Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide financial reimbursement grants to eligible farms and agribusinesses. The program specifically targets projects that utilize new technologies or methods to improve energy efficiency, water quality, production processes, biosecurity, and farm management systems. To oversee the initiative, the legislation creates a new Agriculture Innovation Board composed of representatives from government agencies, higher education, cooperatives, financial institutions, and the legislative branches. Eligible applicants include individuals with anticipated agricultural sales over $2,000 annually or processors with sales exceeding $10,000, as well as service providers and entities utilizing agricultural commodities for product creation.
Rep. Scott Conklin
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of July 2024 as "Parks and Recreation Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of public parks and recreational programs. It serves as a commemorative resolution that recognizes the benefits of outdoor spaces for community health, economic growth, and environmental resilience. The measure does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing regulations, but rather formally acknowledges the value of these resources in the state.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates July 19, 2024, as "Parks and Recreation Professionals Day" to honor the workers who maintain local parks and recreation facilities. The bill does not create new laws or change funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the contributions of these professionals to community health and environmental well-being. By adopting this designation, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives acknowledges the role of parks in promoting physical activity, mental wellness, and economic prosperity for residents.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2024 as "National Water Safety Month" within the state. The measure aims to highlight the importance of water safety education to prevent drownings and injuries among residents engaging in swimming and boating activities. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution encourages community awareness and aligns with existing efforts by national organizations to promote safety practices during the season.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2024 as "Military Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" to highlight the high suicide rates among veterans in the state. The measure aims to raise public consciousness about the issue by officially setting aside the month for recognition and support rather than implementing new laws or funding. It expresses support for ongoing federal and state efforts to assist veterans and their families while acknowledging the specific challenges they face.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Human Services department to apply for a federal waiver that would allow SNAP and WIC benefit recipients to use their funds to buy diapers or menstrual hygiene products. The legislation authorizes the department to adopt necessary rules once the USDA approves the waiver, ensuring the state can participate in this potential program change. It does not immediately change how benefits are used but establishes the legal framework to implement such a waiver if federal approval is granted.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state government agencies and officers by encouraging them to acknowledge the historical significance of LGBTQ+ contributions and the ongoing struggle for equality. The text cites specific local milestones, such as the 1965 sit-in at Dewey's lunch counter in Philadelphia and the establishment of early support organizations, to highlight the state's role in LGBTQ+ history. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable policies.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates April 2024 as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month to highlight the impact of the condition on approximately one million Americans. The measure formally acknowledges the disease's status as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes tremors, movement difficulties, and other symptoms while increasing the need for research and education. By urging residents to support cure efforts and assist affected families, the resolution aims to raise public awareness without changing any laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the services, processes, and wait times provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services in Pennsylvania. The investigation will examine how long individuals with visual impairments wait for essential support and analyze how these delays affect their lives and career prospects. Additionally, the study will look into ways to improve efficiency, such as exploring partnerships with outside agencies to reduce waiting lists. The committee is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 180 days.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill requires school districts to print a 24/7 accessible suicide prevention hotline number on student identification cards for grades six through twelve. It also mandates that school safety coordinators ensure the same hotline number is prominently displayed on school websites and in the offices of counselors, principals, and administrators. These changes aim to make mental health resources more visible and accessible to students and staff within the school environment.