Rep. Barry Jozwiak

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of June 17 through 21, 2024, as "Apprenticeship Week" to highlight the importance of registered apprenticeship programs. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture recognizing the history and benefits of these training initiatives, which provide workers with on-the-job learning and mentorship while helping employers build a skilled workforce. By officially setting aside this specific time frame, the resolution aims to raise public awareness about apprenticeships as a pathway to high-paying jobs and career development.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's corporate tax code to clarify how businesses handle intangible expenses and interest costs when dealing with related companies. It establishes rules that generally disallow deductions for these specific costs in transactions between affiliated entities, but it also provides a credit to offset taxes paid by the related company on those same costs. The legislation includes exceptions for arm's length transactions, deals with foreign entities under specific tax treaties, and allows companies to choose how to calculate these adjustments. These changes apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2022, and directly affect corporations operating in Pennsylvania with related business entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from serving as school directors in Pennsylvania if they have unpaid school property taxes on their primary residence or business for two years or more. To enforce this rule, the legislation allows courts to challenge a candidate's eligibility or remove an elected official through specific legal procedures known as election objections and quo warranto. The law defines "delinquent" as a failure to pay these taxes for at least two years without any pending legal disputes over the debt. Once enacted, these restrictions will apply to both current candidates and anyone elected to the position after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to improve substance use overdose awareness by requiring the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to distribute educational posters in multiple languages. The department is authorized to cover the costs of printing and distributing these materials, which must be placed in conspicuous locations where permitted. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new grant program designed to support long-term recovery from substance use. These changes directly affect state agencies responsible for drug and alcohol prevention and the communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Crematory Regulation Act, establishes new safety standards for crematories in Pennsylvania that began construction after April 17, 1989. It requires these facilities to use an interlock system that prevents loading remains until the secondary chamber reaches and maintains a temperature of 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the law mandates that operators monitor incinerator temperatures during use and prohibits the state from requiring higher temperatures in general permits. The Department of Environmental Protection is tasked with adopting specific regulations to oversee these monitoring requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to require drivers to self-certify that they have the financial responsibility to cover damages before registering or renewing their vehicles. It establishes a new online system where drivers and law enforcement can verify proof of insurance digitally, allowing electronic cards to be shown to police during traffic stops. The legislation also mandates that insurance companies notify the Department of Transportation within ten days if a policy is canceled, while preventing immediate license suspensions until the department can confirm the driver's status through the new online verification tool.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to update the definition of child pornography by explicitly including artificially generated depictions of minors. It specifically targets images created using artificial intelligence or photo editing software that appear to show a child under 18 in prohibited sexual acts or in a sexually suggestive manner. The legislation clarifies that these digital creations are illegal even if no real child was physically involved in their production. This change directly affects individuals who possess, control, or view such manipulated visual materials. The law will take effect 60 days after it is signed into force.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Middletown Township, Bucks County, as the Lance Corporal John F. Muffler Memorial Bridge to honor a Marine who died in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act also includes background details about Muffler's life and service, noting his connection to the local marching band and his family's efforts to promote a memorial in Philadelphia.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges federal leaders to address improper payments of Critical Skill Incentives at the Department of Veterans Affairs. It highlights that the Office of Inspector General found nearly $11 million was incorrectly used to give bonuses to over 180 senior executives instead of supporting employees with high-demand skills. The document calls for swift corrective action to recover these funds and improve oversight to prevent future misuse of taxpayer money.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws on negligence to allow injured parties to recover damages even if they share some fault with the person who caused the injury, provided their fault is not greater than the defendant's. It requires courts to split the total damage award among all responsible parties based on their specific percentage of fault, rather than holding one defendant fully liable for the entire cost. However, the law still makes the defendant fully responsible for the total damages in specific situations, such as cases involving intentional harm, hazardous substance releases, or when the defendant is found to be at least 60% at fault. Additionally, the bill allows courts to consider the fault of people who are not currently part of the lawsuit, such as those who have already settled or are immune from suit, when calculating how much each defendant must pay.