Rep. Martina White

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new crime in Pennsylvania that makes it illegal to use social media platforms to commit, encourage, or help others commit a felony. It defines social media sites as online spaces where users primarily post their own content, while excluding traditional news websites and email services. If someone is convicted of using these platforms to facilitate a felony, they could face a fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both. The law treats each separate instance of using social media for this purpose as a distinct crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a curfew law for minors under 18 in Pennsylvania municipalities, making it a summary offense for them to remain in public places during designated curfew hours. The legislation allows minors to avoid penalties if they are accompanied by an adult, traveling by motor vehicle or public transit, going to or from work without detours, responding to an emergency, or attending or returning from school, religious, or recreational activities. Local governments will have the authority to set specific curfew times and enforce these rules within their jurisdictions. The law defines "minor" as anyone under 18 and "adult" as anyone 18 or older, and it will become effective 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called looting in Pennsylvania, specifically targeting theft that occurs during or right after natural disasters, lawful protests, or civil disobedience demonstrations. It defines looting as committing burglary, retail theft, or organized retail theft during these specific events and classifies the offense as a second-degree felony. The legislation includes a detailed list of what counts as a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes. If passed, the law will take effect 60 days after it is signed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution honors and recognizes the contributions of workers on Labor Day. It expresses gratitude for the efforts of employees across various industries and encourages the public to appreciate their hard work. The document also reaffirms the House's commitment to protecting workers' rights and urges employers to maintain safe and healthy work environments. This measure is symbolic and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit program in Pennsylvania designed to help parents pay for their children's education outside of the public school system. It allows taxpayers who have eligible school-age children not currently enrolled in public schools to claim up to $8,000 per child annually for qualified expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, educational software, and standardized test fees. The credit can be used to reduce state tax liability or, if the amount exceeds the tax owed, it will be refunded to the taxpayer. To receive the benefit, parents must file a claim with the Department of Revenue, which will distribute the funds either via direct deposit or certified mail.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to officially recognize September 12, 2024, as "National Police Woman Day" within the state. The resolution honors female law enforcement officers for their service and aims to highlight their contributions to public safety and community trust. It does not create new laws or change any policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the role of women in policing.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Higher Education Scholarship Law to allow the state to deny financial aid to students convicted of specific criminal offenses. It mandates the denial of all forms of assistance for students convicted of any felony, as well as specific misdemeanors involving moral turpitude. Additionally, the legislation requires aid denial for convictions related to ethnic intimidation, institutional vandalism, desecration of venerated objects, and criminal trespass at protected locations. These changes apply to all students seeking state-funded scholarships who have been found guilty of these crimes by a court of record.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called institutional trespass in Pennsylvania to specifically protect places like schools, churches, government buildings, and cemeteries. It makes it a third-degree felony for anyone who knowingly enters or stays in these locations with the intent to threaten people, start fires, damage property, or disrupt operations. The law applies to both the buildings themselves and the grounds surrounding them, as well as any personal property found inside. Once passed, the changes will take effect 60 days later.

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 requires Pennsylvania schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations. It mandates that the State Board of Education conduct a study every five years starting in the 2024-2025 school year to assess how widely these topics are taught across the state. Based on the study's findings, the board must create rules requiring all schools to offer this instruction if fewer than 90% of schools are currently doing so. The report generated by this study will be sent to state leaders and include recommendations for improving how the subject is taught.