Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and creates a dedicated fund to cover its administrative costs. It assigns the Department of Community and Economic Development the responsibility of managing the commission and appointing its members, including six individuals selected by the Governor. The legislation also introduces the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program and includes minor corrections to the text, such as fixing spelling errors and updating section numbering.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definition of "income" within Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to determine eligibility for pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly. It explicitly includes various sources of money like pensions, Social Security benefits, and interest, while excluding items such as surplus food, savings bond principal, and veterans' benefits. By clarifying what counts as income, the law helps officials accurately assess which seniors qualify for lottery-funded prescription drug aid. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, or later if that date is not reached.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to notify parents when a student is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It mandates that schools provide education about the condition and ensures parents are informed of any medical treatments or care plans involving their child. The legislation also clarifies that these requirements apply to both public and nonpublic schools, including those that operate health units. By making these changes, the law aims to improve communication between schools and families regarding diabetes management.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's budget rules by requiring the state to submit a seven-year financial plan to the General Assembly. The new requirement mandates that the budget include actual spending from the previous year, current available funds, the proposed budget for the next year, and estimated accounts for the following four years. This change directly affects how the executive branch prepares and presents financial information to lawmakers. The law will become active 60 days after it is signed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to strengthen rules against deceptive automatic renewal policies. It requires businesses to clearly disclose future pricing changes and deadlines for cancellation in bold text, while also prohibiting the intentional misrepresentation of renewal terms. The law expands its scope to cover entities regulated by federal agencies like the FCC and PUC, as well as those involved in natural gas and electric utility markets. Ultimately, these changes aim to ensure consumers receive transparent information when signing up for recurring services or subscriptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Architects Licensure Law to formally include interior designers under the same regulatory board as architects. It establishes clear definitions for both professions and creates a specific certification process for interior designers to provide interior design services. The legislation also outlines requirements for architectural firm registration, sets rules for professional examinations, and defines the board's powers regarding licensing and disciplinary actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create a new program offering tax credits for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of specific factory and mill buildings. To qualify, a building must be at least 75% vacant for two years, have been constructed before 1973, and undergo substantial repairs costing at least 20% of its market value. The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the certification process, working with municipalities to identify eligible structures and verifying that owners spend the funds strictly on approved improvements. Once a building is certified, businesses operating there can receive a business tax credit if they meet certain criteria, such as maintaining a workforce larger than the previous year. The legislation aims to revitalize older industrial sites by providing financial incentives for their repair and reuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the composition of the State Planning Board by replacing the previous appointment structure with a new system involving legislative leadership. Under the proposed changes, the board would include fifteen members appointed by the Governor, six ex officio members from various state departments, and four members appointed by the Senate and House leaders. The four legislative appointees would be selected by the Majority and Minority Leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, ensuring representation from different political parties. This amendment aims to reorganize how the board is formed to better reflect the interests of the state's legislative branches.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the management, structure, and finances of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The study will examine the association's financial records, including bank accounts and tax filings, and review its competition classification formula. It also requires the committee to protect privileged legal communications during the investigation and limits PIAA's cooperation costs to $25,000.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally recognizes November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day within the state. The measure highlights the significant number of veterans living in Pennsylvania and their contributions to the community and workforce. By passing this resolution, the legislature aims to honor the service and sacrifice of these individuals without creating any new laws or funding.