Rep. Ryan Mackenzie

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates October 29, 2024, as "World Stroke Day" to raise awareness about the condition. The measure highlights key facts about strokes, such as their status as a leading cause of disability and the importance of immediate medical care. It also urges the state to improve education on stroke signs and enhance access to appropriate treatment for patients.

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 resolution officially designates October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and impact of domestic violence. It aims to educate the public about the issue and encourage victims to seek available support services and report abuse to law enforcement. The bill does not change any laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1446 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to allow individuals to receive benefits if they leave their jobs due to domestic violence. The bill permits claimants to qualify for unemployment by providing various forms of documentation, such as protective orders, medical records, or statements from professionals like counselors or clergy members. It also allows individuals to affirm their situation without external proof, ensuring their domestic violence history remains confidential and is not shared with employers. This legislation aims to protect the safety of victims by removing barriers to financial assistance when they must flee unsafe working environments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's parole laws to establish specific rules for denying release to inmates who commit new crimes while already in prison. It defines "violent offenses" and "obstruction of justice offenses" by listing specific crimes such as murder, rape, and witness intimidation. Under the new provisions, the Board of Probation and Parole cannot grant parole to individuals convicted of a violent crime committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 24 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. Similarly, parole is barred for those convicted of obstruction of justice offenses committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 12 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. These restrictions apply only to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 15, 2024, as "Brenda Banks Day" in Pennsylvania to honor Brenda Banks, a student-athlete at Panther Valley High School. The bill recognizes her historic achievement of winning the first-ever statewide girls' wrestling championship and her subsequent victory at the national junior wrestling championship. By passing this measure, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives officially acknowledges her accomplishments without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates November 2024 as "Veterans and Military Families Month" to honor the state's large veteran population and their families. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices made by service members and to highlight the support provided by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. It does not create new laws or funding but directs a copy of the resolution to the relevant state department for record-keeping.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act to require health facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, to report incidents of workplace violence to law enforcement and maintain records of such events for at least two years. It mandates that facilities provide employees with clear methods to report violence or suggest prevention measures without fear of retaliation, while also protecting staff who file false reports or act as perpetrators. Additionally, the legislation enhances the grading of certain criminal offenses that constitute workplace violence and requires facilities to post signage related to these safety measures.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates August 21, 2024, as "National Senior Citizens Day" to honor the state's 2.5 million residents aged 65 and older. The measure encourages all residents to personally check in with their elderly loved ones and express appreciation for their contributions. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the challenges seniors face, such as isolation and limited income.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill restricts public universities from requiring students or employees to take ideological oaths or provide statements about their race, ethnicity, or views on diversity and social justice. It also bans institutions from creating diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or hiring staff dedicated to those roles. Additionally, the law prohibits mandatory training on these topics and requires universities to include specific language in their mission statements and handbooks regarding academic freedom. Institutions that violate these rules regarding diversity could face the revocation of tenure for affected faculty members.