Rep. Jill Cooper

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Pennsylvania school districts and other educational institutions from purchasing or using biometric identifying technology for any purpose, including school security. It defines biometric technology as tools that verify identity through physical or behavioral characteristics like fingerprints, facial features, voice, or DNA. The law applies to all types of public and private schools within the state and takes effect 30 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's election laws to require that all voter registration applicants provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. It specifies acceptable documents, such as a valid passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with other supporting evidence, and mandates that election officials verify this information during the registration process. The legislation also establishes penalties for officials who fail to perform these duties and creates a legal pathway for individuals to sue if they believe their citizenship verification rights were violated. Additionally, it updates the rules for removing voter registration records, allowing for cancellation only when an elector is confirmed to be non-citizen or has moved away.

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 summaryHB 977 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to increase penalties for specific drug-related offenses. The bill classifies the possession or distribution of phencyclidine, methamphetamine, coca leaves, tianeptine, and large quantities of marijuana as felonies punishable by up to ten years in prison or a fine of $100,000. This change directly affects individuals involved in the manufacture, sale, or possession of these substances by ensuring they face stricter legal consequences. The legislation takes effect 60 days after its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania to offer an alternative to mandatory in-person safety training for employees who teach students remotely. Specifically, it permits these schools to waive the requirement for staff to attend physical training sessions if their work is conducted exclusively online. The change applies to school staff who are not physically located within the state and provides flexibility in how safety education is delivered. The new provisions will become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates money from the State Lottery Fund to the Department of Aging in Pennsylvania for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The specific funding supports programs like PennCARE, which provide services such as community care, protective services, and counseling for older adults and other seniors. It adds to existing state appropriations and takes effect immediately to cover expenses starting July 1, 2024.

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 bill is a resolution that officially recognizes August 17, 2024, as "International Geocaching Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or change government operations, but rather serves to acknowledge the date and promote geocaching as a safe, family-friendly outdoor activity. The text highlights the health benefits of the hobby and notes the presence of thousands of geocaching sites in Pennsylvania's state parks and forests.

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 summaryHB 2386 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to encourage school districts and intermediate units to form partnerships for sharing administrative tasks and instructional programs, such as professional services and student support. The bill authorizes these entities to jointly conduct feasibility studies to explore merging into a single district or combining individual schools within a district to improve efficiency. To facilitate these efforts, the legislation establishes a new grant program that provides funding for shared services and feasibility studies, while also outlining specific requirements for applications and reporting. Additionally, the bill repeals previous provisions that offered financial incentives specifically for administrative or instructional consolidation.