Sen. Amanda Cappelletti

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's voter registration rules and expands access to absentee ballots for incarcerated individuals. It clarifies that people must be at least 18 years old, have been U.S. citizens for at least one month, and have lived in their specific district for 30 days before registering, while also removing a previous restriction that barred those with felony convictions from voting if they are currently in prison. The legislation requires government agencies to include these eligibility requirements on their voter registration forms and allows inmates in correctional facilities to request absentee ballots by sending a signed letter to their local election board. Additionally, the bill permits the use of electronic signatures and digital formats for voter registration applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow specific groups of people to vote by absentee ballot and to register without a traditional street address. It grants absentee voting rights to individuals confined in correctional institutions for misdemeanors, pretrial confinement, or non-conviction custody, while explicitly excluding those in mental health facilities or convicted of felonies. The legislation also permits homeless voters to register using geographic descriptions like maps or coordinates instead of a physical address. Additionally, it requires the Department of State to work with correctional facilities to provide election information, designate staff to assist inmates with voting, and report on voter participation data within prisons.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's LGBTQ+ community and mark the 55th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Inn demonstrations. The document highlights historical events within the state, such as early civil rights protests in Philadelphia and past executive orders recognizing LGBTQ+ equality, as reasons for this recognition. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new programs but serves to publicly acknowledge the contributions and struggles of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's eminent domain laws to require government agencies to provide property owners with at least 30 days of written notice before filing a condemnation declaration. The notice must include specific details about the proposed project, contact information for agency representatives, and an explanation of the legal process, including how just compensation is determined and how owners can challenge the taking. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies post this notice on their websites and at their main offices within 24 hours of issuing it to the property owner. These changes directly affect property owners, mortgage holders, and lienholders by ensuring they receive advance information and guidance before their property is taken for public use.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to impose stricter rules on pharmacy benefit managers and the pharmacies that work with them. The legislation prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to accept lower reimbursement rates to join their networks, banning retroactive money take-backs, and outlawing hidden fees or practices that steer patients toward specific pharmacies solely for cost savings. Additionally, it requires PBMs to respond to pharmacy network requests within 30 days, mandates quarterly reporting on drug rebates, and tasks a state department with regulating PBMs and ensuring pharmacies are reimbursed at least the cost of the drugs they dispense.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a State Advisory Board to guide the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The board will include members representing various groups, such as pediatric physicians and breastfeeding experts, to ensure diverse perspectives in their work. Its primary purpose is to increase awareness of breastfeeding services and improve access to WIC-authorized stores for program participants. By adding specific roles focused on nutrition and lactation support, the legislation aims to strengthen the program's ability to assist eligible families.

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 updates the rules for disabled veterans seeking a real estate tax exemption in Pennsylvania. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that applicants earning $75,000 or less annually need the tax break, while explicitly excluding federal disability benefits from their income calculation. Additionally, the law requires the state commission to automatically adjust this income threshold every two years based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 10, 2024, as "Delco Day" throughout Pennsylvania to recognize the annual charitable event held in Delaware County. The bill highlights the community's tradition of uniting to support local causes, specifically noting that this year's proceeds will benefit the HEADstrong Foundation to aid cancer patients and their families. Additionally, the text honors twelve notable individuals from the county who have made significant contributions in fields such as civil rights, entertainment, sports, and public service. By formally acknowledging these achievements and the annual fundraiser, the resolution serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of July 22 through 26, 2024, as "Construction Opioid Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the high rate of opioid-related deaths in the construction industry. The bill formally recognizes the vulnerability of construction workers to opioid abuse and encourages industry groups to promote awareness of the dangers associated with prescription drug misuse. During this designated week, various construction organizations are expected to facilitate discussions and events, such as drug take-back initiatives, to educate workers and address the epidemic. The measure serves as a commemorative designation rather than a law that imposes new regulations or mandates on businesses.