Rep. Tarik Khan

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as Haitian Heritage Month within the state of Pennsylvania. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of Haitian history and culture, including the nation's role in ending slavery and its influence on U.S. expansion. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead directs state agencies to recognize the month through proclamations and educational activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to maintain a supply of bronchodilators for students with asthma. It changes the rules so that these medications can be administered by designated individuals rather than just school nurses or trained staff. The legislation also mandates that if a school uses a reporting system, it must record who gave the medication to the student. These changes aim to improve access to emergency asthma treatment within school settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of New Pennsylvanians within the Department of Community and Economic Development to support immigrants and refugees in the state. The office will serve as a central hub for information, coordinate efforts among various agencies, and develop strategies to attract, retain, and integrate newcomers into the local economy. It also establishes a restricted funding account for the office and an advisory committee to guide its work, while providing resources for English language instruction, legal services, and business development.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 8, 2024, as Marian Anderson Day in Pennsylvania to honor the African American contralto. The resolution specifically commemorates the day the Philadelphia Orchestra rededicated Verizon Hall as Marian Anderson Hall, marking 85 years since Anderson was denied a performance at Constitution Hall due to her race. It serves as a ceremonial recognition of this historical event and the renaming of the venue.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 20, 2024, as "Rescue Dog Day" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness for dogs in shelters. The measure aims to encourage the adoption of shelter pets and promote responsible pet care, such as spaying and neutering, to help reduce overcrowding in animal shelters. It does not create new laws or require any specific actions from residents but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the issue of shelter dog populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates specific times in May 2024 as "Bike Month," "Bike to Work Week," and "Bike to Work Day" throughout Pennsylvania to encourage cycling. It serves as a symbolic resolution intended to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of using bicycles for commuting. The measure does not create new laws or change funding but rather formally recognizes these dates to promote community participation in cycling events. By highlighting the advantages of biking, such as improved air quality and employee well-being, the bill aims to foster a culture of active transportation in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates May 2024 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month to highlight the condition known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The bill directly affects the state's House of Representatives and aims to increase public understanding of ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness and affects thousands of adults annually. By officially recognizing this month, the legislation seeks to acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and their families while promoting awareness of ongoing research efforts. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to foster community recognition of the disease.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new eligibility rules for Pennsylvania business corporations seeking state contracts, funding, or grants. It directly affects domestic and foreign corporations with 200 or more employees in the Commonwealth by disqualifying them if they have violated federal fair labor standards, committed unfair labor practices, or broken the state's prevailing wage law within the last five years. Additionally, the bill requires these large corporations to submit bylaws ensuring that at least 20% of their governing board consists of current employees elected by the workforce. The restrictions only apply to agreements approved on or after the law's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after enactment.

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 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.