Rep. Kristin Marcell

Maddy summaryHB 82 establishes a grant program to train school bus drivers in recognizing symptoms of severe allergic reactions and safely administering epinephrine auto-injectors. School entities, including public school districts and charter schools, may require drivers to complete this training before transporting students. The Department of Education will administer the program, providing grants to fund training programs that teach drivers to identify anaphylaxis symptoms and use epinephrine devices. This policy directly affects school bus drivers, students with allergies, and school entities responsible for transportation safety.

Maddy summaryHB 68, the State-Owned Vehicle Assignment Limitation Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state officials (members of the General Assembly) from being assigned or leasing state-owned vehicles for official use, effective 60 days after enactment. The bill directly affects legislators who previously received state vehicles, banning new assignments while allowing current users to retain their vehicles until they leave office or return the vehicle. Exceptions apply for emergency response duties requiring vehicle use. The law aims to restrict the use of public funds for personal vehicle assignments by lawmakers, with no new leases or assignments permitted after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 105 clarifies Pennsylvania's inheritance tax law by explicitly stating that up to $100,000 of a decedent's estate is exempt from tax, with this exemption apportioned among all inheritances based on each inheritance's share of the total estate. The bill does not change the exemption amount but ensures the law clearly specifies it as $100,000. This affects Pennsylvania residents who inherit property, as the exemption reduces the taxable portion of their inheritance. The provision takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 85 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to clarify that discrimination against Jewish people based on religious creed includes actions defined as antisemitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and its contemporary examples. The bill explicitly states that criticism of Israel, when similar to criticism of any other country, does not count as unlawful discrimination. This change directly affects employers, labor organizations, and others covered by the Human Relations Act, providing a clear standard for prohibited religious discrimination. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 22 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to clarify the definition of "compensation" for personal income tax purposes. It specifically adds exclusions to what counts as taxable compensation, such as certain disability payments, retirement benefits, public assistance, foster care payments, and National Guard service income. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania taxpayers and employers who must apply these definitions when calculating income tax liability. The bill does not alter tax rates but provides clearer guidance on which income types are taxable under state law.

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 summaryHB 93 requires institutions of higher education and private licensed schools in Pennsylvania to offer voluntary, free human trafficking prevention and education programs to first-year students. These programs must cover specific topics such as how traffickers profile victims, the role of online activity, and the differences between prostitution and trafficking. Schools are also required to submit an annual report to the Department of Education confirming that they have implemented these educational initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and creates a dedicated fund to cover its administrative costs. It assigns the Department of Community and Economic Development the responsibility of managing the commission and appointing its members, including six individuals selected by the Governor. The legislation also introduces the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program and includes minor corrections to the text, such as fixing spelling errors and updating section numbering.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to notify parents when a student is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It mandates that schools provide education about the condition and ensures parents are informed of any medical treatments or care plans involving their child. The legislation also clarifies that these requirements apply to both public and nonpublic schools, including those that operate health units. By making these changes, the law aims to improve communication between schools and families regarding diabetes management.