Sen. Nick Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help public school districts provide annual mental health screenings for students in grades six through twelve. To receive funding, schools must apply by proposing specific evidence-based screening tools, outlining how they will use the money to hire staff or expand counseling services, and detailing an emergency plan for students who need immediate help. The program will begin in the 2025-2026 school year, and the department will assess each school district's readiness before selecting participants. Additionally, the bill requires the department to consult with national mental health organizations and establish a list of qualified vendors to support the screening process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update the rules for historic preservation incentive tax credits. It clarifies which businesses and organizations are eligible to claim these credits and expands the definition of qualified taxpayers to include tax-exempt entities. The legislation also adjusts the administrative process by setting a new annual funding limit of $50 million for tax credit certificates and establishing a tiered application fee that cannot exceed 5% of the requested amount or $2,000. These changes aim to streamline how the Department of Community and Economic Development processes applications for funds used to restore historic structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veterans Mental Health Services Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide mental health care for state veterans. The program is designed for eligible veterans who have either exhausted their federal benefits from the Veterans Administration or are currently in an acute mental health crisis. Under the new program, eligible veterans can receive up to five reimbursed therapy sessions per year from participating health care providers, with the option for additional sessions if deemed necessary and approved by the department. To qualify, veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and must provide identification and a declaration form confirming their eligibility status before receiving treatment. The department is also required to publish a list of participating providers online and submit annual reports detailing the number of participants, providers, and sessions provided to state legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Schools-to-Work Program by clarifying who can participate and who can run the program. It expands the definition of "adult learners" to include individuals over 18 who lack basic skills, do not have a high school diploma, need help returning to work, or require career training. The legislation also broadens the list of eligible program sponsors to include pre-apprenticeship entities, nonprofits, schools, and local workforce boards. Grants awarded under the program must support partnerships between schools and employers to create training pathways that offer internships, apprenticeships, and other learning opportunities. Recipients of these grants are required to report annually on how many participants entered the program, completed it, earned certifications, or moved into further education or employment. The changes to the program are set to expire in 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to establish a specific logo design for veteran-owned small businesses. It creates a new section within the military affairs statutes to define and regulate this official business logotype. The legislation also sets up a nonprofit membership association to manage the program and imposes penalties for non-compliance with the new requirements. These changes directly affect businesses owned by veterans and the organizations that support them.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to update requirements for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel who serve on hazardous materials teams. To qualify for a tax credit, these volunteers must now hold a specific HAZMAT Operations or Technician certificate and complete at least four training drills or exercises annually. The legislation also clarifies definitions and procedures for volunteer service credits, service records, and certifications under the state's emergency response programs.

Maddy summarySB 1244 modifies Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to require employees to pay a portion of unemployment insurance contributions for the first time. Under this change, five percent of wages earned between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2028, must be deposited into the Reemployment Fund if paid by December 31, 2028. This bill directly affects employers and employees by shifting some financial responsibility for unemployment benefits from solely employers to a shared arrangement. The legislation is designed to fund reemployment programs while maintaining the existing structure for employer contributions and other state funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's crop insurance laws to create a program that helps farmers and ranchers afford insurance and risk management tools. It directs the state Department of Agriculture to educate producers on these options and offer financial aid to cover part of their premium costs, provided funds are available. The legislation specifically adds a provision allowing the department to give money to dairy producers who join the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program to help with enrollment and coverage expenses. By defining agricultural commodities broadly and outlining new administrative duties, the bill aims to make these insurance programs more accessible to eligible Pennsylvania agricultural producers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a legal framework for comprehensive school counseling services across all public, private, parochial, and charter schools. It requires each school district and charter school to create a written plan that coordinates counseling activities to support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development from kindergarten through grade 12. The legislation mandates that school counselors spend at least 80% of their working time providing direct services, such as individual counseling and classroom instruction, as well as indirect services like consulting with parents and community agencies. Additionally, the plan must include specific strategies for guiding students through course selection, career planning, and social-emotional learning while ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Alicia's Law, creates a new task force within the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute internet-based sexual offenses against minors. It establishes a dedicated funding account to support these task forces, with money available only after legislative appropriation. Additionally, the law imposes a temporary $11.25 surcharge on certain judicial fees to generate revenue for the Judicial Department, which will expire in 2026.