Rep. Darisha Parker

Maddy summaryHB 210 requires businesses (such as restaurants, hotels, and retail stores) to post signs in visible restroom locations - including stalls, mirrors, and above hand dryers - with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline number (1-888-373-7888) and a statement about legal protections for trafficking victims. The signs must be at least 8.5x11 inches, feature the hotline number in bold and large font, and be available in English, Spanish, and any other language required by the Voting Rights Act in the business's county. The Department of Labor and Industry will design and provide the sign template online for businesses to print. This law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 29 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contract opportunities for businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, or located in historically underutilized business zones (HUB zones). It requires state agencies to set specific participation goals: 20% for contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% for larger contracts, with exceptions if qualified businesses aren't available. The bill defines "diverse and disadvantaged businesses" to include HUB zone businesses and mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance, and provide training to support these businesses. This directly affects state purchasing agencies and qualifying businesses seeking state contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands medical assistance coverage to include doula services for eligible recipients during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and for up to one year after childbirth. To oversee this expansion, the legislation requires the creation of a Doula Advisory Board composed of government officials, doula representatives, and community members to advise on best practices and address disparities in maternal health. The state must also seek federal approval or a waiver to implement these changes, with the new coverage provisions taking effect once approved. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for third-party liability and data matching to help prevent fraud and abuse within the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Returning Heroes Supplemental Tax Credit Program in Pennsylvania to provide additional state tax credits to businesses that hire qualified veterans. To qualify, a taxpayer must receive a federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit for a veteran and submit an application with proof by September 15 of the relevant year. Eligible businesses can receive a supplemental credit of up to $2,000 per veteran, which can be carried forward for up to 15 years if not fully used in the current tax year. The program is limited to a total of $20,000,000 per fiscal year and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Revenue to publish an annual report listing all businesses that received these credits and the amounts approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to expand eligibility for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier. It directly affects elderly residents whose income currently falls between $14,500 and $33,500 for single individuals or $17,700 and $41,500 for married couples, raising the upper income limits to $43,500 and $51,500 respectively. The legislation also clarifies that income figures reported for eligibility purposes can be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law to clarify the fees charged for certified copies of vital records. It ensures that no fees are required for these copies when requested by active-duty military personnel, their dependents, or the families of service members who died or were honorably discharged. The change specifically applies to members of the armed forces, including the National Guard, and their eligible family members. The new fee exemption takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to provide free menstrual hygiene products in at least 50% of bathrooms across all state buildings. The department must install dispensing machines and disposal receptacles while posting signs to inform the public that these items are available at no cost. The law defines menstrual hygiene products as tampons, sanitary napkins, or pads, and excludes unused or non-public buildings from this requirement. It takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program to provide extra pay to child-care workers in Pennsylvania who care for infants and toddlers under the age of four. The goal is to help these centers retain staff by making their salaries more competitive with those of pre-kindergarten teachers. The Department of Public Welfare will set the specific pay amounts, which can vary by county and depend on the worker's education level, while ensuring the extra money is used only to increase wages rather than replace existing funds. The program is scheduled to run for three school years, after which the department will report results to the General Assembly to decide if it should continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to improve child welfare services and ensure they are available to all children regardless of their background. It requires the state department to conduct a triennial inventory of delinquency programs across the state and clearly defines the law's purpose as protecting children, preserving families, and prioritizing in-home care over institutional placements. The legislation also outlines specific payment percentages to counties for various services and mandates that the department refuse or revoke licenses for facilities that fail to meet safe and humane standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 12, 2024, as "1982 Cheyney State College Lady Wolves Women's Basketball Team Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the team's historic achievements. It recognizes the 1982 squad as the first HBCU women's basketball team to reach the NCAA Division I Final Four during the inaugural tournament. The resolution also highlights the legacy of Coach C. Vivian Stringer and acknowledges the team's induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. This measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than implementing new laws or funding changes.