Sen. Tina Tartaglione

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program to establish youth courts within Pennsylvania schools as an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures like suspensions. The program will provide grants of up to $250,000 to eligible school districts, with priority given to those facing high suspension rates or limited resources, to help them set up these student-run tribunals. A new resource center will be formed to offer training and technical assistance, ensuring that all participants follow trauma-informed practices and restorative justice principles. The youth courts will be staffed by students under 21 who have undergone specific training to hear cases and impose restorative sanctions such as community service, mediation, or apologies rather than arrests. The initiative is designed to run for three school years while collecting data on how the program affects student behavior and civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "Hunger Action Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about food insecurity. It highlights that one in eight residents and one in six children face limited access to adequate food, a problem that affects both urban and rural areas. The measure encourages public and private entities, including businesses and community groups, to engage in efforts to support hunger relief organizations. By formally recognizing this month, the Senate aims to mobilize support for the 1.5 million Pennsylvanians who rely on food banks and pantries annually.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 10, 2024, as Marine Corps' Day in Pennsylvania to honor the 249th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps' founding. The bill does not change any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal statement of recognition within the state legislature. By passing this measure, the Senate acknowledges the historical contributions and service of the Marine Corps without altering existing policies or affecting specific individuals.

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 amends Pennsylvania's Child Internet Protection Act to update terminology and clarify definitions regarding harmful online content in public schools and libraries. It requires school boards and public library governing bodies to adopt acceptable-use policies within 180 days that mandate the use of filtering software or specific online servers to block access to obscenity, child sexual abuse material, and other content harmful to minors. The legislation also grants public libraries immunity from civil liability if approved filtering tools fail to block such material, ensuring they can enforce these safety measures without fear of lawsuits.

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 bill updates Pennsylvania's trust laws to align with the Uniform Trust Code, affecting individuals who create trusts, manage them as trustees, or benefit from them. It introduces new definitions for key concepts like "breach of trust" and clarifies how trust terms interact with state laws, including rules on which state's laws apply and where a trust is legally located. The legislation also expands options for resolving trust disputes without going to court, allows for trusts that direct trustees on specific actions, and provides clearer procedures for appointing successors and settling accounts. Additionally, it updates provisions regarding charitable trusts, animal care trusts, and the powers and duties of trustees to better reflect modern trust administration practices.

Maddy summarySB 1093 creates the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program, a pilot initiative designed to help first-time homebuyers in Pennsylvania by providing financial assistance for student loans. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will manage this program, offering grants of up to $40,000 to individuals who purchase a primary residence and have not previously owned a home in the state. To qualify, applicants must agree to live in their new home for at least three years and have a household income under $200,000, with grant amounts capped at the size of their student loan debt or 15% of the home's purchase price. The bill also requires the agency to publish detailed annual reports on the program's usage and outcomes while allowing for reasonable administrative fees to cover implementation costs.