Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summaryThis bill requires commercial websites in Pennsylvania that host more than one-third of their content as material harmful to minors to implement age verification measures before allowing access. The law defines acceptable verification methods, such as using digital ID cards or third-party services, while prohibiting the retention of personal identifying information once access is granted. News organizations and internet service providers are exempt from these requirements, and the legislation imposes liability on companies that fail to verify user ages or improperly store personal data.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to clarify how executive departments are led and how their leaders are appointed. It establishes that each administrative department must have an officer who personally or through a deputy exercises the department's powers and duties. The legislation also sets specific rules for gubernatorial appointments, requiring Senate confirmation before a nominee can serve or receive pay. Additionally, it defines the role of deputy heads, limiting their authority to act as department leaders for no more than 90 days and prohibiting them from receiving higher pay or salary increases while serving in that temporary capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires corrections officers to staff overwatch towers at Pennsylvania prisons whenever inmates are moving outdoors. The law defines an overwatch tower as a tall structure used for supervising inmates and mandates that these towers be manned during such movements, unless the tower is located in an area where supervision is impossible. The changes apply to all correctional institutions in the state and will take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the state legislature to officially recognize October 13, 2024, as the 249th birthday of the United States Navy. It does not create new laws, change funding, or affect any specific group of people, as it serves only as a symbolic gesture to honor the Navy's history and values. The text highlights the service's long tradition of protecting the nation and its core principles of honor, courage, and commitment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates September 2024 as "Mushroom Month" to honor Pennsylvania's status as the nation's leading mushroom producer. The bill highlights the state's significant economic contribution from family-owned farms and recognizes the technical expertise required for mushroom cultivation. By celebrating this industry, the measure aims to raise awareness of the agricultural traditions and economic value provided by Pennsylvania's mushroom growers.

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 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 updates Pennsylvania laws regarding human trafficking and juvenile justice to better protect exploited minors. It clarifies the definition of a "sexually exploited child" and establishes a "safe harbor" policy that prevents law enforcement from arresting or prosecuting children under 18 who are found to be victims of trafficking or prostitution. Under these new rules, if a child is identified as a victim, they will be referred to county agencies for specialized support services rather than facing criminal charges. The legislation also mandates that courts protect the privacy of trafficking victims during legal proceedings and requires counties to take specific steps to assess and assist suspected exploited children.

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 updates Pennsylvania election laws to clarify definitions, improve the preparation of electronic voting systems, and establish stricter pre-election testing procedures. It requires county election boards to have emergency paper ballots ready for every district and mandates that representatives from political parties and election watchdog groups be allowed to observe the setup and testing of voting machines. The legislation also introduces a new requirement for logic and accuracy testing, which involves running specific patterns on machines to verify they count votes correctly before an election takes place. Finally, the bill increases penalties for anyone who falsifies documents related to this pre-election testing process.