Rep. Roni Green

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates laws regarding vehicle exhaust systems and the oversight of vehicle inspection stations. It prohibits the sale and installation of modified mufflers or straight pipes that increase noise, setting a maximum fine of $1,000 for violations. The legislation also strengthens penalties for inspection stations by allowing the state to suspend or revoke their operating certificates if they fail to properly check exhaust systems for a third time within 18 months. Additionally, the bill clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over appeals related to vehicle inspections and operating privilege suspensions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to update how benefits are calculated and distributed, particularly for cases involving death or long-term injuries. It clarifies that pre-injury settlement agreements are generally invalid and ensures that workers can still sue for damages even if they receive certain other benefits, while also adjusting how unemployment and Social Security payments offset workers' compensation awards. The legislation establishes a new schedule for paying death benefits to dependents and creates a minimum weekly compensation floor of $100 for injuries occurring before 1993, with state funding to cover the difference. Additionally, it updates definitions and procedures for self-insured employers and the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund to improve administrative clarity.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Allegheny River Boulevard in western Pennsylvania as an official scenic byway to recognize its scenic, historic, and recreational value. The primary mechanism of the law restricts the placement of outdoor advertising signs near the road to preserve the visual quality of the route, with specific distance limits and exceptions for official signs, real estate listings, and directional markers. Additionally, the legislation requires state travel maps to highlight this route and explain the reasons for its designation. The changes directly affect property owners along the corridor and state agencies responsible for transportation and tourism mapping.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Outpatient Psychiatric Oversight Act to clarify who qualifies as an advanced practice professional and to define how telehealth technology is used in mental health care. It allows certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide psychiatric services remotely, provided they obtain mental health certification within two years of hiring or the law's effective date. The legislation requires that at least 50% of treatment and supervision be delivered in person, though clinics can request a waiver to increase remote care if they have a nearby physical facility ready to see patients within 10 days of referral. Additionally, the bill removes outdated regulations and establishes new rules for clinic leadership, ensuring that a psychiatrist oversees treatment standards and participates in regular staff meetings.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to legally establish a framework for nonbanking poker games. It directly affects eligible organizations seeking licenses, local communities voting on whether to allow these games, and state agencies responsible for oversight. The legislation creates new definitions for terms like "gross revenue" and "associated equipment," mandates specific record-keeping and security procedures, and outlines the duties of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Additionally, the bill sets out rules for issuing chips, collecting fees, and imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public schools to teach about the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The instruction must total at least seven hours annually and be included within existing social studies and language arts classes. Additionally, the State Board of Education will study how schools are implementing this curriculum and create regulations to ensure compliance if most schools are not currently meeting the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to strengthen the legal protection of confidential communications between journalists and their sources during judicial and administrative proceedings. It ensures that interpreters for people with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments cannot be forced to reveal what was said in these protected conversations. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the definition of a "journalist" to include freelance and non-professional reporters while maintaining an exception for cases involving imminent threats of violence. The changes apply to all types of media, including newspapers, radio, television, and magazines, and will take effect 60 days after becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass two federal bills aimed at improving food and drug safety for people with allergies and gluten intolerance. The proposed legislation would require updated ingredient lists on packaged foods and mandate clear front-of-package labels that specifically disclose the presence of gluten-containing grains. Additionally, it would require drug labels to identify any ingredients derived from major food allergens or gluten sources, helping consumers avoid harmful substances. The resolution is based on the need to protect the approximately 23 million Americans, including many Pennsylvanians, who suffer from celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Maternal Care Access Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Health to improve maternal health outcomes by directing resources to underserved areas. The legislation defines specific terms like "maternity care desert" and "at-risk" zones based on the availability of obstetric care, birth centers, and medical providers. It authorizes the department to distribute funds to birth centers, obstetrician-gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, and hospitals located in designated zones that lack adequate care options. Additionally, the bill establishes criteria for identifying distressed hospitals and outlines various health and social indicators used to assess maternal vulnerability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires correctional officers in Pennsylvania to use safety seat belts when transporting detained individuals or inmates in vehicles. It allows for exceptions if using a seat belt would endanger the officer or others, or if the person is being transported on a bus. The Department of Corrections must create specific regulations for seat belt use within 120 days, including rules for transporting pregnant individuals. The law applies to all peace officers and other authorized personnel who transport detainees under official detention.