Rep. Barry Jozwiak

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's laws on obstructing governmental operations by updating the definition of resisting arrest. It classifies the act as a second-degree misdemeanor when someone intentionally creates a risk of bodily injury to a public servant or uses force to overcome resistance during a lawful arrest or duty. The legislation directly affects individuals who confront law enforcement officers and aims to clarify the specific actions that constitute this offense. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow medically retired service members to receive both their retirement pay and VA disability benefits simultaneously. Currently, the law reduces retirement pay by the amount of disability compensation received, a restriction that affects an estimated 50,000 veterans who retired due to service-related injuries. The bill aims to eliminate this offset so that all medically retired personnel can access their full financial entitlements without penalty. The resolution is a symbolic call to action rather than a law itself, directing Pennsylvania lawmakers to lobby federal legislators for this policy change.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates June 2024 as "Dairy Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize the state's dairy industry. The measure highlights the economic importance of dairy farming, noting that it supports over 47,000 jobs and generates billions in annual activity. While the resolution does not create new laws or regulations, it aims to raise awareness about the industry and encourage the purchase of locally produced dairy products.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to transfer a specific parcel of land and its improvements in Oil City to the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism, a local nonprofit. The property, which is part of the former Venango Campus of Pennsylvania Western University, will be conveyed for a symbolic sum of one dollar under an agreement of sale approved by the Governor and the state higher education system. The legislation includes a detailed legal description of the land boundaries and explicitly excludes a smaller adjacent plot that was previously sold to another company. This action effectively changes ownership of the site from the state to the nonprofit organization for potential future use.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "establishment" under Pennsylvania's human trafficking laws to include various venues such as hotels, motels, truck stops, and transportation hubs. It mandates that owners and managers of public lodging establishments provide human trafficking awareness training to their employees within 90 days of hiring or the bill's effective date, with specific content on identifying victims and reporting signs of exploitation. The legislation also requires these businesses to maintain records of employee training for two years and submit proposed training materials to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval. Additionally, the bill introduces enforcement mechanisms, including administrative and criminal penalties for violations, while allowing for affirmative defenses if an establishment can prove it took reasonable steps to prevent trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions of daily, monthly, and weekly drawings under Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, which governs licensed charitable gaming organizations. It clarifies that chances for these games cannot be sold for more than $10 and limits participants to one chance per drawing, while also allowing winners to be selected using random number generators or state lottery methods. The changes apply to eligible groups that run these games and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 2024 as MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare genetic condition that primarily affects boys. The bill aims to increase public understanding of the disorder's symptoms, which include severe gastrointestinal issues, frequent respiratory infections, and treatment-resistant seizures, while also noting its strong link to autism. By officially recognizing this month, the legislation seeks to draw attention to the challenges faced by affected families and the ongoing research into potential future treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law to establish fee waivers for obtaining certified copies of birth and death records. It directly affects active duty military personnel, veterans, their spouses, dependents, funeral homes, and legal representatives of deceased service members. The key provision allows these specific groups to receive their first ten certified copies of a record for free each year, while also clarifying definitions for terms like "veteran" and outlining specific conditions for who qualifies for the waiver.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates the week of May 12 through 18, 2024, as "Food Allergy Awareness Week" to highlight the prevalence and risks of food allergies. The bill does not alter laws or allocate funding but serves to draw public attention to the nine major food allergens and the challenges faced by millions of Americans. It was referred to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee but was subsequently laid on the table, meaning it did not proceed to a vote.

Maddy summaryHB 2444 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update definitions and rules for games of chance, specifically allowing for new types of electronic pull-tab systems and games. The bill clarifies what constitutes an electronic pull-tab device and game, explicitly prohibiting them from simulating casino-style games like slots or blackjack, while also defining other game formats such as event games and progressive pull-tab games. It establishes new prize limits, setting a general maximum of $10,000 per individual prize and a separate limit of $20,000 for jackpots in progressive or subset pull-tab games. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter regulations on distributor licenses and manufacturer registration, requires licensed organizations to undergo audits by the Auditor General, and outlines penalties for license revocation.