Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2024 as Liver Disease Awareness Month to highlight the prevalence and risks of liver conditions within the state. The measure relies on educational efforts to inform residents about the causes of liver disease, such as obesity and alcohol use, and to encourage early screening and lifestyle changes. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not allocate funding or create new laws, but rather serves to raise public awareness about a leading cause of death in the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act to update definitions regarding construction work. Specifically, it adds "rebar system assembly" to the list of covered activities while removing the phrase "or smaller prefabricated components" from the definition of prefabricated components. These changes clarify which specific tasks and materials are subject to prevailing wage requirements for public projects. The bill also outlines updated duties for the Secretary of Labor and Industry in enforcing these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide owners and independent repair shops with the necessary documentation, parts, and tools for maintenance and repair on fair and reasonable terms. The legislation specifically expands the definition of covered equipment to include security and life safety systems such as fire alarms, medical alert devices, intrusion detection systems, and access control tools. Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from replacing batteries in residential smoke detectors, likely to ensure safety standards are maintained. These changes aim to facilitate independent repair options while addressing specific safety concerns related to critical home systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a five-year pilot program to provide funding for restoring school libraries in Pennsylvania's low-achieving schools. Eligible schools can receive grants of up to $170,000 to purchase books, digital resources, and technology, as well as to hire or train certified school librarians. The Department of Education will select at least 12 schools representing diverse student demographics to participate, and the program requires annual reporting and an independent evaluation to assess its impact on student performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates legal definitions in Pennsylvania to explicitly include unborn children as "persons" under state crime statutes and defines an individual as a human being from fertilization until live birth for death-related legal actions. By amending the definitions in the Crimes and Offenses and Judiciary titles, the legislation ensures that laws protecting persons and addressing death apply to fetuses from the earliest stage of development. The changes clarify the scope of legal protections available to unborn children without altering the substantive rights or procedures currently in place.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to authorize the creation of school-based health centers within public and private schools. These centers must remain open during school hours and cannot refuse care based on a student's ability to pay, insurance status, or existing primary care provider. Services are determined by school boards based on student demographics and needs, with strict requirements for parental consent and data confidentiality. The legislation also mandates the establishment of a statewide advisory council to oversee program operations and requires the Department of Health to collect usage and demographic data once funding is available.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates money from the State Lottery Fund to the Department of Aging in Pennsylvania for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The specific funding supports programs like PennCARE, which provide services such as community care, protective services, and counseling for older adults and other seniors. It adds to existing state appropriations and takes effect immediately to cover expenses starting July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to clarify which entities must maintain county property contact information lists. It specifically defines "business" and "limited liability company" to ensure these groups, along with individuals, are subject to the same duties as other property owners. The legislation imposes penalties on those who fail to comply with these new reporting requirements, aiming to streamline how property data is managed across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts public access to eviction records in Pennsylvania by automatically placing such files under limited access seven years after the case is filed or once a judgment is satisfied. It prohibits courts, landlords, and consumer reporting agencies from sharing these records with the public or using them in tenant screening reports, while still allowing access to the parties involved, their attorneys, and specific entities like nonprofit researchers. Landlords are required to notify the court within 30 days if a tenant pays a money judgment in full or vacates the property by the agreed date. The legislation also creates a private right of action for tenants, allowing them to seek damages of up to two months' rent or $5,000, whichever is greater, along with attorney fees, if their eviction records are improperly disclosed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school nurses and other staff with direct student contact in Pennsylvania to complete approved training on recognizing seizures and providing first aid. Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, these employees must finish either an online course or in-person instruction covering seizure recognition and action plans. The law applies to all public, private, and parochial schools in the state to ensure staff are prepared to respond to medical emergencies. The training requirement is mandatory for the specified personnel, replacing any previous optional status for these courses.