Rep. Danilo Burgos

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to require drivers to self-certify that they have the financial responsibility to cover damages before registering or renewing their vehicles. It establishes a new online system where drivers and law enforcement can verify proof of insurance digitally, allowing electronic cards to be shown to police during traffic stops. The legislation also mandates that insurance companies notify the Department of Transportation within ten days if a policy is canceled, while preventing immediate license suspensions until the department can confirm the driver's status through the new online verification tool.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against individuals based on their use of specific drugs when underwriting, issuing, or renewing certain life insurance policies. The key provision expands the scope of protection to include the refusal to renew a policy, ensuring that coverage cannot be denied solely due to drug use. It directly affects insurance carriers and policyholders by mandating that decisions be based on factors other than the presence of certain substances. The legislation aims to create a more uniform standard for drug-related assessments in life insurance without advocating for a specific outcome.

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 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 designates a specific bridge in Middletown Township, Bucks County, as the Lance Corporal John F. Muffler Memorial Bridge to honor a Marine who died in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act also includes background details about Muffler's life and service, noting his connection to the local marching band and his family's efforts to promote a memorial in Philadelphia.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution formally recognizes June 25, 2024, as World Vitiligo Day to raise awareness about the autoimmune skin condition. The bill encourages Pennsylvanians to dispel myths about vitiligo and fosters support for those affected by the condition. Additionally, it calls on the state and private sector to increase funding for vitiligo research and urges insurance companies to cover FDA-approved treatments as medical necessities rather than cosmetic procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for pet insurance in Pennsylvania, requiring insurers to provide clear definitions for terms like preexisting conditions and wellness programs. It mandates that policyholders receive a copy of their insurance policy and allows them to return it within 30 days for a full refund if they are not satisfied. The legislation also sets standards for how pet insurance policies must be sold and requires insurance producers to receive specific training. Finally, the bill outlines penalties for violations and gives the Insurance Commissioner the authority to create further rules and regulations to enforce these standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to create and enforce a registration system for vacant and blighted properties within their borders. Under the new rules, property owners of such sites would be required to pay a fee to the local government, which can also hire outside companies to manage the registry and collect payments. The legislation includes exemptions for properties owned by federal, state, or local governments and outlines a process for owners to have their properties removed from the registry once they meet specific improvement standards. Municipalities that choose to adopt this program must clearly inform owners of the listing requirements and the steps needed to resolve the status of their property.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide menstrual hygiene products to students in Pennsylvania public schools without charge. It directs the Department of Education to award funding to school districts that have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch, allowing recipients to purchase items like tampons and pads or install dispensing machines. The program requires that these products be accessible to all students regardless of their gender identity and mandates that schools report how the funds are spent. A total of $100,000 is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support this initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to allow participating healthcare providers to choose how they receive payments, rather than forcing them to accept only credit card transactions. Insurers must inform providers about all available payment options, disclose any associated fees, and provide clear instructions on how to select a method. The law also prohibits charging fees for transmitting payments unless the provider agrees to them, while allowing billing agents to charge for specific management services. These rules apply to licensed hospitals, doctors, and other regulated medical professionals who have contracts with health insurers.