Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution officially designates September 2024 as Alopecia Areata Awareness Month to highlight the condition affecting millions of people with autoimmune-related hair loss. The measure does not alter laws or funding but serves to raise public awareness about the disease's various forms, its impact on patients' emotional well-being, and ongoing research efforts. By encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn more about the condition, the bill aims to reduce stigma and support community events dedicated to the cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to establish a formal registration system for physicians who recommend medical cannabis. Under the new rules, the Department of Health can place conditions on a doctor's registration, such as probation, limits on how many patients they can certify, mandatory supervision by another doctor, or specific reporting requirements. To be eligible for registration, a physician must not have been convicted of a felony related to controlled substances in the five years prior to applying. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

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 resolution officially designates October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and impact of domestic violence. It aims to educate the public about the issue and encourage victims to seek available support services and report abuse to law enforcement. The bill does not change any laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to distribute revenue collected from oil and gas leases on publicly owned streambeds directly to the counties where those streambeds are located. For money earned between January 1, 2014, and the bill's effective date, the department must calculate the total amount and send it as a single lump-sum payment to each affected county. Any revenue collected after the bill takes effect will be distributed to the respective county on an ongoing basis. The law requires that these funds be used exclusively for the maintenance of creeks and streams within the receiving county, with the specific allocation decisions left to county discretion.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to update rules for emergency permits related to stream clearing. It specifically allows state agencies and local governments to request emergency permits for maintenance activities around water obstructions when a disaster declaration is in effect. Under the new provision, these permits would authorize clearing work for a minimum distance of 250 feet from the water obstruction. The law applies to any emergency permit issued under state law and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's parole laws to establish specific rules for denying release to inmates who commit new crimes while already in prison. It defines "violent offenses" and "obstruction of justice offenses" by listing specific crimes such as murder, rape, and witness intimidation. Under the new provisions, the Board of Probation and Parole cannot grant parole to individuals convicted of a violent crime committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 24 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. Similarly, parole is barred for those convicted of obstruction of justice offenses committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 12 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. These restrictions apply only to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryAlina's Law establishes a new Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide grants to county district attorneys' offices. These funds are intended to support the creation and distribution of educational materials, crisis hotlines, safe shelters, and other resources for victims of domestic violence. The bill also introduces a specific type of electronic monitoring device that allows authorities to track a defendant's location via GPS while enforcing protection orders, ensuring the device cannot be removed without alerting police. Additionally, the legislation creates a dedicated fund to finance these initiatives and requires the commission to develop application processes and report on the program's activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to establish a clearer process for filling vacancies on township boards of supervisors. It creates a "vacancy board" made up of the current supervisors and one registered elector appointed by them to fill empty seats within fifteen days if the supervisors do not act. If the vacancy board cannot fill a position or if most supervisor seats are empty, the bill allows the remaining board members or residents to petition a court to appoint a replacement. The changes are designed to ensure that township leadership positions are filled promptly without requiring a full election for every opening.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Uniform Parcel Identifier Law to establish a clear fee structure for counties that create uniform land identification systems. It requires local officials to charge a flat fee for each parcel identifier assigned and limits the total cost for recording any single document to $10,000, regardless of how many parcels are involved. The changes apply to counties that have already enacted ordinances to set up these modern land record systems to help with property transfers and tax assessments. The new fee rules will take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.