Rep. Dan Frankel

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Equal Pay Law to broaden protections against wage discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnicity by expanding the definition of comparable work to include similar working conditions such as exposure to hazards or extreme temperatures. It explicitly prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their prior salary history or requiring them to refrain from discussing their own or others' wages, while still allowing employers to consider voluntarily provided wage information if it supports a higher offer. The legislation also clarifies that job titles alone cannot determine if two roles are comparable and restricts the use of factors like seniority or merit systems if they result in illegal pay gaps without legitimate business justification. Additionally, the bill establishes an Equal Pay Enforcement Fund to support the collection of unpaid wages and outlines specific penalties for violations of these updated rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania laws regarding child welfare, parental rights, and police procedures. It prevents courts from terminating parental rights solely due to a parent's incarceration or lack of resources beyond their control, while also restricting how late efforts to fix problems are weighed in adoption cases. The legislation requires juvenile courts to actively decide whether to file for terminating parental rights during permanency hearings, with specific exceptions for cases involving incarcerated parents who remain involved in their child's life. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement officers receive training and follow guidelines to identify and ensure the safety of any minor or dependent children present or at risk when arresting a parent or guardian.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies sentencing guidelines and parole rules for specific murder cases in Pennsylvania, including the killing of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes new minimum prison terms for adult offenders, setting a floor of 50 years, and creates age-based minimums for juveniles, ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on their age at the time of the crime. Additionally, the legislation grants the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole the authority to consider parole for these individuals after serving their minimum sentences, provided they meet specific criteria regarding public safety and victim impact. A key provision requires the board to notify victims of the crime and offer them the chance to speak during parole hearings before a decision is made.