Rep. Andre Carroll

Maddy summaryHR 12 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the month through the House of Representatives. The resolution highlights the historical origins of Black History Month, including Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson's founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and notes the 2025 theme focused on African Americans and labor. This resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating the month for commemoration, without altering any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 39) is a symbolic tribute honoring former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 100. It commemorates his life, presidency, and humanitarian work - including the Camp David Accords, founding The Carter Center, and efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease - through a series of historical "whereas" statements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies. The resolution serves only to formally extend the Pennsylvania General Assembly's condolences and recognize Carter's legacy. It is purely ceremonial, with no legislative or policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 443 modifies Pennsylvania's sentencing for second-degree murder convictions, including murder of an unborn child or a law enforcement officer. It reduces maximum sentences: for adults, from life imprisonment to 50 years; for offenders under 18, it sets a maximum of 40 years for those 15+ at the time of crime and 30 years for those under 15. The bill also establishes new parole timelines - 25 years for standard life sentences under this section, 20 years for those under 18 aged 15+, and 15 years for those under 15 - requiring the parole board to prioritize public safety, victim safety, and consider the offender's culpability before granting parole. Additionally, it mandates that victims be notified and given a chance to be heard before parole decisions for these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 332 requires Pennsylvania public schools (K-12) to incorporate media literacy education into their curriculum starting the school year after the law takes effect. The state Department of Education must develop an age-appropriate model curriculum within six months, covering skills like identifying bias, recognizing misinformation, understanding media influence, and evaluating messages. School districts must adopt this curriculum, and the state will provide free resources and teacher training through public websites. This law directly affects all Pennsylvania public school students and educators by mandating concrete media literacy instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 215 requires every public school in Pennsylvania to employ at least one certified professional librarian. The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to mandate that each school must have a librarian certified under Pennsylvania law (24 Pa.C.S. § 9319). This directly affects all public schools statewide by establishing a new staffing requirement for library professionals. The provision takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted, with no exemptions specified. The change applies uniformly to all public schools, regardless of size or location.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to require landlords to explicitly disclose parking availability and any associated fees in written leases. It also prohibits landlords from changing or adding parking fees during the lease term. If a landlord fails to provide this information, tenants can file a complaint in a lower court, and if the violation is confirmed, the landlord must pay the tenant's parking costs for the lease duration. The changes directly affect residential landlords and tenants by increasing transparency regarding parking arrangements and offering a legal remedy for non-compliance.