Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow the use of electronic poll books and establishes a funding mechanism through bonds to purchase election infrastructure equipment. It requires county election boards to adopt these digital systems for early voting locations and half of all polling places on election day starting in 2025, with full implementation across all precincts by 2026. The legislation mandates that these devices must securely connect to the statewide voter registration system, track voter participation in real-time, and maintain paper backups in case of technical failures. Additionally, the bill introduces same-day voter registration options on election day and during early voting periods while removing previous rules regarding voter registration transfers and party enrollment changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution extends official condolences to the family of James R. Roebuck, who passed away in May 2024 after serving as a state representative for the 188th Legislative District from 1985 to 2020. The document highlights his long history of public service, including his work on education committees and his leadership within the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. It also notes that a scholarship fund was renamed in his honor to support students. Finally, the resolution directs that a copy of the text be sent to Roebuck's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called intimidation of health care workers in Pennsylvania to protect doctors, nurses, technicians, and hospital security officers from threats. It makes it illegal to knowingly make or send a threat intended to stop these workers from doing their jobs, with penalties starting as a fine and community service for first-time offenders and escalating to jail time for repeat violations. The law also requires hospitals to post notices about this offense at all public entrances, which must be done before anyone can be convicted unless they already knew about the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school directors in Pennsylvania to complete mandatory training programs to improve their ability to lead school boards. New directors must finish at least five hours of instruction covering topics like academics, personnel, finances, and ethics within their first year, while those seeking reappointment must complete an additional three hours of advanced training annually. The Department of Education will provide these courses for free, either directly or through a designated statewide organization that represents school directors. The training specifically includes at least one hour dedicated to trauma-informed approaches, and the law ensures that the statewide organization remains independent from the state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow businesses to claim a tax deduction for money they contribute toward their employees' child care costs. To qualify, employers must make payments to licensed child care centers, group homes, or family homes to help workers cover eligible care expenses while they work. The law permits a deduction equal to 110% of the total contributions made, with a separate provision that allows up to $5,000 of these costs to be excluded from the employer's taxable income. Employers claiming this benefit must file a specific form that details the names and contact information of participating employees and the child care providers they used. The changes apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to allow casualty insurance policies to cover blood pressure monitors. The change specifically requires that such coverage be provided only when the device is deemed medically necessary. By adding this language, the legislation clarifies the conditions under which insurance companies must offer this specific medical equipment. The bill directly affects individuals with casualty insurance policies who require blood pressure monitoring for health reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's mental health laws to require social media companies to take specific actions to protect minors, defined as individuals under 16 years of age. It mandates that platforms provide parents with notice when their child's account is flagged for sensitive content and requires explicit parental consent before a minor can open a new social media account. Additionally, the legislation imposes penalties on companies that fail to comply with these new oversight and data protection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Travel Price Integrity Act, aims to protect consumers from sudden price hikes when booking transportation online. It prohibits travel service providers, such as airlines or ride-sharing apps, from changing prices while a user is viewing or purchasing a service for at least 30 minutes after they first visit the website. Additionally, companies must notify customers at least five minutes before this 30-minute window ends if a price change is planned. Violations of these rules would be treated as unfair trade practices under existing state consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends the state's Tax Reform Code to establish a new tax credit called PROSPER, designed to support displaced workers and promote renewable energy opportunities. The legislation defines "displaced workers" as individuals who have lost their jobs due to layoffs, plant closures, or industry shifts, while also specifying criteria for "green jobs" and "fossil fuel or pollution intensive industries." Under this plan, eligible individuals can receive a tax credit to help offset their tax liability, aiming to provide financial relief and encourage employment in resilient sectors. The bill directly affects the Department of Revenue, which will administer the credit, and the workers and businesses that meet the specific definitions set forth in the new article.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to help long-term care nursing facilities manage unpaid care costs while waiting for medical assistance decisions. It allows facilities to request payments for uncompensated care after an application has been pending for at least sixty days due to delays or denials with appeals. If the application is eventually denied, the state can recover these payments, but if approved, the state will offset future benefits by the amount already paid. Additionally, the bill requires the state to provide nursing homes with specific application status updates within five business days if the facility has obtained the applicant's permission to share that information.