Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's historic preservation tax credit program by increasing the annual funding limit from $5 million to $20 million. It allows the Department of Community and Economic Development to award these tax credits on a first-come, first-served basis if the full amount is not claimed during the initial application window. The changes apply to fiscal years starting after June 30, 2025, and take effect immediately, providing more financial incentives for property owners and developers to restore historic buildings.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders Office within the Department of Aging to coordinate state efforts for people affected by these conditions. The office will oversee existing programs, identify service gaps, manage grants, and update the state's strategic plan every five years based on expert advice. To support this work, the law also establishes a large advisory committee made up of government officials, healthcare providers, researchers, and individuals with personal experience caring for those with dementia. This committee will guide the office's activities, review progress, and ensure that the state's approach remains current and effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to regulate political spending by corporations, specifically targeting those with significant foreign ownership or influence. It defines a "foreign-influenced corporation" as one where a single foreign investor owns at least 1% of equity, multiple foreign investors collectively own 5% or more, or a foreign entity participates in political decision-making. Under the new rules, these specific corporations are prohibited from making any contributions or expenditures to support or oppose candidates, ballot measures, or political parties. To ensure compliance, any corporation making a political contribution must certify within seven days that it does not meet the foreign-influenced criteria, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 for individuals who violate these restrictions. The law explicitly excludes domestic corporations from these restrictions and does not limit news media reporting or editorial content.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Child Advocate within Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to protect the interests of children. The Governor will appoint a Child Advocate who must have at least six years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree, and the office will operate independently of the department regarding decision-making. The Advocate and their staff are required to complete specific trainings on topics like trauma-informed care and crisis intervention, and they are designated as mandated reporters for suspected child abuse. Additionally, the bill defines the scope of child health, safety, and well-being programs, which include preventing abuse, providing foster care, and offering early intervention services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Pennsylvania public and private schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at every interscholastic athletic event, including practices. It mandates that schools create a written emergency action plan for sudden cardiac events, which must include a list of trained staff and detailed steps for responding to a medical emergency. The legislation also updates teacher certification requirements to include CPR and AED training, replacing previous rules that focused on CPR instruction alone.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require public utilities to give customers at least 60 days' notice before changing their rates. Under the new rules, companies must send clear, plain-language notices to customers and other interested parties, highlighting proposed changes on the outside of mailings. The bill also mandates that utilities file updated rate schedules with the state commission and allows the commission to grant exceptions to the notice period for good cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public utilities to provide customers with clear instructions on how to submit comments regarding proposed rate changes or system acquisitions. Under the new rules, the Public Utility Commission must accept these consumer comments via mail or through an accessible online platform. The legislation aims to streamline the process for utility customers to participate in regulatory decisions affecting their services. It applies to all public utilities operating in the state and will become effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide financial reimbursement grants to eligible farms and agribusinesses. The program specifically targets projects that utilize new technologies or methods to improve energy efficiency, water quality, production processes, biosecurity, and farm management systems. To oversee the initiative, the legislation creates a new Agriculture Innovation Board composed of representatives from government agencies, higher education, cooperatives, financial institutions, and the legislative branches. Eligible applicants include individuals with anticipated agricultural sales over $2,000 annually or processors with sales exceeding $10,000, as well as service providers and entities utilizing agricultural commodities for product creation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of July 2024 as "Parks and Recreation Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of public parks and recreational programs. It serves as a commemorative resolution that recognizes the benefits of outdoor spaces for community health, economic growth, and environmental resilience. The measure does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing regulations, but rather formally acknowledges the value of these resources in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program in Pennsylvania to provide operating assistance for public transportation in counties that are experiencing growth. It allows counties with increasing populations or rising employment numbers to apply for funding, with the available money split evenly between these two categories. To receive the grants, eligible entities must already be recipients of other state transportation funds and will be awarded money based on their county's percentage growth over the past five years. The program includes a limit on local matching funds and requires annual appropriations to operate.