Rep. Kristin Marcell

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's protection from abuse laws to allow courts to issue orders restricting a defendant's use of social media platforms. It achieves this by first defining what constitutes a social media platform and a user, then explicitly granting judges the authority to prohibit defendants from accessing or posting content on these sites to prevent abuse. The legislation directly affects individuals seeking protection orders against alleged abusers and the social media companies themselves by creating a legal framework for their exclusion from court-ordered restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new role for civilian community relations specialists to work alongside law enforcement agencies, focusing on crime prevention, building public trust, and promoting community policing. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will be tasked with developing programs, coordinating resources, and overseeing these specialists across the state. To support this initiative, the legislation establishes a dedicated state fund that will be continuously appropriated to the commission for administration and operations. The changes are designed to formalize the relationship between local police departments and community members through structured, non-law enforcement personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's election laws to require that all voter registration applicants provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. It specifies acceptable documents, such as a valid passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with other supporting evidence, and mandates that election officials verify this information during the registration process. The legislation also establishes penalties for officials who fail to perform these duties and creates a legal pathway for individuals to sue if they believe their citizenship verification rights were violated. Additionally, it updates the rules for removing voter registration records, allowing for cancellation only when an elector is confirmed to be non-citizen or has moved away.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially designates January 2025 as "Stalking Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to educate the public about the prevalence and impact of stalking, including the rise of cyberstalking through social media. The measure seeks to validate the experiences of victims and encourage them to report incidents to law enforcement. While it does not create new laws or change funding, it serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the issue and promote available support resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of intimidation in Pennsylvania to specifically include certain acts of harassment and stalking against minors by adults. It clarifies that intimidation occurs when an adult over 18 engages in prohibited harassment or stalking behavior toward a person under 18, provided the two individuals are not family or household members. The legislation amends existing state statutes to ensure these specific interactions are formally recognized as intimidation within the judicial system. The changes become effective 60 days after the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 7, 2024, as "Purple Heart Day" to honor state veterans who were wounded or killed in combat. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture acknowledging the sacrifices of Pennsylvanians who received the Purple Heart Medal, noting that the state was officially recognized as a Purple Heart state in 2019. While the bill does not create new laws or funding, it formally recognizes the date to align with the broader Purple Heart Trail that commemorates service members across the nation.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates November 7, 2024, as "Victims of Communism Memorial Day" to honor individuals who suffered under communist regimes. The measure does not create new laws or alter government operations but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the history and impact of communism. By officially naming this date, the bill directs the state's House of Representatives to post the designation on its website and send a copy to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of Pennsylvania's urban search and rescue capabilities. The assessment will evaluate the current readiness of the state's task force, identify operational gaps, and recommend necessary improvements based on modern emergency management standards. This action addresses the fact that the last major review of these services was conducted in 2001 and may no longer reflect current needs. The study aims to ensure the state's disaster response systems are effective and aligned with federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially designates the week of October 6 through 12, 2024, as "Fire Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not change any laws or require specific actions from residents, landlords, or businesses but instead serves to raise public awareness about fire safety. The text highlights statistics on home fire risks and provides safety tips, such as turning pot handles inward, maintaining smoke alarms, and having an escape plan. Additionally, the resolution commends firefighters and first responders for their efforts in preventing and responding to fires.

Maddy summaryHB 977 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to increase penalties for specific drug-related offenses. The bill classifies the possession or distribution of phencyclidine, methamphetamine, coca leaves, tianeptine, and large quantities of marijuana as felonies punishable by up to ten years in prison or a fine of $100,000. This change directly affects individuals involved in the manufacture, sale, or possession of these substances by ensuring they face stricter legal consequences. The legislation takes effect 60 days after its passage.