Rep. Rick Krajewski

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes a new legal framework to combat anticompetitive practices in the state's markets, specifically targeting monopolies, collusion, and unfair market power. It allows private individuals and businesses to sue for damages if they are indirectly harmed by these illegal actions, expanding who can seek justice beyond just direct victims. The legislation also requires companies to notify state officials before merging health care facilities or forming provider networks, aiming to prevent deals that could reduce competition in medical services. Finally, the bill authorizes the state Attorney General to investigate violations and imposes significant fines on entities that break the new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Human Services department to apply for a federal waiver that would allow SNAP and WIC benefit recipients to use their funds to buy diapers or menstrual hygiene products. The legislation authorizes the department to adopt necessary rules once the USDA approves the waiver, ensuring the state can participate in this potential program change. It does not immediately change how benefits are used but establishes the legal framework to implement such a waiver if federal approval is granted.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state government agencies and officers by encouraging them to acknowledge the historical significance of LGBTQ+ contributions and the ongoing struggle for equality. The text cites specific local milestones, such as the 1965 sit-in at Dewey's lunch counter in Philadelphia and the establishment of early support organizations, to highlight the state's role in LGBTQ+ history. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's procurement laws to allow state agencies to purchase supplies and services from organizations employing people with disabilities without requiring competitive bidding. It mandates that these organizations make a significant contribution to production and prohibits the use of subminimum wage certificates for new contracts, with a complete ban on such certificates planned within two years. Additionally, the law requires work environments to become integrated, meaning employees with disabilities must interact with non-disabled coworkers, customers, and the public, and sets up a system for the state to review compliance and determine fair market prices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private health insurers and state-managed health plans to cover biomarker testing when it is used to diagnose, treat, or monitor a specific disease or condition. The legislation defines biomarker testing as the analysis of tissue, blood, or other biological samples to identify indicators of biological processes, while explicitly excluding coverage for general screening purposes. Coverage for these tests must follow the same rules as other medical services, including standard cost-sharing and medical necessity reviews, and the changes will take effect 180 days after the bill is signed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands tenant protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to provide stronger rights when tenants or their immediate family members are victims of violence. It broadens the definition of who qualifies as an immediate family or household member to include a wider range of relatives and partners, and it extends coverage to victims who live within 1,000 feet of the tenant's home or who were killed in a violent act. The legislation also allows tenants to request a temporary relocation from their rental unit if they have suffered physical or mental injury due to a violent crime, provided they submit specific documentation such as a restraining order, a police report, or a medical letter. Additionally, the bill reduces the time a landlord has to respond to such requests from 180 days to 120 days and clarifies the types of evidence tenants must provide to support their claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new School Facilities Office within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help school districts assess infrastructure needs and secure funding for improvements. It also establishes a Public School Facility Advisory Committee made up of representatives from government, industry, and education groups to guide facility planning and policy. Under the law, all public schools must submit detailed inventory data about their buildings by April 2025, and this information will be made available online for public viewing. Additionally, the legislation repeals previous rules regarding building condition assessments to allow for a new, standardized statewide evaluation process.

Maddy summaryHB 657 aims to increase transparency in real estate agreements and ban unfair service contracts between property owners and agents. The bill requires clearer terms in these agreements to ensure both parties understand their rights and obligations. It also establishes penalties for those who violate these new rules. This legislation directly impacts homeowners, renters, and real estate professionals by setting stricter standards for how services are offered and documented.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2370 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update regulations for public schools and charter schools, with specific new rules on advertising and funding. The bill requires public schools to clearly state that any advertised costs for tuition or technology are paid by taxpayers and prohibits schools from using taxpayer money to sponsor public events. It also establishes reporting requirements for school advertising expenditures and expands definitions related to charter school management and enrollment. Additionally, the legislation modifies how student-weighted basic education funding is calculated and introduces new accountability grants for the state.