Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's procurement laws to allow state agencies to purchase supplies and services from organizations employing people with disabilities without requiring competitive bidding. It mandates that these organizations make a significant contribution to production and prohibits the use of subminimum wage certificates for new contracts, with a complete ban on such certificates planned within two years. Additionally, the law requires work environments to become integrated, meaning employees with disabilities must interact with non-disabled coworkers, customers, and the public, and sets up a system for the state to review compliance and determine fair market prices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Survivor-Centered, Accessible, Fair and Empowering (SAFE) Housing Trust Fund within Pennsylvania's State Treasury to support victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, human trafficking, and stalking. The fund is designed to provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing along with related support services to help these individuals and their immediate family members move toward independent living. Money for the fund will be generated through an interfund transfer, and the program must remain accessible to all regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program called the Linked Deposit Impact Pennsylvania Act to help small, for-profit businesses owned by Pennsylvania residents that employ 100 or fewer people and earn less than $10 million annually. Under the plan, the State Treasurer would place funds with approved local banks, which then agree to lend that same amount to eligible small businesses at a reduced interest rate. The legislation requires banks to follow standard lending practices to check borrower creditworthiness and prohibits them from charging fees for participating in the program. Ultimately, the State Treasurer manages the program by reviewing loan applications and deciding how much money to deposit with each participating bank.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands tenant protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to provide stronger rights when tenants or their immediate family members are victims of violence. It broadens the definition of who qualifies as an immediate family or household member to include a wider range of relatives and partners, and it extends coverage to victims who live within 1,000 feet of the tenant's home or who were killed in a violent act. The legislation also allows tenants to request a temporary relocation from their rental unit if they have suffered physical or mental injury due to a violent crime, provided they submit specific documentation such as a restraining order, a police report, or a medical letter. Additionally, the bill reduces the time a landlord has to respond to such requests from 180 days to 120 days and clarifies the types of evidence tenants must provide to support their claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a dedicated nomination committee to oversee the selection process. The Governor will appoint the poet laureate from a shortlist of candidates provided by the committee, which includes representatives from state arts and education agencies. The appointed poet will serve a two-year term without pay but will receive reimbursement for travel expenses while performing official duties such as reading poems at the governor's inauguration and legislative sessions. The legislation also establishes a specific committee structure to determine candidate qualifications and submit up to three finalists for the Governor's consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 657 aims to increase transparency in real estate agreements and ban unfair service contracts between property owners and agents. The bill requires clearer terms in these agreements to ensure both parties understand their rights and obligations. It also establishes penalties for those who violate these new rules. This legislation directly impacts homeowners, renters, and real estate professionals by setting stricter standards for how services are offered and documented.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Right to Counsel Program within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction or housing discrimination. The program will fund designated nonprofit organizations to offer direct legal services to eligible individuals, defined as renters earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level or those receiving medical assistance. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Tenant Right to Counsel Task Force to oversee the initiative and report on its progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 24 through 28, 2024, as "Union Organizing Week" in Pennsylvania to honor workers who advocate for their right to organize. The resolution includes language acknowledging the contributions of union negotiators and diverse workers, including veterans, to the state's economy and communities. It also expresses the view that employers and unions should collaborate for mutual success and recognizes the dedication of those seeking fair treatment at the workplace.

Maddy summaryHB 2370 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update regulations for public schools and charter schools, with specific new rules on advertising and funding. The bill requires public schools to clearly state that any advertised costs for tuition or technology are paid by taxpayers and prohibits schools from using taxpayer money to sponsor public events. It also establishes reporting requirements for school advertising expenditures and expands definitions related to charter school management and enrollment. Additionally, the legislation modifies how student-weighted basic education funding is calculated and introduces new accountability grants for the state.

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.