Sen. Carolyn Comitta

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates November 2024 as "Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the state's existing immunity protections for individuals who call 911 during drug overdoses. The bill encourages all branches of state and local government to promote awareness of Act 139 of 2014, which allows people to seek emergency medical help without fear of facing criminal charges. By increasing public knowledge of this law, the measure aims to encourage more people to seek immediate assistance during medical emergencies, potentially saving lives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors all Pennsylvania veterans who have served during both war and peace on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. It encourages local communities across the state to participate in ceremonies recognizing the nearly 800,000 current residents who have served in the armed forces. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the membership of Pennsylvania's State Planning Board by increasing the number of appointed members and adding representatives from the state legislature. It establishes a board composed of fifteen members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the Senate President pro tempore, two members appointed by the House Speaker, and eight ex officio members who serve by virtue of their current state offices. The legislation also sets the term length for Governor-appointed members at four years and specifies that fourteen members must be present to conduct official business.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as "Diwali Day" in Pennsylvania. The legislation recognizes the festival as a day of thanksgiving and reflection celebrated by millions of people worldwide and within the state. While the date is formally acknowledged, the law explicitly clarifies that employers are not required to treat it as a paid legal holiday or provide special leave. The act takes effect immediately upon approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to clarify the definitions of "law enforcement agency" and "law enforcement officer" within the state's statutes on crimes and offenses. It specifies that a law enforcement agency is any agency in the Commonwealth that employs a law enforcement officer, while defining an officer as someone with the same legal status as a peace officer. These changes aim to ensure consistent terminology when applying laws related to false alarms and intimidation against public safety personnel. The update does not create new crimes but rather standardizes how existing legal terms are interpreted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's boating safety laws to clarify who needs to take a safety course and how the state manages that education. It specifically exempts people operating small motorboats of 25 horsepower or less, provided they are not personal watercraft. The legislation also directs the state commission to coordinate a statewide training program, issue safety certificates to those who pass the course, and set reasonable fees for the classes. These changes aim to make boating education more accessible while maintaining safety standards for operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes October 12, 2024, as "Period Action Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about period poverty and the challenges faced by menstruating individuals who cannot afford hygiene products. The resolution highlights the need to destigmatize menstruation and acknowledges the work of activists addressing access issues in schools and public facilities. While it does not change laws or allocate funds, it urges the state to pass legislation ensuring free access to period products for those in need.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of October 21 through 25, 2024, as "School Bus Safety Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure encourages motorists, parents, and students to follow traffic laws regarding school buses, such as stopping when red lights flash, and thanks school bus drivers for their work. It is a commemorative resolution that raises awareness about bus safety statistics and existing regulations rather than creating new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes October 2024 as National Sensory Processing Disorder Awareness Month within Pennsylvania. The measure aims to highlight the condition, which affects how the brain processes sensory information and can impact daily functioning, emotions, and learning for approximately one in twenty people. By officially designating the month, the resolution encourages parents, educators, and caregivers to increase public understanding of the disorder and its effects. The bill does not alter laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness during a time when the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to streamline how juvenile criminal records are sealed and removed from public view. It requires probation officers to automatically notify courts when a young person's record becomes eligible for expungement based on specific timeframes and good behavior. The law establishes clear waiting periods, such as two years for misdemeanor cases and five years for felony cases, after which records can be erased if the individual has not committed new offenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that fingerprints and photos be destroyed if a court finds a juvenile did not commit the alleged acts. These changes aim to simplify the process for clearing juvenile records while maintaining strict criteria to ensure public safety.