Rep. Marla Brown

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify rules for primary elections, specifically regarding who can vote and how unaffiliated voters participate. It establishes that only voters registered with a political party can normally vote in that party's primary or hold party offices, while also creating a new process for unenrolled electors to temporarily join a party to cast a single primary ballot. The legislation defines "unenrolled electors," outlines procedures for them to select a party at the polls, and updates requirements for absentee and mail-in voting applications. Additionally, it clarifies how election returns are computed and certified by county boards and adjusts penalties for election officers who improperly deny a voter access to their preferred party's primary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals licensed in Pennsylvania to report the number of admissions and emergency visits made by individuals defined as illegal migrants. Hospitals must submit these figures annually to the state Department of Health, which will then publish a public report detailing the total costs of uncompensated care and its impact on hospital funding. The compiled data will also be shared with state legislative leaders and committee chairs to inform policy discussions. Ultimately, the legislation aims to increase transparency regarding the financial burden of providing care to undocumented immigrants within the state's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the President of the United States to approve the proposed sale of United States Steel Corporation to the Japanese company Nippon Steel. The bill highlights arguments in favor of the deal, citing projected economic benefits for Pennsylvania such as job retention, tax revenue, and billions in planned investments. It also notes that U.S. Steel stockholders have overwhelmingly supported the merger and emphasizes the strategic alliance between the United States and Japan. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a formal statement of support from the Pennsylvania legislature rather than a law that directly changes policy.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates vehicle laws to clarify that driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants in other states are invalid within the state. It requires all drivers to carry their license when requested by law enforcement and establishes specific penalties for driving without a valid license, including higher fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders. Additionally, the legislation introduces new criminal charges for causing homicide or aggravated assault while operating a vehicle, with enhanced penalties if the driver is under the influence. The bill also expands the types of vehicles subject to impoundment for unpaid fines and clarifies which nonresidents are exempt from needing a Pennsylvania license.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Pennsylvania's meat packing and food preparation industries to verify the work authorization status of their employees using the federal E-Verify system. It specifically targets businesses with 100 or more workers at a single facility and mandates that staffing agencies supplying workers to these industries also comply with verification rules. Under the law, employers must keep records of these verifications for the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer. The Department of Labor and Industry will be empowered to investigate complaints, inspect business records, and enforce penalties against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayers' Bill of Rights to require the Department of Revenue to automatically remove interest and penalties caused by the department's own errors or delays. It also mandates that property liens be removed within 24 hours if the debt is paid, if removing the lien helps collect the debt, or if a payment plan is in place. Additionally, the law requires the department to publish technical memoranda and advisory opinions on its website and to respond to taxpayer requests for legal guidance within 90 days. These changes aim to increase transparency and speed up administrative processes for taxpayers dealing with the state tax authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania to offer an alternative to mandatory in-person safety training for employees who teach students remotely. Specifically, it permits these schools to waive the requirement for staff to attend physical training sessions if their work is conducted exclusively online. The change applies to school staff who are not physically located within the state and provides flexibility in how safety education is delivered. The new provisions will become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates legal definitions in Pennsylvania to explicitly include unborn children as "persons" under state crime statutes and defines an individual as a human being from fertilization until live birth for death-related legal actions. By amending the definitions in the Crimes and Offenses and Judiciary titles, the legislation ensures that laws protecting persons and addressing death apply to fetuses from the earliest stage of development. The changes clarify the scope of legal protections available to unborn children without altering the substantive rights or procedures currently in place.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates money from the State Lottery Fund to the Department of Aging in Pennsylvania for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The specific funding supports programs like PennCARE, which provide services such as community care, protective services, and counseling for older adults and other seniors. It adds to existing state appropriations and takes effect immediately to cover expenses starting July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's parole laws to establish specific rules for denying release to inmates who commit new crimes while already in prison. It defines "violent offenses" and "obstruction of justice offenses" by listing specific crimes such as murder, rape, and witness intimidation. Under the new provisions, the Board of Probation and Parole cannot grant parole to individuals convicted of a violent crime committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 24 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. Similarly, parole is barred for those convicted of obstruction of justice offenses committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 12 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. These restrictions apply only to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date.