Rep. Barb Gleim

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the membership rules for Pennsylvania's State Veterans' Commission to ensure broader representation of different veteran groups. It mandates that the commission include representatives from sixteen specific national veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion and VFW, along with four members appointed by the Governor who must be female or Vietnam-era veterans. The legislation also clarifies the roles of state-level leaders from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars as nonvoting members. These changes aim to modernize the commission's composition while maintaining its existing structure under Pennsylvania law.

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 resolution designates February 11 through 17, 2024, as Future Business Leaders of America Week in Pennsylvania. It directly honors the nonprofit organization FBLA, which supports students in developing business and leadership skills through various chapters across the state. The measure serves as a commemorative recognition of the group's history and mission rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the State Highway Law to update the definition of the most recent edition of the Department of Agriculture's geographic information system. Specifically, it sets the baseline for weather data to the 2012 edition covering the period from 1976 through 2005. The change allows the Department of Agriculture to update this definition through future regulations as needed. This adjustment directly affects how weather data is referenced when planning the construction, improvement, maintenance, and repair of state highways.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws on negligence to allow injured parties to recover damages even if they share some fault with the person who caused the injury, provided their fault is not greater than the defendant's. It requires courts to split the total damage award among all responsible parties based on their specific percentage of fault, rather than holding one defendant fully liable for the entire cost. However, the law still makes the defendant fully responsible for the total damages in specific situations, such as cases involving intentional harm, hazardous substance releases, or when the defendant is found to be at least 60% at fault. Additionally, the bill allows courts to consider the fault of people who are not currently part of the lawsuit, such as those who have already settled or are immune from suit, when calculating how much each defendant must pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax laws by adjusting personal income tax rates and eliminating a specific tax on the gross receipts from the sale of electric energy. It requires electric utilities to pass the savings from these tax changes directly to consumers through reductions in state tax surcharges, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 for companies that fail to do so. Additionally, the legislation mandates that $6 million annually be transferred to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill also establishes a revenue-neutral reconciliation rule that will remain in effect until the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Public School Employees' Retirement Board and the State Employees' Retirement Board to livestream their public meetings and post unedited video and written records online for at least three years. It also clarifies that sensitive investment information, such as details about alternative investments, will remain confidential to protect financial interests but will eventually become public once the risk of competitive harm or negative impact on investment value no longer exists. Additionally, the legislation mandates that specific basic details about alternative investment vehicles, including the manager's identity and the amount of money committed, must always be accessible to the public. These changes aim to increase transparency in how the boards manage records and conduct business while safeguarding sensitive financial data.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Franklin County as the Pvt. Clyde C. McVitty Memorial Bridge to honor a local soldier who served in World War II. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to place official signs bearing the new name on the bridge for drivers traveling in both directions. The act includes a brief history of Pvt. McVitty, noting his service with the 82nd Airborne Division and his death in action in Italy in 1944. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 28, 2024, as "Jim Thorpe Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the legacy of the multi-sport athlete. The bill recognizes Thorpe's achievements in football, baseball, and basketball, as well as his historic Olympic performances and his role in founding the National Football League. It serves as a commemorative measure that celebrates his life and contributions to sports without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Bigler Township, Clearfield County, as the Sergeant John Harold Branic Memorial Bridge to honor a local Marine who died in World War II. It requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic in both directions. The legislation recognizes Sergeant Branic, the first Madera resident killed in the war, whose remains were identified decades after he was declared missing in action. The act takes effect 60 days after being passed.