Maddy summaryThis bill expands workers' compensation coverage to include post-traumatic stress injuries for emergency medical services personnel responding to specific traumatic events. It defines a qualifying traumatic event as incidents involving serious injury or death, threats to life, mass casualties, or crime scene investigations, and extends the time limit for filing claims to one year after the injury occurs. The legislation also sets a maximum benefit period of 104 weeks for these stress-related injuries and allows treatment by licensed psychologists or psychiatrists. By updating the state's Workers' Compensation Act, the law ensures that EMS workers who suffer from psychological trauma related to their duties can receive financial and medical support.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill modifies the state's tax code to improve how corporations and other entities can resolve tax disputes with the Department of Revenue. It establishes a formal settlement conference process where neutral officers, who must be experienced attorneys or accountants, facilitate negotiations between taxpayers and the state to reach voluntary agreements. The legislation also allows the tax board to extend deadlines for filing appeals under certain conditions and mandates that these settlement discussions remain private and confidential. By creating specific procedures for compromise settlements and requiring timely reporting to the General Assembly, the bill aims to streamline the administrative review of tax issues.
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 allows private vendors to sell custom-designed vehicle license plates in Pennsylvania through online or in-person auctions. The law requires these vendors to offer specific premium designs, such as those with black, gold, or carbon fiber backgrounds, while keeping the plates the property of the state department. Any money earned from these sales that exceeds the cost of running the auctions must be used to recruit, train, or equip Pennsylvania State Police Cadets. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these custom plates can only be resold at auction if the original owner passes away.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to regulate the decommissioning of solar energy facilities, primarily affecting facility owners and the property owners who lease land for these projects. It requires solar facility operators to submit detailed decommissioning plans and provide financial assurance, such as an escrow account or bond, to cover the estimated costs of removing the facility after it stops producing electricity. The law mandates that this financial guarantee be updated every five years and fully funded within 25 years, with specific percentages required at different stages of the facility's life. Additionally, the bill ensures that these financial obligations remain tied to the facility even if ownership changes, preventing new owners from avoiding the decommissioning costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require that personal protective equipment sold for firefighting use be free from PFAS chemicals. It specifically defines personal protective equipment as gear worn by firefighters, such as jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets. The legislation targets manufacturers, importers, and domestic distributors of this gear, mandating that products marketed for use in the state must not contain these substances. By amending existing health and safety statutes, the bill aims to reduce firefighter exposure to potentially harmful chemicals found in traditional protective gear.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to establish a specific identification system for milk hauling operations. It requires licensed milk haulers to display a one-time decal on the driver's side of their vehicle, which the Pennsylvania Milk Board will issue for a fee limited to administrative costs. The legislation also clarifies the board's authority and defines the permit requirements that allow these vehicles to move during the course of manufacturing milk.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Professional Nursing Law to create a new program allowing certified registered nurse practitioners to work independently in rural areas without needing a written agreement with a physician. To qualify, a nurse practitioner must hold a current license, have no recent disciplinary actions, and demonstrate at least three years of prior practice experience involving over 3,600 hours. Once approved, eligible practitioners can prescribe treatments and manage patient care solely based on their nursing expertise, provided they continue to meet biennial renewal requirements and complete specific continuing education on patient safety. The legislation also clarifies that these nurses must identify themselves clearly to patients and refer cases beyond their scope of practice, while removing legal liability for collaborating physicians when the nurse practices under this new program.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to allow government agencies to seek relief from individuals who make excessive or harassing information requests. Under the new provisions, an agency can petition the Office of Open Records if it believes a requester is causing an unreasonable burden or attempting to harass the agency through their conduct. The Office of Open Records will review these petitions, potentially holding hearings or mediating between the parties, and can issue an order exempting the agency from complying with future requests from that individual for up to one year. If the Office grants relief, the decision will be posted online, and affected parties generally have the right to appeal the ruling to the Commonwealth Court.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Alternative Energy Credits Act, requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to sell or transfer any alternative energy credits owned by the state at fair market value. The revenue generated from these sales must be placed into the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which is specifically designated to help plug orphaned or abandoned oil and gas wells. The law applies retroactively to credits acquired on or after January 1, 2019, and takes effect immediately upon passage.