Rep. Roni Green

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates the week of November 3 through 9, 2024, as "Election Official and Election Worker Appreciation Week." The measure aims to formally recognize and honor the service of election officials and workers across the state who manage voting processes and maintain election integrity. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the efforts of these public servants.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Health to conduct a study on how smartphone use affects children's health and development. The legislation is based on concerns that early phone ownership and increased social media access may contribute to mental health issues and disrupted sleep patterns in young people. If completed, the study must result in a public report, recommendations for parents, and guidelines for pediatricians to share with families within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify requirements for child safety restraint systems in vehicles. It specifies that seats equipped by the manufacturer to install child passenger or rear-facing restraint systems, as well as those for child booster seats, must comply with specific regulations. The changes update the text to ensure these seating positions are properly included in the legal definitions for required safety equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school directors in Pennsylvania to complete mandatory training programs to improve their ability to lead school boards. New directors must finish at least five hours of instruction covering topics like academics, personnel, finances, and ethics within their first year, while those seeking reappointment must complete an additional three hours of advanced training annually. The Department of Education will provide these courses for free, either directly or through a designated statewide organization that represents school directors. The training specifically includes at least one hour dedicated to trauma-informed approaches, and the law ensures that the statewide organization remains independent from the state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow businesses to claim a tax deduction for money they contribute toward their employees' child care costs. To qualify, employers must make payments to licensed child care centers, group homes, or family homes to help workers cover eligible care expenses while they work. The law permits a deduction equal to 110% of the total contributions made, with a separate provision that allows up to $5,000 of these costs to be excluded from the employer's taxable income. Employers claiming this benefit must file a specific form that details the names and contact information of participating employees and the child care providers they used. The changes apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to allow casualty insurance policies to cover blood pressure monitors. The change specifically requires that such coverage be provided only when the device is deemed medically necessary. By adding this language, the legislation clarifies the conditions under which insurance companies must offer this specific medical equipment. The bill directly affects individuals with casualty insurance policies who require blood pressure monitoring for health reasons.

Maddy summaryHB 2208 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to update definitions, strengthen laboratory oversight, and improve electronic tracking. The bill clarifies what constitutes an independent laboratory and accreditation body, ensuring they remain free from conflicts of interest with medical marijuana organizations. It also mandates that data within the state's electronic tracking system remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure laws. Additionally, the legislation requires growers and processors to contract with approved independent labs for testing product potency and purity at specific stages of production.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new license for real estate appraiser trainees in Pennsylvania to help them gain experience before becoming fully certified. Under the new rules, individuals who meet specific educational requirements can receive this license without taking an exam, allowing them to work under the direct supervision of a qualified certified appraiser. The supervising appraiser must have at least three years of experience and can oversee no more than three trainees at a time. Once the trainees complete their supervised assignments, they can apply for a full appraiser credential. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Reading as the PFC Lawrence J. Deisher Memorial Bridge to honor a local soldier who died during the Vietnam War. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs with the new name on the bridge carrying State Route 2021 over Mineral Springs Creek. The act includes findings about Deisher's military service and bravery, which serve as the basis for the memorial designation. It will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the funding rules for magisterial district judges and Philadelphia municipal court judges in Pennsylvania. It raises their annual registration fee from $200 to $600 starting in 2025 and establishes a mechanism to automatically increase this fee each year based on the Consumer Price Index. The legislation also clarifies that the Office of the Court Administrator will cover the cost of publishing a monthly legal journal, while other expenses will be funded through existing annual appropriations.