Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to improve access for non-English speakers by requiring the state department to provide forms in Spanish and other widely used languages. The new provisions mandate that these forms explain how inaction can affect rights and provide contact details for translation services. Additionally, if a non-native English speaker wins a workers' compensation case, the employer must reimburse the costs for any interpreters or translators used during the legal process. These changes aim to ensure that language barriers do not hinder workers from understanding their rights or participating effectively in their claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of New Pennsylvanians within the Department of Community and Economic Development to support immigrants and refugees in the state. The office will serve as a central hub for information, coordinate efforts among various agencies, and develop strategies to attract, retain, and integrate newcomers into the local economy. It also establishes a restricted funding account for the office and an advisory committee to guide its work, while providing resources for English language instruction, legal services, and business development.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 8, 2024, as Marian Anderson Day in Pennsylvania to honor the African American contralto. The resolution specifically commemorates the day the Philadelphia Orchestra rededicated Verizon Hall as Marian Anderson Hall, marking 85 years since Anderson was denied a performance at Constitution Hall due to her race. It serves as a ceremonial recognition of this historical event and the renaming of the venue.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates specific times in May 2024 as "Bike Month," "Bike to Work Week," and "Bike to Work Day" throughout Pennsylvania to encourage cycling. It serves as a symbolic resolution intended to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of using bicycles for commuting. The measure does not create new laws or change funding but rather formally recognizes these dates to promote community participation in cycling events. By highlighting the advantages of biking, such as improved air quality and employee well-being, the bill aims to foster a culture of active transportation in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates the week of November 3 through 9, 2024, as "Election Official and Election Worker Appreciation Week." The measure aims to formally recognize and honor the service of election officials and workers across the state who manage voting processes and maintain election integrity. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the efforts of these public servants.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's mental health laws to require social media companies to take specific actions to protect minors, defined as individuals under 16 years of age. It mandates that platforms provide parents with notice when their child's account is flagged for sensitive content and requires explicit parental consent before a minor can open a new social media account. Additionally, the legislation imposes penalties on companies that fail to comply with these new oversight and data protection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Public Transit Security Grant Program in Pennsylvania to provide funding for improving security at public transit systems. The program will be administered by the Department of Transportation, which will manage a new fund created specifically for these grants. To receive funding, transit authorities must submit applications that include a safety committee letter of support and may receive priority if they have the consent of the majority of their transit employees' associations. The legislation defines a safety committee according to federal regulations and outlines specific requirements for how grant applications must be structured and evaluated.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2, 2024, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight the impact of rheumatoid arthritis. The measure directly affects the public by encouraging awareness of the disease's symptoms and health risks, such as joint damage and increased heart disease. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote understanding of the condition.

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.