Sen. Amanda Cappelletti

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates August 2024 as "Civic Health Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the connection between voting and community well-being. The measure does not create new laws or change government procedures but serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage civic participation. It aims to raise awareness that engaging in elections can help shape policies related to health, housing, and transportation, which are critical for individual and community health.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 20, 2024, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Pennsylvania to honor soldiers who are prisoners of war or missing in action. The bill does not change any laws or require new actions from government agencies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices of these service members and their families. By setting aside a specific date for recognition, the measure aims to keep the memory of those unaccounted for from past conflicts alive within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Public Employer Disclosure Act, requires public employers in Pennsylvania to share specific personal and employment details about their workers with authorized employee representatives. The law mandates that employers provide information such as names, contact details, job titles, and salaries in an electronic format within 21 days of hiring a new employee and at least every 120 days thereafter. Additionally, the act requires public employers to make meeting space available to employee organizations upon request, allowing them to gather with staff on a quarterly basis. While the provided information can only be used for representation purposes, the bill allows collective bargaining agreements to demand even more frequent updates. If a public employer fails to comply with these requirements, employee organizations can seek court orders to enforce the rules and recover legal costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Public Utility Credit Act, which requires public utilities in Pennsylvania to report customer payment history to major credit agencies like Experian and Equifax. The law defines public utilities broadly to include providers of electricity, gas, water, transportation services, and telecommunications, while explicitly excluding certain entities like nonprofit cooperatives and internal building systems. To protect consumer privacy, the bill mandates that all customers have the option to opt in or opt out of having their utility payments reported to credit bureaus, with specific notification timelines for both new and existing accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to clarify rules for lease agreements and introduce a rent reporting program for larger residential properties. It maintains the requirement that leases lasting more than three years must be in writing, while allowing shorter leases to be created orally or in writing. Additionally, the bill establishes an opt-in system where landlords with fifteen or more units can share a tenant's on-time rent payment history with consumer reporting agencies like credit bureaus. Participation in this reporting program requires the tenant's affirmative consent, and landlords must provide written notice and a signed receipt to eligible tenants when entering into new leases.

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 law updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify how schools must support students who are children of National Guard or Reserve members. It ensures that these students receive the same educational protections as those covered under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, regardless of whether their parent is stationed in another state or within the Commonwealth. The bill defines key terms like "Compact student" and limits the new rules to actions taken by public schools located in Pennsylvania. By aligning state regulations with the national compact, the legislation provides a consistent framework for supporting military-connected children in public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to clarify the definition of activities that do not constitute the unauthorized practice of medicine. It specifically lists sports, athletic competitions, performing arts, recreational activities, and military exercises as examples of permissible non-medical engagements. By updating these definitions and removing outdated regulations, the law provides clearer guidance on what osteopathic physicians can do outside of clinical care without facing legal penalties. The changes directly affect osteopathic medical professionals and the regulatory bodies that oversee their practice.

Maddy summarySB 559 amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to update the legal definition of what constitutes "engaging in an activity associated" with medical practice. The bill specifically removes the phrase "engages in an activity associated" and replaces it with a list of five distinct categories, including individual or team sports, athletic competitions, performing arts, recreational activities, and military exercises. By clarifying these terms, the legislation aims to provide clearer boundaries for medical practitioners regarding their participation in non-medical events. This change also directs the state to revoke existing regulations that may conflict with these new definitions. Ultimately, the bill seeks to modernize the statute's language to better reflect current understandings of various extracurricular pursuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the State Safety Oversight Office in Pennsylvania to supervise the safety and security of fixed guideway public transportation systems, such as subways and light rail. The new office will review security and emergency plans, oversee safety certifications for new construction projects, and ensure these systems comply with federal and state laws without exceeding federal standards. To balance oversight with operational autonomy, the bill establishes a formal appeal process allowing transit systems to request hearings if they disagree with the office's decisions or enforcement actions. Additionally, the legislation clarifies liability rules, holding the state department responsible for damages caused by its personnel while preserving the transit systems' rights to sue contractors for damages.