Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Commonwealth Zero-Based Budgeting Act, requires Pennsylvania state agencies to justify every dollar of their spending rather than simply adjusting previous year's budgets. Under the new rules, the Secretary of the Budget must review all government programs at least once every five years, starting with about one-fifth of the budget annually beginning in 2024. Agencies must submit detailed plans explaining why each program exists, how much it costs to maintain current or minimum service levels, and the potential impact if the program were cut. While most departments are subject to this review, specific educational functions like class sizes, school curricula, and direct classroom services are exempt from the process. The law aims to ensure that public funds are allocated based on clear, defensible purposes rather than historical spending habits.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Information Technology within Pennsylvania's executive branch to centralize and manage state IT services. It establishes a Chief Information Officer who will serve as a member of the Governor's Cabinet and will be appointed by the Governor with the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. The new official will have the authority to oversee technology operations across state agencies and set security protocols for government data. This change affects the administrative structure of the executive department by adding a dedicated role for managing information technology.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs several state agencies to study Pennsylvania's energy situation and create a plan for a comprehensive state energy strategy. The study will examine issues like electricity reliability, the risks of retiring power plants, and whether Pennsylvania should stay in or leave the regional power market known as PJM. Agencies are also asked to review current energy laws, look at new technologies like nuclear reactors and hydrogen, and consult with experts before submitting their findings to state leaders within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a change to the Pennsylvania Constitution to update voter eligibility requirements, directly affecting all citizens who wish to vote in state, local, or federal elections. The key provision sets the minimum voting age at 18 and requires voters to be U.S. citizens for at least one month, reside in the state for 90 days, and live in their specific election district for 60 days before an election. It also explicitly prohibits noncitizens, regardless of their legal status, from participating in any elections within the Commonwealth. To become law, the amendment must pass both houses of the General Assembly and then be approved by voters in a special election.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the condition, which affects connective tissue and causes issues like joint instability and fragile skin. The bill aims to increase public understanding of the disorder, which often goes undiagnosed due to its varied symptoms and lack of routine screening. By drawing attention to the disease, the measure seeks to support affected individuals and encourage further research and multidisciplinary care without mandating any specific government actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's teacher certification rules to define specific grade spans and age levels for instructional certificates issued after December 31, 2024. It establishes distinct categories for early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary education, allowing teachers to hold credentials that cover these defined ranges or specialized areas up to grade twelve. The legislation also provides a pathway for holders of combined elementary and middle certificates to expand their qualifications to cover middle school grades by completing continuing education or passing a standardized assessment. These changes apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and teachers seeking or renewing their instructional credentials.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2024, as "Women's Lung Health Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The bill aims to raise public awareness about lung cancer risks among women and encourages residents to learn more about detection and treatment options. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of lung health advocacy during that specific time period.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 10 through 19, 2024, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania to encourage residents and visitors to explore the state's public gardens. The measure highlights the economic and environmental value of these institutions, noting that they support thousands of jobs, contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy, and help conserve natural resources. By officially recognizing this specific week, the bill aims to draw attention to an existing campaign that promotes volunteering and attendance at these sites during the period surrounding Mother's Day.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania Senate to officially recognize the week of April 14 through 20, 2024, as "National Public Safety Telecommunications Week" within the state. It aims to honor the work of 911 dispatchers and emergency communications staff who provide critical support to first responders and assist callers during crises. The resolution does not change laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the dedication of these workers to public safety.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding but instead serves to raise public awareness about prevention, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. By formally recognizing the month, the Senate aims to encourage residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek timely medical care.