Rep. Aaron Bernstine

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax laws by adjusting personal income tax rates and eliminating a specific tax on the gross receipts from the sale of electric energy. It requires electric utilities to pass the savings from these tax changes directly to consumers through reductions in state tax surcharges, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 for companies that fail to do so. Additionally, the legislation mandates that $6 million annually be transferred to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill also establishes a revenue-neutral reconciliation rule that will remain in effect until the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates May 2024 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month to highlight the condition known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The bill directly affects the state's House of Representatives and aims to increase public understanding of ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness and affects thousands of adults annually. By officially recognizing this month, the legislation seeks to acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and their families while promoting awareness of ongoing research efforts. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to foster community recognition of the disease.

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 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 is a resolution that designates the week of March 10 through 16, 2024, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. It directly affects residents of the state by encouraging them to participate in efforts to raise awareness about the neurological disease. The measure highlights the impact of multiple sclerosis on over 24,000 Pennsylvanians and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in funding research and supporting patients. By formally recognizing this specific week, the resolution aims to draw public attention to the condition and the ongoing fight for a cure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 28, 2024, as "Jim Thorpe Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the legacy of the multi-sport athlete. The bill recognizes Thorpe's achievements in football, baseball, and basketball, as well as his historic Olympic performances and his role in founding the National Football League. It serves as a commemorative measure that celebrates his life and contributions to sports without altering any laws or policies.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Milk Sanitation Law to explicitly permit permit holders to sell and manufacture dairy products labeled as containing raw milk. It achieves this by adding a new provision to the existing statute that overrides previous restrictions on such sales, while simultaneously removing a conflicting administrative regulation. The law applies directly to dairy producers and sellers who currently hold valid permits to sell milk in the state. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow students attending private schools to join extracurricular activities offered by their local public school districts, provided the private school does not offer the same activity and the student meets all participation requirements. The legislation directly affects private school families and public school districts by creating a pathway for these students to participate in sports and other school organizations. The key mechanism is a new provision in Section 511 of the code that establishes these eligibility rules without changing existing laws for public school students. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after it is signed into law.