Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is appointed, shifting the power from the commission itself to the Governor. Under the new rules, the Governor would select the director for a two-year term with the approval of the state Senate, while current or recent commission members would be ineligible for the role. The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and are part of a broader legislative effort to reorganize and increase accountability within the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's hunting laws by creating a specific exception that allows unarmed individuals to enter posted or marked private property solely to retrieve a hunting dog. The exception does not apply if the land is fenced to exclude trespassers, designated as a biosecurity area, or if the person fails to contact the landowner before entering. Additionally, the legislation clarifies penalties for trespassing on private land while hunting or trapping and outlines rules for training dogs on small game.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a dedicated nomination committee to oversee the selection process. The Governor will appoint the poet laureate from a shortlist of candidates provided by the committee, which includes representatives from state arts and education agencies. The appointed poet will serve a two-year term without pay but will receive reimbursement for travel expenses while performing official duties such as reading poems at the governor's inauguration and legislative sessions. The legislation also establishes a specific committee structure to determine candidate qualifications and submit up to three finalists for the Governor's consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing abortion laws to clarify requirements for medical consultations and informed consent. It mandates that, except in medical emergencies, a woman must have a private consultation with a physician to determine if an abortion is necessary based on her physical, emotional, and other relevant circumstances. Additionally, the law requires that at least 24 hours before the procedure, a physician must provide specific information about the procedure, the unborn child, medical risks of carrying the pregnancy to term, and available support services, while also informing the patient of her right to review printed materials. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but rather refines the current legal framework governing how abortions are performed and documented in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to clarify definitions and establish rules for open enrollment. It defines "medicare supplement policies" to include specific group insurance plans while excluding those offered by certain employers, labor organizations, and professional associations. The legislation requires insurers to issue policies within one month of application and payment, prohibits discrimination based on health status or medical history, and limits preexisting condition exclusions for applicants with at least six months of prior coverage. These changes aim to standardize how these insurance products are sold and ensure broader access for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to protect the privacy of emergency responders by restricting who can share information about their mental health discussions, except in cases of immediate danger or with consent. It specifically requires employers to provide free mental health evaluations for post-traumatic stress disorder to 911 dispatchers upon request or supervisor recommendation. If a dispatcher is found to have PTSD symptoms, the law mandates that they receive treatment and be temporarily assigned to administrative duties until a healthcare provider confirms they can return to full work. These changes aim to support the well-being of first responders and dispatchers while establishing clear rules for confidentiality and care.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15, 2024, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the issue of harm or neglect against older adults. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to draw public attention to the prevalence of elder abuse and the resources available for reporting it. The measure aims to encourage daily awareness and education about preventing abuse in the state's aging population.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create a specific tax deduction for medical cannabis businesses. It allows these businesses to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses from their taxable income if they did not claim those same expenses on their federal tax returns. The provision applies to companies holding active grower, processor, or dispensary permits issued by the state Department of Health. The new rule will take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "establishment" under Pennsylvania's human trafficking laws to include various venues such as hotels, motels, truck stops, and transportation hubs. It mandates that owners and managers of public lodging establishments provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees within 90 days of hiring or the bill's effective date, with specific content on identifying victims and reporting signs of exploitation. The legislation also requires these businesses to maintain records of employee training for two years and submit proposed training materials to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval. Additionally, the bill introduces enforcement mechanisms, including administrative and criminal penalties for violations, while allowing for affirmative defenses if an establishment can prove it took reasonable steps to prevent trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Right to Counsel Program within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction or housing discrimination. The program will fund designated nonprofit organizations to offer direct legal services to eligible individuals, defined as renters earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level or those receiving medical assistance. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Tenant Right to Counsel Task Force to oversee the initiative and report on its progress.