Rep. Barry Jozwiak

Maddy summaryThis bill updates legal definitions in Pennsylvania to explicitly include unborn children as "persons" under state crime statutes and defines an individual as a human being from fertilization until live birth for death-related legal actions. By amending the definitions in the Crimes and Offenses and Judiciary titles, the legislation ensures that laws protecting persons and addressing death apply to fetuses from the earliest stage of development. The changes clarify the scope of legal protections available to unborn children without altering the substantive rights or procedures currently in place.

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 bill requires minors under 18 in Pennsylvania to complete educational materials on distracted driving and work zone safety before they can take their driver's license exam. Additionally, the written test for a driver's license will include at least one question about safe driving in work zones, and the state driver's manual will be updated to cover this topic. These changes aim to ensure that new drivers, particularly young ones, have specific knowledge about hazards in construction areas and while using electronic devices before they are licensed.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 18, 2024, as "Willie Thrower Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the legacy of Willie Lee Thrower, Sr. The resolution recognizes Thrower as the first African-American quarterback to take a snap in modern NFL history and acknowledges his achievements, including winning a national championship with Michigan State. It follows a similar designation made in 2023 for New Kensington and builds on existing tributes like historical markers and statues already present in the state. The measure is a commemorative action that does not create new laws or funding but serves to officially celebrate Thrower's contributions to sports.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 29, 2024, as "VFW Day" to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The measure commemorates the date the VFW was founded in 1899 and acknowledges the group's history of advocating for veterans' rights and benefits. It encourages all Pennsylvanians to recognize and support the VFW and its members for their service to veterans and the community.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2024 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" to honor Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to herbicides during their service. The measure highlights the health risks faced by these veterans, including those who served on ships in offshore waters, and acknowledges federal laws that presume certain diseases are linked to Agent Orange exposure. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges these veterans face regarding cancer and other conditions caused by chemical exposure.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows minors who are family members of active-duty military personnel to receive credit for driving experience gained in other states when applying for a Pennsylvania driver's license. Specifically, it permits these minors to count the time they held a learner's permit and the hours of practical driving completed elsewhere toward the state's requirements, provided they now live with the service member in Pennsylvania. The law applies to minors under 18 seeking a junior driver's license, including those wanting to operate a motorcycle. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the membership rules for Pennsylvania's State Veterans' Commission to ensure broader representation of different veteran groups. It mandates that the commission include representatives from sixteen specific national veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion and VFW, along with four members appointed by the Governor who must be female or Vietnam-era veterans. The legislation also clarifies the roles of state-level leaders from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars as nonvoting members. These changes aim to modernize the commission's composition while maintaining its existing structure under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 2024 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the importance of early detection and screening for men, noting that the disease primarily affects older males and can be asymptomatic for years. While the primary function is symbolic, the bill also includes a provision urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would mandate health insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to establish a long-term system for managing infectious diseases, particularly within care facilities like nursing homes and assisted living residences. It mandates the Governor to select a private organization via competitive bid to manage a statewide stockpile of personal protective equipment, such as masks and gowns, which must be stored in four regional locations. The selected organization is required to contract with manufacturers that are based in Pennsylvania and to maintain a stockpile that matches or exceeds the previous year's purchases, up to a maximum of four times the prior volume. Additionally, the bill defines specific roles, including an infectious disease coordinator for each facility, and sets up an advisory commission to oversee emergency responses.