Sen. Nick Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to provide operating assistance for public transportation in Pennsylvania counties that are experiencing growth. Eligible recipients include transit agencies located in counties where either the total population or total employment has increased over the past five years. The program will split available funding evenly between these two categories, with amounts awarded based on each county's specific growth rate. To receive funds, applicants must already be recipients of existing state transportation grants and will be subject to standard program requirements without a new local matching fund mandate.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create a real estate transfer tax exemption for specific affordable housing transactions. It defines key terms such as "affordable housing," "low-income household," and "owner entity" to clarify which properties and entities qualify for the tax break. The legislation exempts transfers of real estate between housing authorities and owner entities when the property is used to provide affordable housing, provided the transfer includes a legally binding 20-year agreement to maintain that use. If the property is not used for affordable housing within the required timeframe, the exemption is automatically revoked. The changes apply to deeds, leases, and restrictive covenants involving these specific housing transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's trust laws to align with the Uniform Trust Code, affecting individuals who create trusts, manage them as trustees, or benefit from them. It introduces new definitions for key concepts like "breach of trust" and clarifies how trust terms interact with state laws, including rules on which state's laws apply and where a trust is legally located. The legislation also expands options for resolving trust disputes without going to court, allows for trusts that direct trustees on specific actions, and provides clearer procedures for appointing successors and settling accounts. Additionally, it updates provisions regarding charitable trusts, animal care trusts, and the powers and duties of trustees to better reflect modern trust administration practices.

Maddy summarySB 1093 creates the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program, a pilot initiative designed to help first-time homebuyers in Pennsylvania by providing financial assistance for student loans. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will manage this program, offering grants of up to $40,000 to individuals who purchase a primary residence and have not previously owned a home in the state. To qualify, applicants must agree to live in their new home for at least three years and have a household income under $200,000, with grant amounts capped at the size of their student loan debt or 15% of the home's purchase price. The bill also requires the agency to publish detailed annual reports on the program's usage and outcomes while allowing for reasonable administrative fees to cover implementation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Consumer Data Privacy Act to protect the personal information of Pennsylvania residents by setting specific rules for businesses that collect and use consumer data. It defines who must comply as "controllers," which are companies doing business in the state with over $10 million in annual revenue, those selling consumer data for half their income, or those handling data from at least 50,000 consumers. The law requires these companies to obtain clear, affirmative consent from individuals before processing their data and prohibits deceptive design tactics known as dark patterns that trick users into sharing information. Additionally, the act outlines strict penalties for violations and grants consumers the right to know how their data is used, particularly in high-risk situations like targeted advertising or automated decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to require all members of public housing authorities to complete a mandatory training program. The Department of Community and Economic Development will create and provide this free training, which covers topics such as fair housing laws, budgeting, board governance, building maintenance, and ethics. New members must finish the course within 180 days of starting their term, while current members must complete it within 180 days of the bill's effective date. Authorities are permitted to remove any member who fails to complete the required training, and the department may contract with third parties to deliver the instruction.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates July 2, 2024, as the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill does not change any laws or affect public policy; instead, it formally acknowledges the historical significance of the legislation that ended legal segregation and prohibited discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and voting. By passing this resolution, the Senate recognizes the Act's role as a landmark achievement in American history without altering its existing provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update teacher certification requirements, specifically creating new pathways for career and technical education instructors. Under the new rules, individuals can qualify for teaching certificates by demonstrating extensive work experience, such as four years in a trade, or by combining two years of experience with a bachelor's degree. The legislation also establishes specific criteria for instructors with backgrounds as volunteer firefighters or emergency medical technicians, allowing them to teach related occupational skills if they have four years of service. Additionally, the bill modifies funding formulas for student-weighted basic education and adjusts provisions related to school safety, higher education, and library aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the state's laws governing electronic funds transfers and payroll card accounts to include specific consumer protections. It directly affects financial institutions and employers who use these systems to pay employees, requiring them to adhere to new safety and transparency standards. The legislation also modifies a reference in an existing 1975 law to align with current legal requirements for electronic payments. By clarifying rules for how money is moved electronically, the bill aims to ensure that digital payment methods are secure and reliable for workers.

Maddy summarySB 1171 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow trained nonmedical school employees to voluntarily administer emergency anti-seizure medication to students with epilepsy when a licensed nurse is not present. The bill requires that this participation be entirely voluntary, ensuring schools cannot force staff to provide medical assistance, and mandates that training be provided by licensed health care professionals. Additionally, the legislation outlines a process where parents can request these services, prompting schools to inform families about their rights to create a 504 plan or individualized education program to address the student's unique needs. By defining specific medications and establishing clear guidelines for training and consent, the measure aims to ensure the safety of students with seizures while respecting the professional boundaries of school staff.