Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a three-year pilot program in Pennsylvania to raise salaries for pre-kindergarten teachers to match those of elementary school teachers with similar skills. The Department of Education will select participating programs based on poverty levels, compare teacher qualifications, and use a specific formula to calculate the necessary salary increase. Funding for these raises will come from federal, state, private, or other non-state sources, with strict rules requiring that all money be used solely for teacher pay. The program will also collect data and submit a report to the General Assembly after one year to evaluate its success and suggest future improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania state laws to strengthen support for veteran-owned and small disadvantaged businesses by setting participation goals and creating new programs. It requires the Department of General Services to establish specific targets for contracting with these businesses and mandates a study to check if there is a gap between available businesses and their actual use by the state. The legislation also allows for waivers of these goals in certain cases and provides financial protections like bonding and progress payments to help these companies secure contracts. Additionally, it defines key terms such as "veteran-owned small business" and outlines rules to prevent fraud while ensuring fair opportunities for diverse contractors.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new system in Pennsylvania to directly notify car repair shops when a vehicle involved in a fatal or serious hit-and-run accident is brought in for repairs. Under the law, law enforcement must use this system to alert all repair facilities about the make, model, license plate, and damage details of fleeing vehicles, and repair shops are required to register with the state to receive these alerts. If a repair shop identifies a vehicle matching the description sent through the system, they must immediately contact the police, and failing to do so is punishable as a misdemeanor. The legislation is named in memory of Jayanna Powell, a young girl who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in 2016.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program in Pennsylvania to provide salary supplements to Head Start teachers, aiming to align their pay with that of elementary school teachers who have comparable skills and experience. The program would target school districts with at least 20% poverty rates or independent Head Start programs located in census tracts with poverty levels at or below 80% of the statewide median. Under the plan, the Department of Education would calculate the salary difference for participating teachers and provide funding to close that gap, while strictly monitoring that all funds are used solely for salary increases. The bill also requires the department to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the program's implementation, results, and recommendations for future changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding the handling of delinquent children by clarifying how courts can order restitution and limit the duration of institutional commitments. It allows judges to require minors to work in supervised programs to earn money for paying back victims, with up to 75% of those earnings going toward restitution while ensuring the child receives at least minimum wage. The legislation also mandates more frequent court reviews for children in out-of-home placements, requiring hearings every three months to assess their progress, safety risks, and educational needs. Additionally, the bill restricts when a child can be removed from their home and prohibits courts from issuing civil judgments against minors for unpaid restitution. These changes aim to balance community protection with the rehabilitation and welfare of the juvenile justice system.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution celebrates the 388th anniversary of the United States National Guard, which traces its origins to a militia organized in Boston in 1636. The document highlights the historical evolution of the National Guard, noting its dual role in serving both state and federal needs for disaster relief and defense. It specifically acknowledges the Pennsylvania National Guard's long history, dating back to 1747, and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to the unit.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Health Insurance Access Protection Act to prevent insurance companies from discriminating against people based on their health status, medical history, or preexisting conditions. It requires insurers to allow individuals and their dependents to enroll in or renew health plans without denying coverage or charging higher premiums due to these health factors. The law also limits how much insurance rates can vary based on age and tobacco use while giving the Insurance Department authority to set specific rating rules and enforce penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 155 amends the Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Act to update licensing requirements and strengthen consumer protections for residents of health care facilities. The bill includes a specific change to strike the phrase "or other" from the text, which alters how certain regulatory language is applied within the law. By modifying the existing statute and abrogating a specific regulation, the legislation aims to refine the legal framework governing health care facility operations. This measure directly impacts health care providers and facility administrators who must comply with the revised licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates a 19th-century law to allow county recorders of deeds to officially file discharge papers for honorably discharged military personnel. The legislation defines "discharge" to include various forms of separation documents, such as DD Form 214, for individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces or reserve components. Under the new rules, recorders may charge a fifty-cent fee for recording these documents, but the records must remain confidential and only accessible to the veteran, their family, or specific government and judicial entities. Additionally, the bill repeals the original 1868 statute while ensuring that any ongoing administrative actions under the old law can continue under the new framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to explicitly include natural hair braiders in its licensing requirements. It mandates that individuals performing natural hair braiding must obtain a cosmetology license and work only in licensed salons, while also prohibiting the rental of booths within those establishments. The legislation clarifies that these rules apply solely to those whose business is dedicated to braiding and does not affect emergency services, medical professionals, or licensed barbers. Additionally, the bill establishes specific eligibility criteria for taking the required examination and outlines the fees and renewal processes for these new licenses.