Sen. Patty Kim

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates May 2024 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month to highlight the condition known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The bill directly affects the state's House of Representatives and aims to increase public understanding of ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness and affects thousands of adults annually. By officially recognizing this month, the legislation seeks to acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and their families while promoting awareness of ongoing research efforts. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to foster community recognition of the disease.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called intimidation of health care workers in Pennsylvania to protect doctors, nurses, technicians, and hospital security officers from threats. It makes it illegal to knowingly make or send a threat intended to stop these workers from doing their jobs, with penalties starting as a fine and community service for first-time offenders and escalating to jail time for repeat violations. The law also requires hospitals to post notices about this offense at all public entrances, which must be done before anyone can be convicted unless they already knew about the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's mental health laws to require social media companies to take specific actions to protect minors, defined as individuals under 16 years of age. It mandates that platforms provide parents with notice when their child's account is flagged for sensitive content and requires explicit parental consent before a minor can open a new social media account. Additionally, the legislation imposes penalties on companies that fail to comply with these new oversight and data protection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish a system of copayments for families receiving subsidized child care. The primary mechanism involves setting weekly fees that vary based on a family's income, with the amount capped at a specific percentage of their annual earnings. Additionally, the legislation allows for reduced copayments for parents who work additional wage-earning hours beyond minimum requirements, provided they meet certain income and documentation standards. Families must have an annual income below a defined threshold to qualify for these subsidies, and the department retains the discretion to adjust fee structures and eligibility limits based on available funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Pennsylvania law dedicated to storm water management, aiming to address issues like flooding, erosion, and strain on public infrastructure caused by increased runoff from development. It defines key terms such as "impervious surface" and "storm water" to clarify what areas and water sources are covered under the new regulations. A significant provision allows municipal authorities to charge a reasonable storm water management fee to property owners, including those who own land for the Commonwealth, ensuring that tax-exempt entities also contribute to these costs. The legislation empowers local governments to better plan and mitigate the impacts of storm water while requiring coordination with state instrumentalities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state residents by encouraging them to learn about and celebrate the history and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The measure highlights specific historical events, such as the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant and the role of Chinese laborers in building the transcontinental railroad, to acknowledge the cultural significance of the month. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the diverse heritage present in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's consumer protection laws to ban businesses from charging extra fees or higher interest rates to customers who choose to pay by mail or receive paper statements. The measure directly affects consumers and financial institutions by prohibiting differential pricing based on the method of payment or billing delivery. While businesses remain allowed to offer discounts for choosing electronic options, they cannot penalize customers for preferring traditional mail or paper communications. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies sentencing guidelines and parole rules for specific murder cases in Pennsylvania, including the killing of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes new minimum prison terms for adult offenders, setting a floor of 50 years, and creates age-based minimums for juveniles, ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on their age at the time of the crime. Additionally, the legislation grants the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole the authority to consider parole for these individuals after serving their minimum sentences, provided they meet specific criteria regarding public safety and victim impact. A key provision requires the board to notify victims of the crime and offer them the chance to speak during parole hearings before a decision is made.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for selling and using high-PAH sealants, which are used in roofing and waterproofing projects, by setting a sales ban effective January 1, 2025, and an application ban starting January 1, 2026. It allows local governments to create their own laws to enforce these restrictions, provided they are at least as strict as a model ordinance that the state Department of Environmental Protection will draft. The bill also changes how fines are handled, permitting municipalities to collect and keep penalties for violations of their local rules rather than sending them to the state department. Additionally, it establishes a Safer Sealant Fund to manage money collected from these penalties.