Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to officially recognize September 12, 2024, as "National Police Woman Day" within the state. The resolution honors female law enforcement officers for their service and aims to highlight their contributions to public safety and community trust. It does not create new laws or change any policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the role of women in policing.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to improve substance use overdose awareness by requiring the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to distribute educational posters in multiple languages. The department is authorized to cover the costs of printing and distributing these materials, which must be placed in conspicuous locations where permitted. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new grant program designed to support long-term recovery from substance use. These changes directly affect state agencies responsible for drug and alcohol prevention and the communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania county laws to set specific fees that coroners can charge for various death-related reports. Under the new rules, coroners must collect $500 for autopsy reports and $100 for toxicology or inquisition reports from nongovernmental agencies, such as insurance companies, investigating a death. Family members, including spouses, children, parents, guardians, and siblings, may request these same reports for a reduced fee of up to $100 for an autopsy and $50 for other documents. All money collected from these fees must be turned over to the county treasurer and used specifically to fund training for coroners and their office staff. The changes apply to all counties in the state and will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Workplace Misclassification Act, establishes clearer rules for determining when workers in Pennsylvania are classified as independent contractors versus employees, primarily affecting businesses and workers outside the construction industry. To qualify as an independent contractor, an individual must have a specific written contract, operate their own business with their own tools, and be free from the hiring company's control over how they perform their work. The law also creates new penalties for employers who incorrectly classify workers, including the ability for the Department of Labor and Industry to issue stop-work orders and ban companies from future public contracts. Additionally, the act allows individuals to sue for violations and prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report misclassification issues.

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 summaryThis bill amends a Pennsylvania resolution to remove specific names from the list of famous people associated with National Stuttering Awareness Week. By striking out references to President Joseph Biden, Jimmy Stewart, and Wilt Chamberlain, the text no longer cites these individuals as examples within the resolution. The change is a minor textual edit that does not alter the core purpose of recognizing the week as a time for stuttering awareness.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates March 14, 2024, as "Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered Day" to honor the contributions of these professionals. The bill recognizes the specialized training and roles of registered nutrition and dietetics technicians, who work in settings such as hospitals, schools, and community health programs. By officially naming this date, the resolution aims to encourage Pennsylvanians to acknowledge the value of these technicians in promoting science-based nutrition and public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 17 through 23, 2024, as "Pollinator Week" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for agriculture and ecosystems. It acknowledges the roles of various state organizations, such as the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association and the Department of Agriculture, in supporting beekeeping and habitat conservation. The resolution formally congratulates these groups for their efforts and urges the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing the observance. Copies of the resolution will be sent to relevant state agencies and partner organizations to facilitate public recognition of the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2024 as "Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System Month" to honor the 50th anniversary of the system established in 1974. It directly affects Pennsylvania state lawmakers and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System, which serves over 18,000 local government employees and manages more than $3.3 billion in assets. The resolution does not change laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to recognize the system's history and contributions to financial stability for retirees.