Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing legislation to update the structure and numbering of regulations within the meat packing and food processing industry. It modifies specific sections to create facility health and safety committees, establish an industry workers' rights coordinator, and adjust penalty provisions. The text also revises emergency medical transportation requirements and reorganizes the bill's internal sections for clarity. These changes aim to refine how workplace safety is managed and enforced in food processing facilities without altering the core intent of the original act.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to regulate abortion facilities similarly to ambulatory surgical centers. It requires these facilities to follow the same safety regulations and classification standards as surgical centers, while also granting them the ability to request specific exceptions to those rules. The legislation explicitly prohibits requiring abortion facilities to have transfer agreements with hospitals or for their staff to hold admitting privileges at hospitals. Additionally, the bill removes certain existing definitions that previously applied to these facilities and repeals a related state regulation.

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 bill creates the Office of New Pennsylvanians within the Department of Community and Economic Development to support immigrants and refugees in the state. The office will serve as a central hub for information, coordinate efforts among various agencies, and develop strategies to attract, retain, and integrate newcomers into the local economy. It also establishes a restricted funding account for the office and an advisory committee to guide its work, while providing resources for English language instruction, legal services, and business development.

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 establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Equal Pay Law to broaden protections against wage discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnicity by expanding the definition of comparable work to include similar working conditions such as exposure to hazards or extreme temperatures. It explicitly prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their prior salary history or requiring them to refrain from discussing their own or others' wages, while still allowing employers to consider voluntarily provided wage information if it supports a higher offer. The legislation also clarifies that job titles alone cannot determine if two roles are comparable and restricts the use of factors like seniority or merit systems if they result in illegal pay gaps without legitimate business justification. Additionally, the bill establishes an Equal Pay Enforcement Fund to support the collection of unpaid wages and outlines specific penalties for violations of these updated rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania laws regarding child welfare, parental rights, and police procedures. It prevents courts from terminating parental rights solely due to a parent's incarceration or lack of resources beyond their control, while also restricting how late efforts to fix problems are weighed in adoption cases. The legislation requires juvenile courts to actively decide whether to file for terminating parental rights during permanency hearings, with specific exceptions for cases involving incarcerated parents who remain involved in their child's life. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement officers receive training and follow guidelines to identify and ensure the safety of any minor or dependent children present or at risk when arresting a parent or guardian.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state residents by encouraging them to learn about and celebrate the history and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The measure highlights specific historical events, such as the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant and the role of Chinese laborers in building the transcontinental railroad, to acknowledge the cultural significance of the month. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the diverse heritage present in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies sentencing guidelines and parole rules for specific murder cases in Pennsylvania, including the killing of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes new minimum prison terms for adult offenders, setting a floor of 50 years, and creates age-based minimums for juveniles, ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on their age at the time of the crime. Additionally, the legislation grants the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole the authority to consider parole for these individuals after serving their minimum sentences, provided they meet specific criteria regarding public safety and victim impact. A key provision requires the board to notify victims of the crime and offer them the chance to speak during parole hearings before a decision is made.