Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify how medical records can be obtained and the fees associated with them. It directly affects patients, their attorneys, and healthcare providers by setting specific prices for copying and retrieving medical charts. Under the new rules, patients and their representatives can access their own records without needing a subpoena, while other parties must pay a set fee for search, retrieval, and copying services. The act also establishes different rates for paper copies versus electronic records and requires these fees to be adjusted annually based on inflation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations laws to redefine marriage as a civil contract between two individuals, removing the previous legal requirement that it be between one man and one woman. It directly affects couples by eliminating state barriers to same-sex marriage and repeals the specific provision that declared such unions void within the Commonwealth. The legislation also updates the statutory definition of marriage to reflect this inclusive language while removing the section that stated it was public policy to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's historic preservation tax credit program by increasing the annual funding limit from $5 million to $20 million. It allows the Department of Community and Economic Development to award these tax credits on a first-come, first-served basis if the full amount is not claimed during the initial application window. The changes apply to fiscal years starting after June 30, 2025, and take effect immediately, providing more financial incentives for property owners and developers to restore historic buildings.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders Office within the Department of Aging to coordinate state efforts for people affected by these conditions. The office will oversee existing programs, identify service gaps, manage grants, and update the state's strategic plan every five years based on expert advice. To support this work, the law also establishes a large advisory committee made up of government officials, healthcare providers, researchers, and individuals with personal experience caring for those with dementia. This committee will guide the office's activities, review progress, and ensure that the state's approach remains current and effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Keystone Fresh Program to increase the amount of locally grown food served in Pennsylvania school meals. It establishes a grant system administered by the Departments of Education and Agriculture to reimburse school districts for purchasing local fruits, vegetables, grains, and other minimally processed foods. The program prioritizes funding for schools that source from veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged groups, new farmers, or those using sustainable agriculture techniques. A separate fund is also created to support the administration of these initiatives, aiming to improve child nutrition and provide economic benefits to local producers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Child Advocate within Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to protect the interests of children. The Governor will appoint a Child Advocate who must have at least six years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree, and the office will operate independently of the department regarding decision-making. The Advocate and their staff are required to complete specific trainings on topics like trauma-informed care and crisis intervention, and they are designated as mandated reporters for suspected child abuse. Additionally, the bill defines the scope of child health, safety, and well-being programs, which include preventing abuse, providing foster care, and offering early intervention services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Pennsylvania public and private schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at every interscholastic athletic event, including practices. It mandates that schools create a written emergency action plan for sudden cardiac events, which must include a list of trained staff and detailed steps for responding to a medical emergency. The legislation also updates teacher certification requirements to include CPR and AED training, replacing previous rules that focused on CPR instruction alone.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Bucks County as the Ensign Sarah Mitchell Memorial Bridge to honor a local woman who died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Navy. The legislation officially names the structure, which carries Pennsylvania Route 213 over Neshaminy Creek, after Ensign Sarah Joy Mitchell, a 2018 graduate of Neshaminy High School who passed away in 2018. To implement this change, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act is set to take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates July 19, 2024, as "Parks and Recreation Professionals Day" to honor the workers who maintain local parks and recreation facilities. The bill does not create new laws or change funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the contributions of these professionals to community health and environmental well-being. By adopting this designation, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives acknowledges the role of parks in promoting physical activity, mental wellness, and economic prosperity for residents.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2024 as "National Water Safety Month" within the state. The measure aims to highlight the importance of water safety education to prevent drownings and injuries among residents engaging in swimming and boating activities. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution encourages community awareness and aligns with existing efforts by national organizations to promote safety practices during the season.