Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health to create a program for maintaining an emergency stockpile of medical supplies, such as vaccines, drugs, and protective equipment, to be used during declared disasters. To manage this stockpile, the department must hire a private third-party contractor with at least three years of federal experience and the capacity to handle over one million square feet of warehouse space. The selected contractor will be responsible for procuring supplies, ensuring they are stored in proper conditions, tracking inventory in real-time, and managing the rotation of items before they expire. The legislation also requires the department to notify state legislative leaders once a contract is awarded to administer this new emergency preparedness program.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to better handle child custody issues when a parent is deployed for military service. It repeals older rules that restricted custody changes during deployment and replaces them with the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act. Under the new provisions, courts can temporarily assign custody to family members if a deployed parent requests it, provided this arrangement does not exceed the original custody rights and serves the child's best interest. Additionally, the law ensures that a parent's absence due to deployment cannot be used as a reason to change custody or that their absence is not considered when deciding what is best for the child.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify that multipurpose agricultural vehicles do not require registration if they are used exclusively on farms owned or operated by the same person. Specifically, it allows these vehicles to travel between different parts of a single farm or between two farms located within ten miles of each other without needing to be registered. The change aims to simplify administrative requirements for farmers who operate these types of vehicles within their own agricultural properties. The new rules will become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Public School Employees' Retirement Board and the State Employees' Retirement Board to livestream their public meetings and post unedited video and written records online for at least three years. It also clarifies that sensitive investment information, such as details about alternative investments, will remain confidential to protect financial interests but will eventually become public once the risk of competitive harm or negative impact on investment value no longer exists. Additionally, the legislation mandates that specific basic details about alternative investment vehicles, including the manager's identity and the amount of money committed, must always be accessible to the public. These changes aim to increase transparency in how the boards manage records and conduct business while safeguarding sensitive financial data.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to repeal the Pennsylvania Crime Commission Act, which would effectively dissolve the state's Crime Commission and end its operations. The legislation directly affects the commission's six-member board, its executive director, and any employees currently working under the commission's authority. By removing the law that established the commission, the bill eliminates the entity's powers to investigate organized crime and public corruption, as well as its ability to issue subpoenas and make formal reports. Consequently, the specific duties of inquiring into criminal activities and holding annual accountability to the Governor and General Assembly would cease to exist.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 19 through 25, 2024, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" to honor the contributions of EMS providers. The measure recognizes the vital role of first responders, paramedics, and other medical personnel in delivering lifesaving care and improving survival rates for those with sudden illnesses or injuries. By officially naming this period, the resolution aims to celebrate the specialized training and dedication of both career and volunteer emergency medical teams.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Franklin County as the Pvt. Clyde C. McVitty Memorial Bridge to honor a local soldier who served in World War II. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to place official signs bearing the new name on the bridge for drivers traveling in both directions. The act includes a brief history of Pvt. McVitty, noting his service with the 82nd Airborne Division and his death in action in Italy in 1944. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of U.S. Route 522 in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania, as the Special Agent Terry R. Anderson Memorial Highway to honor an FBI agent who died in the line of duty in 1966. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying this name along the roadway. It does not change traffic laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to recognize Special Agent Anderson's service and sacrifice.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes electric and natural gas suppliers in Pennsylvania to issue consolidated bills that combine charges for both retail energy services and the underlying distribution and transmission fees. By enabling suppliers to directly bill customers for all energy-related costs, the legislation aims to allow providers to create customized pricing plans, such as time-of-use rates or renewable energy options, based on data from smart meters. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of these new billing practices and enforcing penalties for non-compliance. While the bill outlines a policy to enhance competition and consumer choice, it does not mandate that all customers switch to these new billing methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Coalmont Borough, Huntingdon County, as the Private Samuel H. Thompson Memorial Bridge to honor a local World War II veteran. The legislation formally names the structure, which carries Pennsylvania Route 913 over Shoup Run, after Thompson, who was born in the area and died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines in 1942. Under the bill, the state Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.