Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as Haitian Heritage Month within the state of Pennsylvania. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of Haitian history and culture, including the nation's role in ending slavery and its influence on U.S. expansion. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead directs state agencies to recognize the month through proclamations and educational activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 8, 2024, as Marian Anderson Day in Pennsylvania to honor the African American contralto. The resolution specifically commemorates the day the Philadelphia Orchestra rededicated Verizon Hall as Marian Anderson Hall, marking 85 years since Anderson was denied a performance at Constitution Hall due to her race. It serves as a ceremonial recognition of this historical event and the renaming of the venue.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called intimidation of health care workers in Pennsylvania to protect doctors, nurses, technicians, and hospital security officers from threats. It makes it illegal to knowingly make or send a threat intended to stop these workers from doing their jobs, with penalties starting as a fine and community service for first-time offenders and escalating to jail time for repeat violations. The law also requires hospitals to post notices about this offense at all public entrances, which must be done before anyone can be convicted unless they already knew about the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to allow casualty insurance policies to cover blood pressure monitors. The change specifically requires that such coverage be provided only when the device is deemed medically necessary. By adding this language, the legislation clarifies the conditions under which insurance companies must offer this specific medical equipment. The bill directly affects individuals with casualty insurance policies who require blood pressure monitoring for health reasons.

Maddy summaryHB 2208 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to update definitions, strengthen laboratory oversight, and improve electronic tracking. The bill clarifies what constitutes an independent laboratory and accreditation body, ensuring they remain free from conflicts of interest with medical marijuana organizations. It also mandates that data within the state's electronic tracking system remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure laws. Additionally, the legislation requires growers and processors to contract with approved independent labs for testing product potency and purity at specific stages of production.

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 modifies Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish a system of copayments for families receiving subsidized child care. The primary mechanism involves setting weekly fees that vary based on a family's income, with the amount capped at a specific percentage of their annual earnings. Additionally, the legislation allows for reduced copayments for parents who work additional wage-earning hours beyond minimum requirements, provided they meet certain income and documentation standards. Families must have an annual income below a defined threshold to qualify for these subsidies, and the department retains the discretion to adjust fee structures and eligibility limits based on available funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that designates the week of March 10 through 16, 2024, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. It directly affects residents of the state by encouraging them to participate in efforts to raise awareness about the neurological disease. The measure highlights the impact of multiple sclerosis on over 24,000 Pennsylvanians and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in funding research and supporting patients. By formally recognizing this specific week, the resolution aims to draw public attention to the condition and the ongoing fight for a cure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of mental well-being. It calls on government agencies, schools, businesses, and residents to increase understanding of mental illnesses and promote access to appropriate services. The text emphasizes that mental health issues affect people of all backgrounds and are biological disorders requiring proper treatment rather than willpower. By designating this month for awareness, the bill aims to foster a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Public Transit Security Grant Program in Pennsylvania to provide funding for improving security at public transit systems. The program will be administered by the Department of Transportation, which will manage a new fund created specifically for these grants. To receive funding, transit authorities must submit applications that include a safety committee letter of support and may receive priority if they have the consent of the majority of their transit employees' associations. The legislation defines a safety committee according to federal regulations and outlines specific requirements for how grant applications must be structured and evaluated.