Rep. Danilo Burgos

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania hospitals to publish their standard prices for medical items and services on their websites and provide these lists to the public upon request. The law mandates that hospitals display both a comprehensive list of all charges and a simplified, consumer-friendly version for specific services that patients can schedule in advance. Additionally, the bill prohibits hospitals from taking debt collection actions against patients if the hospital fails to comply with these price transparency requirements. By enforcing these rules, the legislation aims to increase clarity on healthcare costs for patients while holding hospitals accountable for maintaining accurate pricing information.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's motorcycle laws to require a small nominal fee for motorcycle safety education courses. Any money collected from this fee that is not refunded will be placed into a specific state account designated for motorcycle safety programs. The change directly affects individuals taking these courses and the state's funding for the education initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Keystone Fresh Program to increase the amount of locally grown food served in Pennsylvania school meals. It establishes a grant system administered by the Departments of Education and Agriculture to reimburse school districts for purchasing local fruits, vegetables, grains, and other minimally processed foods. The program prioritizes funding for schools that source from veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged groups, new farmers, or those using sustainable agriculture techniques. A separate fund is also created to support the administration of these initiatives, aiming to improve child nutrition and provide economic benefits to local producers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Human Services department to apply for a federal waiver that would allow SNAP and WIC benefit recipients to use their funds to buy diapers or menstrual hygiene products. The legislation authorizes the department to adopt necessary rules once the USDA approves the waiver, ensuring the state can participate in this potential program change. It does not immediately change how benefits are used but establishes the legal framework to implement such a waiver if federal approval is granted.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state government agencies and officers by encouraging them to acknowledge the historical significance of LGBTQ+ contributions and the ongoing struggle for equality. The text cites specific local milestones, such as the 1965 sit-in at Dewey's lunch counter in Philadelphia and the establishment of early support organizations, to highlight the state's role in LGBTQ+ history. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable policies.

Maddy summaryThis law updates Pennsylvania's vehicle removal rules specifically for cities of the first class, such as Philadelphia. It requires towing agents to take digital photos of a vehicle's license plate, the specific violation, and any relevant parking signs before removing the car. Owners or lienholders can request a free printed copy of these photos when they go to claim their vehicle, and the towing company must keep the images for at least 60 days. Local parking authorities are tasked with creating regulations to enforce these new photo requirements and may impose penalties on agents who fail to comply.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution officially designates November 5, 2024, as Jason Kelce's birthday and December 13, 2024, as Fletcher Cox's birthday. The measure honors the careers of these two former Philadelphia Eagles players, who are recognized for their contributions to the team's success and their extensive charitable work in the community. By formally acknowledging their achievements and retirement, the resolution aims to celebrate their impact on the state and the city of Philadelphia.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill expands stalking laws and introduces a new crime called unauthorized location tracking to address privacy concerns regarding digital surveillance. The stalking provisions clarify that repeated acts intended to cause fear or emotional distress are criminal offenses, with penalties increasing to a felony for repeat offenders or those with prior violent convictions. Additionally, the bill makes it a misdemeanor to use technology to monitor another person's location without permission, though it includes specific exceptions for law enforcement investigations, court-ordered supervision, and parents tracking their own children. These changes aim to provide clearer legal tools for protecting individuals from harassment and invasive tracking while allowing for legitimate uses like parental monitoring and fleet management.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to improve how electric utilities manage energy efficiency programs and streamline the approval process for their plans. It requires the state commission to decide on utility plans within 120 days and allows companies 60 days to revise rejected plans, while also protecting the inclusion of mechanical insulation unless proven cost-ineffective. The legislation clarifies definitions for key terms like "energy efficiency measures," which now explicitly include solar panels, efficient windows, and various heating and cooling technologies, and establishes standards for quality assurance and cost-benefit testing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania government agencies to prioritize using insecticide-free native plants over non-native options when landscaping state facilities. It mandates that these agencies consider the environmental benefits of such plants, including habitat creation for pollinators and reduced water usage, during construction and maintenance projects. Additionally, the law directs the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to create specific pollinator meadows on unused turfgrass areas at Commonwealth facilities. The legislation defines specific terms like "pollinator meadow" and lists various state departments and entities that must follow these new planting guidelines.