Sen. Judy Ward

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public and medical understanding of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that can affect people taking certain long-term medications for mental health or gastrointestinal issues. The resolution encourages individuals experiencing involuntary muscle movements to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation. This measure focuses on raising awareness rather than changing laws or funding specific programs.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 8, 2024, as "School Nurse Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the work of school nurses. It directly affects school nurses, students, families, and the broader community by formally recognizing their role in student health and academic success. The resolution acknowledges the contributions of these professionals in keeping schools safe and supporting student well-being, but it does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2024, as "Nurses Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the selfless service of the state's healthcare workers, who include over 242,000 registered nurses and thousands of other licensed nursing professionals. By formally acknowledging this period, the Senate highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the nursing profession.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Money Transmission Business Licensing Law to require businesses sending money abroad to charge a 10% fee on each transaction. The collected fees must be reported quarterly and deposited into the Property Tax Relief Fund, though individuals with valid tax IDs can claim a credit against this fee. Additionally, the law mandates that agents acting for these businesses must collect and remit the fees within thirty days. Licensees are also required to post notices informing customers of their eligibility for the tax credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax code to create special provisions for low-income individuals, allowing them to receive refunds or forgiveness of taxes owed based on their poverty income levels. For tax years before 2025, eligible individuals earning up to $6,500 individually or $13,000 jointly can get a full refund, while those earning slightly more receive partial refunds ranging from 10% to 90% depending on how much their income exceeds the threshold. The law also updates these income limits for tax years after 2024 to $10,000 and $20,000 respectively, with future adjustments tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. Additionally, the legislation eliminates a tax on the sale of electric energy and establishes a volunteer certified emergency medical technician tax credit.