Rep. Tarik Khan

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 bill amends a Pennsylvania resolution to remove specific names from the list of famous people associated with National Stuttering Awareness Week. By striking out references to President Joseph Biden, Jimmy Stewart, and Wilt Chamberlain, the text no longer cites these individuals as examples within the resolution. The change is a minor textual edit that does not alter the core purpose of recognizing the week as a time for stuttering awareness.

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 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 summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act to update definitions and clarify which specific types of businesses are subject to smoking restrictions. It directly affects establishments such as drinking establishments, cigar bars, and gaming floors by refining the criteria used to classify them under the law. Key provisions include adding new definitions for terms like "electronic smoking device" and "private club," while also removing certain categories like "cigar bars" from the list of regulated venues. The legislation maintains the state's authority to set these rules and prevents local governments from passing conflicting ordinances.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish specific criminal penalties for individuals who make false statements to receive public assistance or food stamps. It creates a tiered penalty system where the severity of the crime depends on the amount of aid obtained, ranging from a third-degree misdemeanor for smaller amounts to a third-degree felony for cases involving $3,000 or more. Additionally, the legislation assigns jurisdiction over third-degree misdemeanor cases to district justices rather than higher courts. The changes are designed to clarify legal consequences for fraud and ensure appropriate court handling of these offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover custom-fabricated and custom-fitted devices, such as prosthetics and orthotics, when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Coverage is granted if a doctor determines the device is medically necessary for daily living, physical activities, or improving limb function, while excluding costs resulting from patient negligence or misuse. Insurers may still require prior authorization and can limit coverage to services provided by contracted vendors or designated suppliers, and standard deductibles and copayments remain applicable. The law specifically applies to health insurance plans but excludes accident-only, dental, vision, Medicare supplement, and other limited-benefit policies.