Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish specific criminal penalties for individuals who make false statements to receive public assistance or food stamps. It creates a tiered penalty system where the severity of the crime depends on the amount of aid obtained, ranging from a third-degree misdemeanor for smaller amounts to a third-degree felony for cases involving $3,000 or more. Additionally, the legislation assigns jurisdiction over third-degree misdemeanor cases to district justices rather than higher courts. The changes are designed to clarify legal consequences for fraud and ensure appropriate court handling of these offenses.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, known as the Contract Automatic Renewal Act, requires vendors to clearly disclose and notify consumers about contract terms that automatically renew for more than six months. The law mandates that these renewal clauses be highlighted in bold text and that consumers receive written notice at least 30 days before the renewal takes effect, along with specific instructions on how to cancel the agreement. If a business or contract is sold, the new owner must inform the customer within 60 days and provide an opportunity to opt out of the automatic renewal. Contracts that fail to meet these disclosure and notification standards will be considered void and unenforceable in the state. The legislation applies to most consumer service contracts but excludes specific industries such as insurance, utilities, and banking.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide menstrual hygiene products to students in Pennsylvania public schools without charge. It directs the Department of Education to award funding to school districts that have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch, allowing recipients to purchase items like tampons and pads or install dispensing machines. The program requires that these products be accessible to all students regardless of their gender identity and mandates that schools report how the funds are spent. A total of $100,000 is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support this initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program in Pennsylvania to provide parents and guardians with a package of essential health products and educational materials. To receive the kit, which includes items like postpartum pads, baby diapers, and care instructions, parents must complete an online education syllabus or be referred by a community organization. The Department of Health will manage the program using a dedicated state fund and may partner with private organizations to distribute the kits while reporting on their effectiveness annually. The program is designed to operate for two years with the goal of improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends state insurance laws to update definitions and clarify the responsibilities of the health insurance exchange authority. It establishes a framework for collecting fees from insurers to fund either a reinsurance program, an affordability assistance program, or both, with a cap of 3.5% on total monthly premiums. The legislation also directs the state to apply for a federal waiver to allow the creation of a reinsurance program and to maximize federal funding for it. Additionally, the bill outlines how an affordability assistance program would work in 2025 to provide financial benefits to consumers based on income or other eligibility criteria without creating a permanent entitlement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to allow participating healthcare providers to choose how they receive payments, rather than forcing them to accept only credit card transactions. Insurers must inform providers about all available payment options, disclose any associated fees, and provide clear instructions on how to select a method. The law also prohibits charging fees for transmitting payments unless the provider agrees to them, while allowing billing agents to charge for specific management services. These rules apply to licensed hospitals, doctors, and other regulated medical professionals who have contracts with health insurers.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates June 4, 2024, as "Links Day" in Pennsylvania to honor The Links, Incorporated, a volunteer service organization founded in 1946 by African American women. The bill recognizes the group's significant contributions to community service, cultural advancement, and economic development across the state, noting its extensive network of chapters and annual service hours. Additionally, the resolution specifically acknowledges several Pennsylvania chapters for their outstanding work and commits to sending a copy of the document to the organization as a token of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to regulate abortion facilities similarly to ambulatory surgical centers. It requires these facilities to follow the same safety regulations and classification standards as surgical centers, while also granting them the ability to request specific exceptions to those rules. The legislation explicitly prohibits requiring abortion facilities to have transfer agreements with hospitals or for their staff to hold admitting privileges at hospitals. Additionally, the bill removes certain existing definitions that previously applied to these facilities and repeals a related state regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow the use of electronic poll books and establishes a funding mechanism through bonds to purchase election infrastructure equipment. It requires county election boards to adopt these digital systems for early voting locations and half of all polling places on election day starting in 2025, with full implementation across all precincts by 2026. The legislation mandates that these devices must securely connect to the statewide voter registration system, track voter participation in real-time, and maintain paper backups in case of technical failures. Additionally, the bill introduces same-day voter registration options on election day and during early voting periods while removing previous rules regarding voter registration transfers and party enrollment changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution extends official condolences to the family of James R. Roebuck, who passed away in May 2024 after serving as a state representative for the 188th Legislative District from 1985 to 2020. The document highlights his long history of public service, including his work on education committees and his leadership within the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. It also notes that a scholarship fund was renamed in his honor to support students. Finally, the resolution directs that a copy of the text be sent to Roebuck's family.