Sen. Sharif Street

Maddy summaryThis law updates the state's Real Estate Tax Sale Law to clarify how properties are handled after tax auctions. It specifically directs that properties acquired by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency should be treated in a certain way, though the provided text cuts off before detailing the full scope of this instruction. Additionally, the bill establishes a county-level fund dedicated to demolition and rehabilitation projects related to these tax sale properties. The legislation was signed into law in July 2024 and becomes effective upon approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's insurance laws to require health insurance policies to cover medically necessary telemedicine services provided by participating network providers. It explicitly prohibits insurers from denying coverage or reimbursement solely because a service is delivered remotely via video, audio, or asynchronous methods. The legislation also prevents contracts from conditioning reimbursement on the use of specific proprietary technology or vendors, ensuring providers can use various telemedicine tools. By defining terms like telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, the law standardizes how these services are treated under existing insurance plans and managed care programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2024 as "Migraine and Headache Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the impact of these conditions on public health. The bill cites statistics showing that headaches are a leading cause of disability and significantly affect millions of people, including veterans and service members. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate aims to encourage public education and reduce the stigma surrounding migraine disorders. This measure serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the need for better research funding and accessible treatments rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Prevailing Wage Act to clarify how "custom fabrication" is defined for public construction projects. It specifically includes offsite production of nonstandard goods like specialized HVAC components, sheet metal ducts, and prefabricated structures, while explicitly excluding standard materials such as structural steel and precast concrete. The changes aim to ensure that workers involved in creating these specific project components are covered by prevailing wage requirements, with a noted exception for general HVAC duct cleaning.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to create a new "limited license" specifically for natural hair braiders, allowing them to operate legally without a full cosmetology license. It defines natural hair braiding as techniques that create tension on hair roots, such as twisting or weaving, while explicitly excluding the use of dyes or chemical treatments. Under the new rules, individuals can obtain this specialized license by completing three hundred hours of training or by proving three years of prior practice, and they are permitted to work in licensed salons. The legislation also clarifies that practicing cosmetology without a license remains illegal and establishes specific sanitary and educational requirements for schools and teachers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 72 in Swatara Township as the Senator David J. Arnold, Jr., Memorial Bridge to honor his service. The legislation officially names the structure after the late state senator, who previously served as Lebanon County's district attorney and later as a state senator. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update rules for the rural jobs and investment tax credit program. It establishes two categories of investment authority based on when they were issued and sets specific spending limits of $50 million for each category. The legislation also defines what counts as a rural growth investment, clarifies how businesses can claim tax credits over several years, and adds stricter limits on how much a single rural business can receive to prevent concentration of funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Pennsylvania Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, creates a state funding program to help local governments and municipal authorities prevent, respond to, and recover from significant cybersecurity incidents. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will administer the program by distributing up to $10 million in state funds to supplement existing federal grants, with specific rules allowing money to reach local entities that do not qualify for federal aid. To receive these funds, eligible municipalities and authorities must submit an application detailing their cybersecurity needs, while the agency is required to establish clear guidelines and application forms within 60 days of the law taking effect. The legislation also mandates that the agency report all grant awards and amounts to the state legislature's Appropriations Committees to ensure transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Protecting Parents of Transgender Children Act, prevents Pennsylvania government agencies from stopping parents or guardians from obtaining or allowing minors to access specific medical information and services. It defines these services as those that are medically accurate, medically appropriate, and evidence-based, ensuring that parental decisions in this area are not blocked by state authorities. Additionally, the law clarifies that a parent providing such information or services to a minor cannot be accused of child abuse under state law. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg to honor Chief Justice Robert N. C. Nix, Jr. The Department of General Services is tasked with creating and installing plaques or markers bearing the new name on the building. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.