Rep. Roni Green

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Tax Increment Financing Act by clarifying definitions and extending the maximum lifespan of tax increment districts from 20 to 25 years. It provides a more detailed list of allowable project costs, explicitly including expenses related to preventing displacement, such as affordable housing initiatives, job training programs, and public improvements. The legislation also allows municipalities to use these financing tools to fund a wider range of redevelopment activities, including infrastructure repairs outside district boundaries that directly benefit the project.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's agricultural laws to establish a financial assistance program for dairy margin coverage, which helps dairy farmers manage price volatility. A key provision requires the state department to prioritize helping new producers enroll in and purchase this coverage. The legislation also includes minor editorial changes to clarify the program's title and definitions within the relevant statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 2370 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update regulations for public schools and charter schools, with specific new rules on advertising and funding. The bill requires public schools to clearly state that any advertised costs for tuition or technology are paid by taxpayers and prohibits schools from using taxpayer money to sponsor public events. It also establishes reporting requirements for school advertising expenditures and expands definitions related to charter school management and enrollment. Additionally, the legislation modifies how student-weighted basic education funding is calculated and introduces new accountability grants for the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates March 14, 2024, as "Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered Day" to honor the contributions of these professionals. The bill recognizes the specialized training and roles of registered nutrition and dietetics technicians, who work in settings such as hospitals, schools, and community health programs. By officially naming this date, the resolution aims to encourage Pennsylvanians to acknowledge the value of these technicians in promoting science-based nutrition and public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 17 through 23, 2024, as "Pollinator Week" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for agriculture and ecosystems. It acknowledges the roles of various state organizations, such as the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association and the Department of Agriculture, in supporting beekeeping and habitat conservation. The resolution formally congratulates these groups for their efforts and urges the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing the observance. Copies of the resolution will be sent to relevant state agencies and partner organizations to facilitate public recognition of the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Freedom Schools Grant Program to provide funding for six-week summer educational programs aimed at helping students in disenfranchised communities recover learning loss and address opportunity gaps. Eligible applicants include public schools, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations that plan to offer a multicultural curriculum focusing on African American history, civil rights, and leadership skills. The Department of Education would manage the program by setting application guidelines and awarding up to $5 million from the General Fund to projects that prioritize racial equity, community-based hiring, and restorative justice practices.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes a legal framework for geologic sequestration, which involves injecting carbon dioxide underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. It directly affects landowners, oil and gas operators, and the state Department of Environmental Protection by clarifying that owners of surface land automatically own the underground pore space beneath it unless explicitly sold otherwise. The legislation requires the department to issue permits for any carbon dioxide storage activities, while also ensuring that existing oil and gas drilling rights are not automatically blocked by storage sites. Additionally, the bill creates a special revenue account to manage funds related to these new regulations and mandates public notice for any government land sales involving underground storage rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update and expand the rules for city revitalization and improvement zones, which are designated areas intended to spur economic development and job creation. It primarily affects cities with at least 20,000 residents and establishes a "contracting authority" to manage these zones, including the power to designate specific areas and oversee construction projects. The legislation clarifies definitions for various terms, outlines the types of taxes that can be used for zone funding, and sets new guidelines for how baseline calculations and financial transfers are handled within these districts. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for "floating zones," which allow for more flexible designation of areas, and ensures confidentiality regarding Commonwealth pledges related to these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes June 14, 2024, as "World Blood Donor Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. It serves as a commemorative resolution intended to raise awareness about the critical need for volunteer blood donors to support local hospitals and cancer patients. The text highlights statistics regarding blood donation frequency, the high demand for O-type blood, and the low current participation rates among eligible residents. By designating this specific date, the legislation aims to encourage community engagement with blood drives rather than implementing new operational rules or funding.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 1684 updates state laws regarding child custody by establishing clearer definitions for terms like "equal parenting time" and "supervised physical custody." The bill introduces a rebuttable presumption that shared physical custody and equal parenting time are in a child's best interest during temporary custody orders, requiring courts to maximize time with each parent unless specific factors suggest otherwise. It also outlines new procedures for obtaining temporary custody orders based on affidavits and agreements, while expanding the list of factors judges must consider, including any criminal convictions of the parents. These changes aim to standardize how courts evaluate custody arrangements and ensure that parenting plans are explicitly detailed in legal orders.