Rep. Natalie Mihalek

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 2024 as "Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Bird Migration Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the state's natural history and the annual raptor migration. The measure recognizes Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a globally significant site for bird conservation and education, noting its role in protecting migratory birds since the 1930s. By officially naming this period, the bill aims to encourage public appreciation of the region's wildlife and the sanctuary's ongoing stewardship efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2024 as Liver Disease Awareness Month to highlight the prevalence and risks of liver conditions within the state. The measure relies on educational efforts to inform residents about the causes of liver disease, such as obesity and alcohol use, and to encourage early screening and lifestyle changes. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not allocate funding or create new laws, but rather serves to raise public awareness about a leading cause of death in the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act to update definitions regarding construction work. Specifically, it adds "rebar system assembly" to the list of covered activities while removing the phrase "or smaller prefabricated components" from the definition of prefabricated components. These changes clarify which specific tasks and materials are subject to prevailing wage requirements for public projects. The bill also outlines updated duties for the Secretary of Labor and Industry in enforcing these provisions.

Maddy summaryAlina's Law establishes a new Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide grants to county district attorneys' offices. These funds are intended to support the creation and distribution of educational materials, crisis hotlines, safe shelters, and other resources for victims of domestic violence. The bill also introduces a specific type of electronic monitoring device that allows authorities to track a defendant's location via GPS while enforcing protection orders, ensuring the device cannot be removed without alerting police. Additionally, the legislation creates a dedicated fund to finance these initiatives and requires the commission to develop application processes and report on the program's activities.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill prohibits the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, to a wide range of consumer products including cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, and artificial turf. While the law generally bans these chemicals, it allows for their use in specific items if the Department of Environmental Protection determines that no safer alternative exists and the chemical is critical for the product's function. The Department of Environmental Protection is tasked with enforcing these restrictions, managing a public database of PFAS information, and imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution encourages Pennsylvania municipalities to reject local laws that impose boycotts or divestment policies against allies of the United States. It specifically condemns a failed petition in Allegheny County that sought to ban public funding for businesses operating in Israel. The bill does not create new laws but serves as a formal statement urging local governments to avoid such measures and expressing support for Israel.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to identify and maintain a list of run-of-the-river dams across the state. Owners and permittees of these specific dams must mark the areas above, below, and adjacent to the structures with signs and buoys to warn swimmers, anglers, and boaters about potential hazards. The legislation also mandates that the department publish this list and a map of dam locations on its website, while owners are responsible for repairing or replacing any damaged or removed warning markers within 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to expand relocation protections for tenants experiencing domestic or sexual violence. It allows tenants to request emergency transfers if they were victimized on or near their premises within the last 180 days or if they reasonably fear imminent harm. The legislation establishes specific documentation requirements, such as police reports or third-party certifications, to verify abuse while also permitting a simple tenant statement if no conflicting information exists. Additionally, the bill mandates that housing authorities assist victims in connecting with local support organizations and may release tenants from their leases upon qualification.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to refine how pharmacy audits and fees are handled. It clarifies that certain insurance supplements are excluded from specific terms and changes the notice period for additional fees from the time of claim adjudication to thirty days before the fees are applied. The legislation also updates definitions to refer to "generic" drugs instead of "general" ones and expands the scope of federal employee benefit protections. Additionally, it adjusts reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and the state agency overseeing these audits.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2024 as "National Water Safety Month" within the state. The measure aims to highlight the importance of water safety education to prevent drownings and injuries among residents engaging in swimming and boating activities. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution encourages community awareness and aligns with existing efforts by national organizations to promote safety practices during the season.