Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to update definitions and policies regarding utility customer protection programs for residential electricity, natural gas, and water services. It clarifies who qualifies as a customer or applicant for assistance, establishes specific income thresholds for determining financial hardship, and expands the scope of these protections to include water and sewer authorities in second-class cities. The legislation also standardizes terms related to complaints, payment arrangements, and service termination to ensure consistent application across different utility types.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to strengthen protections for local ecosystems and wildlife by clarifying penalties for illegal activities. It specifically addresses the transport, sale, and release of nonnative fish that harm the environment, as well as the unauthorized importation of game animals and birds. Under the new rules, violating these restrictions generally results in a third-degree misdemeanor, though intentional or negligent violations involving endangered species could lead to a more serious first-degree misdemeanor charge. The legislation applies to individuals who import, sell, or release these animals and establishes that each animal involved in a violation counts as a separate offense. These changes are designed to deter the introduction of invasive species and the illegal trade of wildlife while taking effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies in Pennsylvania to create violence prevention committees to address workplace violence against employees. These committees must include a mix of management, union or elected non-union staff, and direct care workers who will conduct annual risk assessments, track incidents, and develop safety plans. The legislation also mandates that employees report violence within 24 hours, protects reporters from retaliation, and requires facilities to make risk reports public while maintaining records for at least three years. Health facilities that fail to comply with these new reporting and prevention duties face administrative fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify how public utilities value water and wastewater systems they purchase from other companies. It allows the buying utility to include the system's depreciated original cost in its rate calculations immediately after the deal closes or in its first rate filing. The law also requires that any difference between the new system's value and the seller's previous rate base be spread evenly over the next three rate cases. These changes directly affect public utility companies in Pennsylvania and the rates they charge customers for water and wastewater services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to set a strict six-month deadline for the Public Utility Commission to issue final decisions on applications regarding the valuation of water and wastewater systems acquired by public utilities. The change directly affects utility companies seeking to determine the value of these assets and the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the process. By removing the previous language that allowed for extensions, the legislation ensures a faster timeline for resolving these specific valuation cases. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for how Pennsylvania municipalities must sell their water and sewer systems to other public utilities. It requires the selling municipality to issue a formal request for proposals, advertise the sale in local newspapers, and provide residents with rate estimates from approved actuaries before a final decision is made. The acquiring utility must also notify its customers about the deal and any potential rate increases, while the state commission is mandated to hold at least two public hearings to review the transaction. These procedures aim to ensure transparency and protect consumers during the acquisition of public water and wastewater infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws by refining the specific factors judges must consider when deciding custody arrangements. It places a strong emphasis on evaluating the safety of the child, particularly regarding past abuse, the risk of future harm, and any attempts by a parent to turn the child against the other parent. The legislation also clarifies how courts should weigh a child's own preferences based on their maturity and assesses practical issues like parental work schedules, proximity of homes, and the ability to meet the child's daily needs. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance for courts in determining the best interests of the child during custody disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide owners and independent repair shops with the necessary documentation, parts, and tools for maintenance and repair on fair and reasonable terms. The legislation specifically expands the definition of covered equipment to include security and life safety systems such as fire alarms, medical alert devices, intrusion detection systems, and access control tools. Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from replacing batteries in residential smoke detectors, likely to ensure safety standards are maintained. These changes aim to facilitate independent repair options while addressing specific safety concerns related to critical home systems.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2024 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" to highlight the impact of the disease on young people and their families. The measure does not create new laws or alter funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness and honor those affected by childhood cancer. It encourages residents to support the cause and acknowledges the state's existing medical facilities and research contributions in the fight against the illness.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of September 23 through 29, 2024, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" to highlight the shortage of disposable diapers for children and incontinent adults. The measure aims to draw public attention to the financial burden families face, noting that many must cut back on essentials like food to afford these necessities. Additionally, the resolution formally recognizes the work of Pennsylvania's 10 diaper banks and encourages residents to support community organizations through donations and participation in diaper drives.