Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's game laws to protect the privacy of law enforcement officers. It directly affects game wardens and other officers who issue citations by prohibiting them from listing their home addresses on official documents like tickets or special permits. The key provision adds a specific rule to the statute that bans the inclusion of personal residential information on any business issued by an officer. This change aims to mitigate potential safety risks for officers without altering their general enforcement duties or hunter registration requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is appointed, shifting the power from the commission itself to the Governor. Under the new rules, the Governor would select the director for a two-year term with the approval of the state Senate, while current or recent commission members would be ineligible for the role. The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and are part of a broader legislative effort to reorganize and increase accountability within the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's hunting laws by creating a specific exception that allows unarmed individuals to enter posted or marked private property solely to retrieve a hunting dog. The exception does not apply if the land is fenced to exclude trespassers, designated as a biosecurity area, or if the person fails to contact the landowner before entering. Additionally, the legislation clarifies penalties for trespassing on private land while hunting or trapping and outlines rules for training dogs on small game.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a dedicated nomination committee to oversee the selection process. The Governor will appoint the poet laureate from a shortlist of candidates provided by the committee, which includes representatives from state arts and education agencies. The appointed poet will serve a two-year term without pay but will receive reimbursement for travel expenses while performing official duties such as reading poems at the governor's inauguration and legislative sessions. The legislation also establishes a specific committee structure to determine candidate qualifications and submit up to three finalists for the Governor's consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing abortion laws to clarify requirements for medical consultations and informed consent. It mandates that, except in medical emergencies, a woman must have a private consultation with a physician to determine if an abortion is necessary based on her physical, emotional, and other relevant circumstances. Additionally, the law requires that at least 24 hours before the procedure, a physician must provide specific information about the procedure, the unborn child, medical risks of carrying the pregnancy to term, and available support services, while also informing the patient of her right to review printed materials. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but rather refines the current legal framework governing how abortions are performed and documented in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to clarify definitions and establish rules for open enrollment. It defines "medicare supplement policies" to include specific group insurance plans while excluding those offered by certain employers, labor organizations, and professional associations. The legislation requires insurers to issue policies within one month of application and payment, prohibits discrimination based on health status or medical history, and limits preexisting condition exclusions for applicants with at least six months of prior coverage. These changes aim to standardize how these insurance products are sold and ensure broader access for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require licensed hospitals providing general medical and surgical services to offer emergency care to anyone arriving with an injury or acute medical condition. The law mandates that these services include medical screening, stabilizing treatment, and protections against discrimination or delays, while allowing specific types of hospitals like long-term acute care facilities to opt out. Notably, the bill explicitly defines stabilizing treatment to include abortion when it is necessary to resolve a patient's injury or acute medical condition. These requirements must follow existing federal guidelines and state rules, and the changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to protect the privacy of emergency responders by restricting who can share information about their mental health discussions, except in cases of immediate danger or with consent. It specifically requires employers to provide free mental health evaluations for post-traumatic stress disorder to 911 dispatchers upon request or supervisor recommendation. If a dispatcher is found to have PTSD symptoms, the law mandates that they receive treatment and be temporarily assigned to administrative duties until a healthcare provider confirms they can return to full work. These changes aim to support the well-being of first responders and dispatchers while establishing clear rules for confidentiality and care.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Self-Service Storage Facility Act to allow storage owners to publish redundant advertisements online when they are required to place notices in a newspaper. Under the new rules, owners can post these notices on publicly accessible websites that regularly sell personal property, and this online posting counts as meeting the legal advertising requirement. If a newspaper fails to publish the notice on time, the online advertisement remains valid once posted, provided the owner keeps proof of purchase and the ad copy for one year after the sale. The changes directly affect storage facility owners who must notify the public about auctions or sales of abandoned items, offering them a digital option to fulfill their notification duties.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the historical and cultural contributions of Italian-Americans to the region, noting that approximately 1.7 million Pennsylvanians have Italian ancestry. It serves as a commemorative recognition rather than a policy change, aiming to celebrate the community's legacy and ongoing impact on the Commonwealth.