Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15, 2024, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the issue of harm or neglect against older adults. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to draw public attention to the prevalence of elder abuse and the resources available for reporting it. The measure aims to encourage daily awareness and education about preventing abuse in the state's aging population.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania state laws to protect licensed professionals from disciplinary action if they provide gender-affirming health care services. It specifically prohibits licensing boards from disqualifying individuals or imposing penalties solely because they offer care such as hormone therapy, surgery, or mental health support that aligns with a person's gender identity. The legislation also ensures that professionals are not penalized for facing sanctions in other states for providing these same services, provided the care meets Pennsylvania's professional standards. These protections apply to all state-licensed professions and take effect 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "establishment" under Pennsylvania's human trafficking laws to include various venues such as hotels, motels, truck stops, and transportation hubs. It mandates that owners and managers of public lodging establishments provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees within 90 days of hiring or the bill's effective date, with specific content on identifying victims and reporting signs of exploitation. The legislation also requires these businesses to maintain records of employee training for two years and submit proposed training materials to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval. Additionally, the bill introduces enforcement mechanisms, including administrative and criminal penalties for violations, while allowing for affirmative defenses if an establishment can prove it took reasonable steps to prevent trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Affordable Homeownership Subsidy Program to help middle-income families buy homes by providing financial grants. It targets households earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income and allows grants of up to $125,000 to nonprofit groups, government entities, or developers. The funding can be used for various purposes, including purchasing properties, offering homebuyer education, repairing homes, and managing assets to ensure long-term affordability. The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the program, set application rules, and submit annual reports to the legislature on how the funds are used.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding interstate legal cooperation to restrict assistance in cases involving gender-affirming health care. Specifically, it prevents Pennsylvania courts from ordering service of out-of-state court documents and stops state officials from issuing subpoenas for such matters. Additionally, the law bars peace officers from arresting individuals in Pennsylvania for crimes related to gender-affirming care committed in other states. The legislation also clarifies definitions for these services, which include mental health care, surgery, hormone therapy, and other treatments supporting gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program to require grantees to verify the residency of every SNAP recipient receiving benefits. It specifically prohibits providing benefit incentives to individuals who are not residents of Pennsylvania or who are not lawful residents of the United States. Additionally, the legislation mandates that program evaluators conduct biennial reviews and publish detailed reports on funding usage, geographic distribution, and participating retailers. The bill also grants the department authority to refer suspected immigration law violations to enforcement agencies. These changes directly affect the administration of the food incentive program and the eligibility criteria for participating SNAP recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ride-share drivers in Pennsylvania to display specific identification markers on their vehicles while they are active on the platform or providing a ride. Drivers must show a company placard on the windshield and rear windows, along with a unique barcode and a credential card featuring their photo and license plate number on the rear side windows. These markers must be clearly visible during the day and illuminated at night, and drivers are responsible for returning them within 30 days of quitting. The Department of Transportation is tasked with creating a uniform template for these identification items, which companies must then issue to their drivers. Failure to comply with these new display and record-keeping rules could result in fines imposed by the state commission.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of June 17 through 21, 2024, as "Apprenticeship Week" to highlight the importance of registered apprenticeship programs. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture recognizing the history and benefits of these training initiatives, which provide workers with on-the-job learning and mentorship while helping employers build a skilled workforce. By officially setting aside this specific time frame, the resolution aims to raise public awareness about apprenticeships as a pathway to high-paying jobs and career development.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Freedom Schools Grant Program to provide funding for six-week summer educational programs aimed at helping students in disenfranchised communities recover learning loss and address opportunity gaps. Eligible applicants include public schools, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations that plan to offer a multicultural curriculum focusing on African American history, civil rights, and leadership skills. The Department of Education would manage the program by setting application guidelines and awarding up to $5 million from the General Fund to projects that prioritize racial equity, community-based hiring, and restorative justice practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act to update definitions and clarify which specific types of businesses are subject to smoking restrictions. It directly affects establishments such as drinking establishments, cigar bars, and gaming floors by refining the criteria used to classify them under the law. Key provisions include adding new definitions for terms like "electronic smoking device" and "private club," while also removing certain categories like "cigar bars" from the list of regulated venues. The legislation maintains the state's authority to set these rules and prevents local governments from passing conflicting ordinances.