Sen. Maria Collett

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Pennsylvania public schools award academic credit for students who work at congregate care facilities. It lowers the required number of work hours from 350 to 250 and allows schools to use existing programs to manage these credits instead of creating new ones. The law also clarifies that schools must approve each student's application and ensure all requirements are met before granting the credit. Additionally, the bill updates terminology to refer to "school districts" rather than "public schools" in specific sections.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to create local solar programs that allow customers to purchase electricity generated by nearby solar facilities. Under the new rules, third-party developers must build and maintain these solar projects, which are then sold to residential and small business customers through a competitive selection process. The legislation specifically ensures that low-income customers can participate in these renewable energy programs without losing their existing financial assistance benefits. Additionally, the bill mandates that utility commissions oversee these programs and prohibits companies from charging sign-up fees or passing on costs for unused solar energy to ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Program, a state-run cap-and-invest system designed to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants while generating revenue for the state. The program will require electricity generators with a capacity of 25 megawatts or more to purchase emission allowances at auctions, with proceeds directed into specific funds for energy transformation, workforce development, and low-income support. Key provisions include strict oversight by the Department of Environmental Protection, an independent audit of each auction to prevent market manipulation, and a ban on Pennsylvania's participation in other regional carbon markets once this program is active. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the state review the emission budget to ensure it balances environmental goals with impacts on jobs, consumer costs, and vulnerable communities.

Maddy summarySB 1190 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update the law's name and refine its definitions of renewable energy sources. The bill expands the list of qualifying energy types to include advanced nuclear reactors, fuel cells, and specific forms of waste coal and coal mine methane, while also clarifying rules for low-impact hydropower and biogas. It introduces new provisions for zero emission credits, establishes force majeure clauses to handle unforeseen events, and outlines interagency responsibilities for enforcing health and safety standards. Electric utilities and alternative energy systems will be directly affected by these changes, which aim to modernize compliance requirements and broaden the scope of eligible energy generation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 26, 2024, as "Fourth Trimester Care Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the health needs of new mothers during the first three months after childbirth. The bill highlights that current healthcare often focuses solely on pregnancy and birth, leaving many postpartum physical and mental health issues, such as depression and recovery complications, unaddressed. By officially recognizing this period, the measure aims to encourage better support for mothers transitioning into parenthood without changing any existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to increase the state minimum wage to $20 per hour starting July 1, 2024, and establishes a mechanism for automatic adjustments every five years based on the Consumer Price Index. It clarifies how tips and gratuities are handled by requiring employers to pay tipped workers a base wage of at least 70% of the standard minimum wage and prohibiting employers from taking credit card processing fees out of the full gratuity amount given to employees. The legislation also grants the Department of Labor and Industry broader authority to create regulations and enforce compliance, while explicitly stating that the state law preempts any conflicting local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes May 2024 as "Older Americans Month" within the Pennsylvania Senate. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the contributions of older adults and highlight the theme of social connection. The text acknowledges the national Older Americans Act and encourages community engagement, such as sharing stories and organizing inclusive events, to support seniors. As a commemorative measure, its primary effect is to raise awareness about aging issues rather than to implement concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public and medical understanding of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that can affect people taking certain long-term medications for mental health or gastrointestinal issues. The resolution encourages individuals experiencing involuntary muscle movements to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation. This measure focuses on raising awareness rather than changing laws or funding specific programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding but instead serves to raise public awareness about prevention, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. By formally recognizing the month, the Senate aims to encourage residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek timely medical care.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 8, 2024, as "School Nurse Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the work of school nurses. It directly affects school nurses, students, families, and the broader community by formally recognizing their role in student health and academic success. The resolution acknowledges the contributions of these professionals in keeping schools safe and supporting student well-being, but it does not create new laws or change existing policies.