Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, including increasing the number of commissioners to ten and adding a specific member to represent agricultural interests. It requires hunters to report kills within 24 hours and mandates the surrender of big game carcasses to commission officers or designated processors. Additionally, the legislation creates a permit list that connects licensed hunters with private landowners to facilitate hunting for crop damage control, while also establishing rules for trespassing on private property while hunting.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Congress to pass a federal law requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to offer stellate ganglion block therapy to military personnel and veterans suffering from PTSD. The bill aims to address the limitations of current treatments by making this low-risk, long-used medical procedure available to help reduce symptoms like anxiety and hyperarousal. By advocating for the inclusion of this specific therapy, the resolution seeks to expand treatment options for a significant portion of the veteran population diagnosed with PTSD.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill cancels existing rules that governed the state's CO2 Budget Trading Program, a system designed to manage carbon emissions through a cap-and-trade mechanism. By repealing the specific regulations found in the state's administrative code, the legislation effectively ends the current framework for trading carbon allowances and managing emission limits. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, removing the legal basis for the program's operations without altering the underlying concept of the trading system itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install dry hydrants on new, modified, or rehabilitated bridges that cross bodies of water, provided specific safety and accessibility conditions are met. These conditions include ensuring the water source can supply enough water during droughts, placing the hydrant within 25 feet of a road and 800 feet of an inhabited building or historic site, and confirming the installation would improve local fire suppression capabilities. The law also directs the department to choose the location closest to the roadway if multiple suitable sites exist, with the changes taking effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania laws regarding protection from abuse orders to clarify which law enforcement agencies are responsible for serving these legal documents to defendants. Instead of limiting service to specific police departments, the legislation allows any appropriate law enforcement agency to perform this task, ensuring broader access to protective measures. The changes also update references to state agencies, aligning them with the Department of Human Services. These adjustments aim to streamline the process for victims seeking immediate legal protection without restricting which officials can deliver the orders.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 77th anniversary of the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard. It highlights the history of these branches, noting their establishment in 1947 and their service in various conflicts and disaster relief efforts. The bill serves as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to help eligible students attend participating nonpublic schools. To qualify, a student must be a Pennsylvania resident living in a household with income below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines and reside within the attendance boundary of a school designated as low-achieving. The program creates scholarship accounts that parents can use to pay for tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at approved private schools. Additionally, the bill requires school districts with low-achieving schools to notify parents about the program and provide lists of designated schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to create written policies for managing student medications used for medical emergencies. It mandates that schools develop individualized medication plans upon request from parents or guardians, specifically for conditions not covered by standard asthma inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors. The plan must include a doctor's statement detailing the medication, dosage, and potential reactions, along with a signed waiver that limits school liability. If a student is deemed capable, the policy allows them to self-administer the medicine after demonstrating competency, while schools must ensure the medication is securely stored and accessible to teachers if self-administration is not permitted.

Maddy summarySB 1271 makes it a crime for businesses in Pennsylvania to use names that falsely suggest they are connected to or endorsed by state or local governments. The law prohibits using words, symbols, or domain names that could confuse the public into thinking an entity is official, unless the government has given written permission for the name. If a business violates this rule, they could face a third-degree felony charge with a potential fine of up to $15,000 or a prison sentence of up to seven years. However, companies can avoid penalties if they clearly and prominently display a disclaimer on their materials stating they are not affiliated with any government agency. The bill also requires that any government authorization for such names be reported to the state legislature within 10 days.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2024 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the impact of pediatric cancer on the state's youth and families. The bill does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about the disease and the state's existing support systems. It acknowledges Pennsylvania's role as a leader in pediatric care by recognizing its seven Children's Oncology Group hospitals and the millions of dollars already allocated to research. The resolution encourages residents to join the fight against the disease and honors the patients, families, and medical professionals involved in the cause.