Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution officially designates November 5, 2024, as Jason Kelce's birthday and December 13, 2024, as Fletcher Cox's birthday. The measure honors the careers of these two former Philadelphia Eagles players, who are recognized for their contributions to the team's success and their extensive charitable work in the community. By formally acknowledging their achievements and retirement, the resolution aims to celebrate their impact on the state and the city of Philadelphia.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program called the Linked Deposit Impact Pennsylvania Act to help small, for-profit businesses owned by Pennsylvania residents that employ 100 or fewer people and earn less than $10 million annually. Under the plan, the State Treasurer would place funds with approved local banks, which then agree to lend that same amount to eligible small businesses at a reduced interest rate. The legislation requires banks to follow standard lending practices to check borrower creditworthiness and prohibits them from charging fees for participating in the program. Ultimately, the State Treasurer manages the program by reviewing loan applications and deciding how much money to deposit with each participating bank.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new eligibility rules for nonprofit corporations in Pennsylvania that receive state contracts, funding, or grants. To qualify, these organizations must have at least 200 employees in the state and must not have violated federal fair labor standards or committed unfair labor practices within the last five years. Additionally, the nonprofit's bylaws must require that at least 20% of its governing board consists of current employees elected by the workforce. The law does not apply to healthcare-related state payments like Medicaid reimbursements and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to improve how electric utilities manage energy efficiency programs and streamline the approval process for their plans. It requires the state commission to decide on utility plans within 120 days and allows companies 60 days to revise rejected plans, while also protecting the inclusion of mechanical insulation unless proven cost-ineffective. The legislation clarifies definitions for key terms like "energy efficiency measures," which now explicitly include solar panels, efficient windows, and various heating and cooling technologies, and establishes standards for quality assurance and cost-benefit testing.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding off-road vehicles, specifically all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, within urban municipalities. It clarifies that cities of the second, second class A, and third class are considered urban municipalities for the purpose of these regulations. The legislation ensures that local governments retain the authority to create their own rules banning or restricting these vehicles within city limits and prevents the state law from being used to override local ordinances. Additionally, it confirms that operating these vehicles outside urban areas must still follow existing state and local laws. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for how Pennsylvania can use money from the Veterans' Trust Fund. It prohibits the state from using these funds to pay salaries for administrative staff working at veterans' or charitable organizations, though medical care providers are exempt from this restriction. Additionally, the law limits grants or assistance to any single organization to a maximum of $250,000 over a three-year period. These changes apply immediately to the State Veterans' Commission and the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania government agencies to prioritize using insecticide-free native plants over non-native options when landscaping state facilities. It mandates that these agencies consider the environmental benefits of such plants, including habitat creation for pollinators and reduced water usage, during construction and maintenance projects. Additionally, the law directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to create specific pollinator meadows on unused turfgrass areas at Commonwealth facilities. The legislation defines specific terms like "pollinator meadow" and lists various state departments and entities that must follow these new planting guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Pennsylvania's existing Wild Resource Conservation Act to specifically include wild native terrestrial invertebrates, such as land-dwelling insects and other non-aquatic animals without backbones, under state protection. It directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to investigate these species' populations and habitats, classify them as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable, and establish a formal management system. Once classified, the department will create regulations within two years that limit activities like taking, selling, or transporting these invertebrates to ensure their survival. The law also officially defines these creatures as "wild resources" and sets the bill into effect 60 days after it is signed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of June 17 through 23, 2024, as "Sanitation Workers Week" to honor the state's waste and recycling employees. The measure does not alter laws or budgets but serves as a formal gesture of appreciation from the legislature to the approximately 6,000 residents employed in the sanitation industry. It highlights the physically demanding nature of the job, which involves collecting and disposing of refuse, and acknowledges the workers' essential role in keeping communities clean, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update funding rules for two specific programs: the Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program and a disability-inclusive curriculum pilot. It allows the state education department to use up to $300,000 annually from existing, unspent funds to award grants to eligible schools and districts. The legislation also clarifies that these funds must be moved to a restricted account by the Secretary of the Budget before they can be used. These changes aim to provide more flexibility in utilizing available money to support virtual learning tools and inclusive educational materials without requiring new budget allocations.