Rep. Aaron Bernstine

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to update the required contents of local subdivision and land development ordinances. Specifically, it allows municipalities to permit new residential homes that replace demolished one- or two-family dwellings to follow the setback rules of the original structure if the new building is substantially similar in use and design. The change applies to cities, boroughs, towns, and townships across the state and requires local governments to provide these specific setback standards to building permit applicants. The legislation becomes effective 60 days after its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude certain pet adoption fees from sales and use tax. It directly affects nonprofit corporations that act as releasing agencies for dogs under the state's Dog Law. To qualify for this tax exemption, the adoption fees charged by these organizations must not exceed the actual expenses incurred for caring for the animal. The change is set to take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

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, known as the Social Media Anti-Censorship Act, requires large social media platforms with over 50 million U.S. users to create clear rules for content moderation and provide users with ways to challenge content removals. It mandates that platforms publish their acceptable use policies in accessible locations and immediately notify users when their posts are taken down, along with offering an appeal process that must be resolved within 14 days. Additionally, the law requires these platforms to release biannual transparency reports detailing how many times they removed or restricted content, who reported the violations, and how many appeals were successful. The act specifically protects journalists and public officials by requiring platforms to track and report instances where their content was targeted for removal.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require the state to create a public comparison tool for institutions of higher education. The new tool will allow users to view and compare specific financial data, including the endowment amounts of different colleges and universities. By mandating this online resource, the legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in how higher education institutions manage their funds. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of State Route 3037 in Sewickley Township as the PFC Earl "Butch" Long Memorial Highway to honor a local soldier who died during the Vietnam War. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying this new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act also includes a section detailing the life and military service of Private First Class Long, who was killed in action in 1967 and is buried in Westmoreland County. This measure is a commemorative resolution that does not alter traffic laws or funding but serves to recognize the individual's sacrifice through official naming.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public school districts to mail financial reports to local property taxpayers. Starting with the 2023-2024 school year, districts must send a notice by first-class mail to every resident taxpayer in their area. The notice will include financial data that is also available on the state education department's website. This change aims to ensure taxpayers receive direct information about their school district's finances without needing to search online.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to refine how pharmacy audits and fees are handled. It clarifies that certain insurance supplements are excluded from specific terms and changes the notice period for additional fees from the time of claim adjudication to thirty days before the fees are applied. The legislation also updates definitions to refer to "generic" drugs instead of "general" ones and expands the scope of federal employee benefit protections. Additionally, it adjusts reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and the state agency overseeing these audits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's existing law to strengthen legal protections for individuals who donate food to charitable or religious organizations. It clarifies that donors are immune from civil or criminal liability if they donate food in good faith after a reasonable inspection confirms it is safe to eat. However, this immunity does not apply if the donor was negligent, reckless, intentionally harmful, or knew the food was contaminated. The legislation also explicitly covers donations of food that is not easily sold due to appearance, age, or expiration dates, while maintaining the government's right to regulate such food.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates the week of July 15 through 24, 2024, as "Butler County Can-Am Games Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure honors first responders by recognizing the upcoming Can-Am Police-Fire Games, a competition that brings together emergency personnel from across North America. It specifically acknowledges Butler County's role as the host location for these events, which have not been held on the East Coast in over 40 years.