Rep. Valerie Gaydos

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify rules for primary elections, specifically regarding who can vote and how unaffiliated voters participate. It establishes that only voters registered with a political party can normally vote in that party's primary or hold party offices, while also creating a new process for unenrolled electors to temporarily join a party to cast a single primary ballot. The legislation defines "unenrolled electors," outlines procedures for them to select a party at the polls, and updates requirements for absentee and mail-in voting applications. Additionally, it clarifies how election returns are computed and certified by county boards and adjusts penalties for election officers who improperly deny a voter access to their preferred party's primary.

Maddy summaryHB 979 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to clarify the rules for voting in primary elections, specifically addressing the rights of unenrolled electors who have no registered political party affiliation. The bill establishes that only voters enrolled in a political party can vote in that party's primary or hold party office, while allowing unenrolled voters to choose a party at the polling place and cast a ballot for that specific election. Under the new procedures, election officers must ask unenrolled voters which party they wish to support, record that choice on their certificate, and treat them as enrolled for that single vote. Additionally, the legislation updates definitions and repeals penalties related to voters accidentally using the wrong party ballot, streamlining the process for primary election administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows police officers and state employees to issue written violation notices to drivers or owners when they have probable cause to believe a vehicle is unsafe, improperly equipped, or non-compliant with regulations. The notice must list specific violations and set a deadline for corrections, typically 15 days for most issues or 30 days for emission problems, during which the vehicle owner must provide proof of repairs or pass an inspection. Once the deadline passes without evidence of compliance, the vehicle is prohibited from being driven on Pennsylvania highways until the required corrections are verified and submitted to authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to create new rules addressing the management of double utility poles, which occur when old poles remain alongside newly installed replacements because attached infrastructure has not yet been moved. The legislation requires companies that attach services like electricity or cable to these poles to register annually with the commission and provides a framework for utilities to notify them when they must migrate their equipment to new poles. It also establishes procedures for compensating utilities for costs related to removing abandoned attachments and authorizes the commission to impose civil penalties on owners who fail to comply with the new regulations. Additionally, the bill specifies that any costs utilities incur under these rules cannot be passed on to customers through higher rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act by removing language that previously allowed landlords to withhold rent. The change directly affects tenants and landlords by eliminating the specific provision that authorized rent withholding as a remedy. Consequently, the bill alters the legal framework for tenant protections without adding new rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to establish a formal registration system for physicians who recommend medical cannabis. Under the new rules, the Department of Health can place conditions on a doctor's registration, such as probation, limits on how many patients they can certify, mandatory supervision by another doctor, or specific reporting requirements. To be eligible for registration, a physician must not have been convicted of a felony related to controlled substances in the five years prior to applying. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act to require health facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, to report incidents of workplace violence to law enforcement and maintain records of such events for at least two years. It mandates that facilities provide employees with clear methods to report violence or suggest prevention measures without fear of retaliation, while also protecting staff who file false reports or act as perpetrators. Additionally, the legislation enhances the grading of certain criminal offenses that constitute workplace violence and requires facilities to post signage related to these safety measures.

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 bill requires Pennsylvania public schools to teach about the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The instruction must total at least seven hours annually and be included within existing social studies and language arts classes. Additionally, the State Board of Education will study how schools are implementing this curriculum and create regulations to ensure compliance if most schools are not currently meeting the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public school districts to mail financial reports to local property taxpayers. Starting with the 2023-2024 school year, districts must send a notice by first-class mail to every resident taxpayer in their area. The notice will include financial data that is also available on the state education department's website. This change aims to ensure taxpayers receive direct information about their school district's finances without needing to search online.