and eliminating a specific tax on the gross receipts from the sale of electric energy. It requires electric utilities to pass the savings from these tax changes directly to consumers through reductions in state tax surcharges, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 for companies that fail to do so. Additionally, the legislation mandates that $6 million annually be transferred to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill also establishes a revenue-neutral reconciliation rule that will remain in effect until the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Dog Law by refining definitions and regulations for dog kennels, particularly regarding the importation of animals. It clarifies what constitutes a commercial kennel versus a nonprofit service dog kennel, establishing a lower annual licensing fee of $35 for the latter. The legislation also mandates stricter health protocols for imported dogs, requiring specific veterinary tests and a 14-day quarantine period unless certain conditions are met. Additionally, the bill outlines criteria for revoking kennel licenses if owners are convicted of animal cruelty or sexual offenses against animals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Public School Employees' Retirement Board and the State Employees' Retirement Board to livestream their public meetings and post unedited video and written records online for at least three years. It also clarifies that sensitive investment information, such as details about alternative investments, will remain confidential to protect financial interests but will eventually become public once the risk of competitive harm or negative impact on investment value no longer exists. Additionally, the legislation mandates that specific basic details about alternative investment vehicles, including the manager's identity and the amount of money committed, must always be accessible to the public. These changes aim to increase transparency in how the boards manage records and conduct business while safeguarding sensitive financial data.