Sen. Judy Ward

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 Senate resolution formally acknowledges the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and its upcoming connection to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. The bill highlights the pilgrimage's four routes converging in Indiana, with specific recognition for the eastern route that passes through several Pennsylvania dioceses. By passing this measure, the Senate expresses official welcome to the Catholic pilgrims traveling through the state as part of a faith-based event. The text serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the funding rules for magisterial district judges and Philadelphia municipal court judges in Pennsylvania. It requires the Office of the Court Administrator to pay a base annual registration fee of $600 to the judges' association, with an additional increase tied to the Consumer Price Index starting in 2025. The legislation also mandates that the Office cover the costs of publishing a monthly journal of state laws and court rules, while other expenses remain funded through existing annual appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing Kinship Caregiver Navigator Program to expand support for relatives raising children who are not their own. It establishes a new funding mechanism that provides grants to qualified organizations for offering legal services, such as help with custody or adoption, and case management assistance, including access to medical and educational resources. To receive these funds, organizations must serve low-income kinship caregivers who meet specific eligibility criteria and have not been convicted of certain serious crimes. The legislation also updates the program's website requirements to include information on available legal and case management services.

Maddy summarySB 1182 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act to update rules regarding expert qualifications and the "certificate of merit" required in medical malpractice lawsuits. The bill defines a certificate of merit as a written statement from a licensed professional confirming there is a reasonable probability that a doctor's care fell below acceptable standards, or it notes that expert testimony is unnecessary. Under the new provisions, any expert providing this statement or testifying in court must hold an active medical license in the state and have current clinical experience in the same or a similar specialty as the doctor being sued. Courts retain limited ability to waive these strict requirements if the expert has relevant training in treating the specific condition or possesses sufficient knowledge through teaching, but the waiver cannot apply to the initial certificate of merit. These changes aim to standardize who can provide professional opinions in medical liability cases and clarify the documentation needed to file such claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Pennsylvania's Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit program by raising the annual funding cap from $36 million to $72 million. It adjusts the percentage of tax credits available to businesses and private companies based on their investment duration and specific project types, such as veterans' housing or long-term service commitments. The legislation also raises the maximum credit limit per taxpayer and allocates $2 million specifically for pass-through entities like partnerships and S corporations. These changes aim to encourage more private investment in community development projects while maintaining restrictions on financial institutions using credits for their standard business operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2024 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to increase public awareness about the dangers of activities like texting, eating, or talking while driving, which can divert a driver's attention from the road. By adopting this designation, the Senate encourages safe driving habits and highlights the state's commitment to reducing preventable accidents caused by driver distraction. This is a symbolic gesture intended to reinforce safety education rather than implement new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes May 2024 as "Older Americans Month" within the Pennsylvania Senate. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the contributions of older adults and highlight the theme of social connection. The text acknowledges the national Older Americans Act and encourages community engagement, such as sharing stories and organizing inclusive events, to support seniors. As a commemorative measure, its primary effect is to raise awareness about aging issues rather than to implement concrete policy changes.

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 congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 12th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania residents who placed at the national tournament. The bill formally recognizes the team's historic performance, including setting a record for points scored and producing multiple All-Americans, as well as celebrating specific individual achievements by wrestlers Levi Haines, Carter Starocci, Aaron Brooks, and Greg Kerkvliet. It also extends congratulations to the coaching staff and wishes continued success to the university's wrestling program and other Pennsylvania-based athletes.