Rep. Tarik Khan

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 2024 as "Hunger Action Month" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about food insecurity. The measure highlights the state's significant hunger challenges, noting that over 1.5 million individuals and one in six children face limited access to adequate food. It encourages collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and community organizations to address these issues and directs attention to the work of local antihunger groups. By adopting this symbolic designation, the House aims to mobilize public support and focus resources on combating hunger during the month.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws governing the Game Fund to restrict how money from the fund can be spent and how future budgets are managed. It explicitly prohibits using Game Fund money to purchase alcohol for commission members, directors, or employees, even as a reimbursement. Additionally, the bill changes how funds are released, requiring the General Assembly to approve annual appropriations starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year instead of allowing the commission to request spending directly from the Governor. These changes also mandate that the Game Commission submit detailed budget requests and analyses to the chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees each year.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the state court system's financial stability and its reliance on fines and fees. The study will examine how different states fund their courts, analyze the impact of fee dependence on various socioeconomic groups, and quantify the costs associated with collecting these fees and enforcing related penalties. The committee is required to consult with other states and relevant organizations before submitting a report with findings and recommendations to legislative leadership within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to require the state commission overseeing disabled veterans' real estate tax exemptions to review applicants' financial situations at least once every ten years. The change aims to ensure that tax relief continues to be granted only to those who still demonstrate a financial need based on their current economic status. By adjusting the review frequency, the legislation seeks to maintain the integrity of the tax exemption program for eligible veterans. The law will become effective 60 days after it is signed into force.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Municipal and Emergency Responder Solar Grant Program to provide financial assistance for solar energy projects at government facilities and emergency service locations such as fire stations and police departments. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the program on a competitive basis, offering grants to cover costs like equipment purchase, installation, and energy storage. To receive funding, applicants must submit a detailed proposal that includes a site assessment and an affidavit confirming that all construction contractors meet specific licensing, insurance, and safety training requirements. The Department is also tasked with developing application guidelines, providing technical assistance, and creating educational materials to help eligible entities navigate the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the membership rules for Pennsylvania's State Veterans' Commission to ensure broader representation of different veteran groups. It mandates that the commission include representatives from sixteen specific national veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion and VFW, along with four members appointed by the Governor who must be female or Vietnam-era veterans. The legislation also clarifies the roles of state-level leaders from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars as nonvoting members. These changes aim to modernize the commission's composition while maintaining its existing structure under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryHB 1742 amends Pennsylvania's personal income tax code to create special provisions for taxpayers living in poverty. The bill allows individuals with an income of $6,500 to $10,000, or married couples with a combined income of $13,000 to $20,000, to receive a refund or forgiveness of any taxes they have overpaid. Eligible taxpayers also receive an additional $9,500 income allowance for each dependent they claim. The poverty income thresholds are set to increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index, ensuring they do not decrease even if inflation rates are negative.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces restorative justice as a formal sentencing option in Pennsylvania courts, allowing judges to order it either as the sole punishment or alongside traditional penalties like probation or confinement. The legislation defines restorative justice as a participatory process involving victims, offenders, community members, and trained facilitators to address harm, resolve conflicts, and repair relationships through methods such as conferences or circles. By adding specific definitions and procedures to state law, the bill ensures that courts consider this approach when determining sentences, provided all participants voluntarily agree to take part.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Online Safety Protection Act, requires businesses that provide online services likely to be used by children to prioritize the privacy, safety, and well-being of minors over commercial interests. Companies covered by the law must conduct data protection impact assessments to ensure their products do not cause foreseeable physical, financial, or psychological harm, nor engage in discriminatory practices or use deceptive design tricks called dark patterns. The legislation also defines specific rules for how personal information can be collected and sold, while excluding deidentified data and publicly available information from these restrictions. Penalties are imposed on entities that fail to comply with these duties to protect children's best interests.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania zoning laws to allow municipalities with over 5,000 residents in growing counties to create rules for multiple-unit housing. It directly affects local governments in these specific areas by expanding their authority to regulate apartment and condominium developments. The key provision adds new eligibility criteria based on population size and recent growth, removing previous restrictions that limited these zoning options. This change aims to provide a clearer legal framework for communities seeking to increase housing density in response to population increases.