Rep. Dallas Kephart

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2024, as "Lineworker Appreciation Day" to honor the electrical workers in Pennsylvania who maintain the state's power grid. The resolution acknowledges the dangerous and essential work these lineworkers perform to ensure electricity is delivered reliably to homes and businesses. It does not create new laws or change regulations but serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill authorizes the Department of Corrections to issue electronic control gloves to corrections officers, with mandatory distribution required for officers working in units housing inmates who have received disciplinary sanctions and are segregated from the general population. The legislation mandates that the department create public written policies for the use, training, maintenance, and storage of these devices and requires all officers to complete an approved training course before receiving them. Additionally, the bill defines electronic control gloves as gloves with electrodes that emit less than 500 volts to temporarily immobilize or restrain individuals and requires their use to comply with existing state guidelines on law enforcement use of force.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of all permits issued by the Department of Environmental Protection. The review will examine the department's legal authority, track permit wait times and application methods, and compare state practices to identify areas for improvement. The committee must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the chairs of the relevant environmental committees within one year. This action is intended to assess the efficiency and clarity of the permitting process without changing any existing laws.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Bigler Township, Clearfield County, as the Sergeant John Harold Branic Memorial Bridge to honor a local Marine who died in World War II. It requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic in both directions. The legislation recognizes Sergeant Branic, the first Madera resident killed in the war, whose remains were identified decades after he was declared missing in action. The act takes effect 60 days after being passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's legal rules to clarify how courts should determine the intent behind state laws when the wording is unclear. It specifically instructs judges to consider official interpretations provided by the General Assembly and administrative agencies as evidence of legislative intent. By codifying this approach, the legislation aims to ensure that the original purpose of statutes is respected during legal disputes. The changes apply immediately to all future cases involving statutory interpretation in the state.