Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryHB 510 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Financial Recovery Act to require receivers managing financially distressed municipalities to consult the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) before selling, leasing, or disposing of water or wastewater systems. The PUC must analyze within 90 days whether the transaction would raise residential utility rates by 25% or more, and if so, the receiver cannot proceed. This rule directly affects receivers and financially distressed municipalities when handling public utility assets. The bill establishes a clear procedural safeguard to prevent significant rate increases for residents during asset transactions.

Maddy summaryHR 12 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the month through the House of Representatives. The resolution highlights the historical origins of Black History Month, including Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson's founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and notes the 2025 theme focused on African Americans and labor. This resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating the month for commemoration, without altering any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 509 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Financial Recovery Act to require that financially distressed municipalities under receivership must obtain approval from 75% of other municipalities with service agreements or whose residents previously used their water or sewer services before selling, leasing, or disposing of assets. This approval must be a public resolution passed by a majority vote of the other municipality's governing body and communicated to the distressed municipality and receiver within 48 hours. The bill directly affects the asset disposal process for financially distressed municipalities and the municipalities that rely on their water or sewer services.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 9, 2025, as "Charter Day" and Pennsylvania's 344th birthday, commemorating the 1681 charter granted to William Penn by King Charles II. It urges residents, schools, and historical organizations to participate in existing events hosted by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and other state heritage institutions. The resolution has no binding legal effect and does not create new policies or obligations; it solely recognizes a historically observed date through ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 39) is a symbolic tribute honoring former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 100. It commemorates his life, presidency, and humanitarian work - including the Camp David Accords, founding The Carter Center, and efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease - through a series of historical "whereas" statements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies. The resolution serves only to formally extend the Pennsylvania General Assembly's condolences and recognize Carter's legacy. It is purely ceremonial, with no legislative or policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to lease submerged lands in Lake Erie (Erie County) for utility-scale offshore wind, solar, or kinetic energy projects, with requirements to avoid nearshore areas, shipping lanes, and migratory pathways. It establishes the Lake Erie Large-Scale Energy System Development Fund to collect lease and royalty payments from these projects, with funds distributed for energy development and related purposes. The bill sets a lease size limit of 25 to 10,000 contiguous acres and mandates that designated areas be developed in consultation with conservation agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 493 creates a web-based registry of acute care mental health beds across Pennsylvania, requiring licensed mental health facilities to submit real-time data on available beds (updated every eight hours). The registry includes facility contact details, services offered, patient admission criteria, security levels, and wait times, helping health care professionals (like doctors and nurses) quickly find appropriate beds for patients needing inpatient mental health treatment. Facilities must provide this information to join the registry, and the public will see limited, non-confidential details like available beds, services, and estimated wait times. This system aims to streamline referrals without altering existing mental health care licensing or treatment standards.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 54 designates October 2025 as "William Penn Landing Site in Chester Month" in Pennsylvania. The resolution commemorates William Penn's landing in Chester on October 29, 1682, which is recognized as a significant historical event in Pennsylvania's founding. This is a symbolic commemorative measure with no new policy or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 484 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update rules for handling abandoned and unclaimed property. It directly affects property finders and recovery services by requiring them to register with the State Treasurer, prohibiting fees exceeding 15% of recovered property, and banning those under investigation for fraud or perjury. Key provisions include mandating online databases for property searches, requiring 3-month claim windows after public notices, and enabling electronic payments for resolved claims. The bill also adds annual reporting requirements and updates fund deposit rules for unclaimed property proceeds. These changes aim to streamline claim processes while increasing transparency for property owners.

Maddy summaryHB 475 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to establish staffing requirements for dialysis centers. It mandates that all dialysis facilities - whether hospital-owned, Commonwealth-run, or independent - must maintain at least one trained dialysis caregiver for every four patients receiving active treatment. The bill defines "dialysis caregiver" to include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and dialysis technicians, who must provide direct care during hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease. This requirement applies to both inpatient and outpatient settings and directly affects all dialysis centers operating under Pennsylvania licensing.