Rep. Rick Krajewski

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act to update definitions and clarify which specific types of businesses are subject to smoking restrictions. It directly affects establishments such as drinking establishments, cigar bars, and gaming floors by refining the criteria used to classify them under the law. Key provisions include adding new definitions for terms like "electronic smoking device" and "private club," while also removing certain categories like "cigar bars" from the list of regulated venues. The legislation maintains the state's authority to set these rules and prevents local governments from passing conflicting ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to create a tracking system for publicly financed housing across the state. The agency must establish an online database that lists property addresses, owner information, and the anticipated dates when affordability restrictions on these homes may expire. Additionally, the database will include details on whether owners can extend these restrictions and any modifications made to them. The agency is required to update this information quarterly and submit annual reports to the Governor summarizing the status of these properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide menstrual hygiene products to students in Pennsylvania public schools without charge. It directs the Department of Education to award funding to school districts that have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch, allowing recipients to purchase items like tampons and pads or install dispensing machines. The program requires that these products be accessible to all students regardless of their gender identity and mandates that schools report how the funds are spent. A total of $100,000 is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support this initiative.

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 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to adjust funding rates for personal assistance services provided under the Community HealthChoices program starting in January 2025. It mandates that providers receiving these funds spend at least 80% of their budget on worker salaries and benefits, while offering an enhanced rate to providers who invest 90% or more in wages. The legislation also directs the Department of Human Services to conduct regular reviews of these rates every three years to ensure they reflect local wage data and cost factors. Additionally, the bill allocates specific budget increases for direct care workers, including a 16% raise for consumer-directed services and a 10% raise for agency-directed services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to improve access for non-English speakers by requiring the state department to provide forms in Spanish and other widely used languages. The new provisions mandate that these forms explain how inaction can affect rights and provide contact details for translation services. Additionally, if a non-native English speaker wins a workers' compensation case, the employer must reimburse the costs for any interpreters or translators used during the legal process. These changes aim to ensure that language barriers do not hinder workers from understanding their rights or participating effectively in their claims.

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 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 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 the Water Services Act to clarify how municipal authorities approve certain actions. It specifically adjusts the language regarding which cities are subject to these approval requirements by modifying references to city classifications. The changes involve technical edits to the text to ensure accurate definitions and procedural rules for municipal oversight.