Rep. Anthony Bellmon

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a financial comparison between state legal offices, such as the Office of Attorney General and district attorney offices, and private law firms. The primary goal is to assess whether current funding levels for these public agencies are adequate by analyzing their revenue and expenditures against those of corporate defense firms. To complete this study, the committee will request financial records from the relevant entities and must submit a final report with its findings and any recommendations to the House of Representatives within 180 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding abandoned and unclaimed property to improve how the state finds original owners. It requires the Treasury Department to work with state agencies like the Department of Revenue and the Department of State to share data and verify owner information at least once a year. These changes aim to make the process of locating owners more efficient by formalizing cooperation between different government departments. The legislation also includes provisions for handling income earned after property is paid out and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

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 establishes the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide financial reimbursement grants to eligible farms and agribusinesses. The program specifically targets projects that utilize new technologies or methods to improve energy efficiency, water quality, production processes, biosecurity, and farm management systems. To oversee the initiative, the legislation creates a new Agriculture Innovation Board composed of representatives from government agencies, higher education, cooperatives, financial institutions, and the legislative branches. Eligible applicants include individuals with anticipated agricultural sales over $2,000 annually or processors with sales exceeding $10,000, as well as service providers and entities utilizing agricultural commodities for product creation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of July 2024 as "Parks and Recreation Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of public parks and recreational programs. It serves as a commemorative resolution that recognizes the benefits of outdoor spaces for community health, economic growth, and environmental resilience. The measure does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing regulations, but rather formally acknowledges the value of these resources in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2024 as "Military Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" to highlight the high suicide rates among veterans in the state. The measure aims to raise public consciousness about the issue by officially setting aside the month for recognition and support rather than implementing new laws or funding. It expresses support for ongoing federal and state efforts to assist veterans and their families while acknowledging the specific challenges they face.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to protect tow truck operators from penalties when they move disabled vehicles to safe locations like shoulders or medians at the direction of a police officer. The provision specifically shields these operators from citations related to parking, roadway restrictions, and weight limits if they act under official police orders during accident clearance. While this change offers legal immunity for necessary traffic management actions, it maintains the requirement that tow truck drivers must still operate with due regard for the safety of all people. The law takes effect 60 days after being signed into legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the financial impact on Pennsylvania taxpayers of state police services provided to municipalities without their own local departments. The bill requires the commission to form an advisory committee including representatives from revenue, transportation, and law enforcement sectors to analyze costs and tax burdens associated with these services. Key findings must include the per capita cost of coverage, the effect on local millage rates, and an estimate of fees needed to fund these services if the state mandated a direct charge to municipalities. The commission is tasked with submitting a report with these recommendations to the House of Representatives within one year of the resolution's adoption.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution officially designates November 5, 2024, as Jason Kelce's birthday and December 13, 2024, as Fletcher Cox's birthday. The measure honors the careers of these two former Philadelphia Eagles players, who are recognized for their contributions to the team's success and their extensive charitable work in the community. By formally acknowledging their achievements and retirement, the resolution aims to celebrate their impact on the state and the city of Philadelphia.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates the week of August 5 through 9, 2024, as "National Conference of State Legislatures Week" to honor the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The bill recognizes NCSL's 50-year history of supporting state lawmakers and its role in fostering cooperation among state legislatures. It formally commends the organization for its leadership and acknowledges its upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. Copies of the resolution will be sent to NCSL to mark the occasion.