Rep. Ed Neilson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to distribute revenue from oil and gas leases on publicly owned streambeds to the counties where those streambeds are located. For funds collected between January 2014 and the bill's effective date (which takes effect immediately), the state will send a one-time lump-sum payment to each affected county within 60 days. For future lease payments, the revenue will be distributed annually to the respective counties. Counties must use these funds exclusively for maintaining local creeks and streams within their boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 45 requires businesses (vendors) selling services through contracts with automatic renewal clauses to clearly disclose renewal terms to consumers. Specifically, vendors must display renewal details in bold, 10-point font or larger, and provide written/electronic notice 30-60 days before renewal - detailing cancellation deadlines and how to opt out. If a business changes ownership, the new owner must notify consumers within 60 days and offer cancellation options. The law applies to contracts where renewal extends beyond six months, mandating vendors to retain proof of notification for six years. This affects consumers who sign service contracts and vendors operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 28 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to give the Department of Health new authority over medical marijuana practitioners. It directly affects doctors and healthcare providers who certify patients for medical marijuana use. The bill adds specific conditions the department can impose, including probation periods, limits on how many patient certifications a practitioner can issue, mandatory supervision by another provider, and reporting requirements to ensure patient safety. These changes aim to strengthen oversight of practitioners without altering patient eligibility or program structure. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 47 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude at-home medical tests from sales tax. The bill specifically adds a new tax exclusion (Section 204(77)) covering tests done at home for diagnosing, treating, or monitoring diseases - such as pregnancy tests or test kits. This directly affects consumers purchasing these medical products, making them tax-free. The provision takes effect 60 days after enactment, removing sales tax liability for qualifying at-home medical tests.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or provide funding but formally recognizes endometriosis - a condition affecting about 10% of women - as a significant health issue. The resolution urges federal lawmakers to increase research funding for endometriosis, review Medicare/Medicaid billing codes to ensure fair reimbursement for surgical treatments, and establish a national awareness month. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by promoting public and medical awareness of endometriosis symptoms and diagnosis challenges, though it has no binding effect on state or federal policy.

Maddy summaryHB 46 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require all school districts to establish and maintain pre-kindergarten programs as part of the elementary school system, open at least 2.5 hours daily. It updates kindergarten requirements to ensure districts accept children age 5 or older on the first day of school and clarifies that kindergartens must be integrated into elementary education. The bill lowers the starting age for compulsory school attendance from 6 to 5 years and reduces the end age from 18 to 17 years. These changes directly affect all Pennsylvania public school districts and children aged 5-17, with the new provisions applying to the academic year following the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Pennsylvania State Capitol grounds to honor military members who died in service and their families. The monument, designed by Woody Williams and Kenton Blackwood, will consist of four black granite slabs featuring inscriptions and scenes representing homeland, patriotism, family, and sacrifice. The MI Charitable Foundation is designated to fund and manage the construction and ongoing maintenance of the site, while the Department of General Services will assist in preparing the location and facilitating the project. The specific location is defined as the area south of the Forum Building, east of the Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, and north of Walnut Street.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Pennsylvania's protection from abuse laws by expanding the types of relief courts can grant and clarifying procedures for emergency situations. It allows final protection orders to explicitly include provisions protecting companion animals from abuse, harassment, or relocation, and grants courts the authority to order temporary ownership of these animals during disputes. The legislation also enables hearing officers in certain counties to issue immediate emergency relief when regular courts are unavailable, ensuring faster protection for victims in urgent circumstances. Additionally, the bill clarifies that police officers can make warrantless arrests for violating protection orders based on probable cause, even if the violation is not witnessed directly by the officer. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive and timely safety measures for individuals and their pets facing domestic abuse.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates November 2024 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of early detection and support for those affected by the disease. The bill serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage public education about pancreatic cancer risks, symptoms, and the ongoing efforts of organizations seeking a cure. It does not allocate funding or change laws but instead expresses the House's support for awareness programs and research initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's authority to hire and set pay for waterways patrolmen and other staff. It requires the executive director to appoint these employees based on state classification plans and mandates that full-time conservation officers be paid at the same rate as Pennsylvania State Police members. The changes apply to compensation earned after the law takes effect 60 days from passage.