Rep. Rob Kauffman

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 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 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 authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to purchase or lease aircraft for official government use, with costs charged to the agencies or the General Assembly that utilize them. To ensure accountability, the legislation requires public officials to sign declarations confirming flights are exclusively for official business and prohibits lobbyists and their principals from riding on these planes. Additionally, the department must maintain a publicly accessible online log detailing trip purposes, such as event names and meeting attendees, while restricting out-of-state flights to emergency situations only.

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 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.