Sen. Greg Rothman

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's protection from abuse laws by clarifying the definition of a noncustodial parent and establishing a statewide registry to track protection orders. It requires courts to provide specific notices to defendants and noncustodial parents about their rights and the consequences of violating orders, including potential arrest or contempt charges. The legislation also grants judges new authority to award temporary custody or supervised visitation when there is a risk of abuse toward children, while allowing parties to request that certain records be sealed from public view.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates three specific periods in 2024 and 2025 as "PIAA Officials Appreciation Weeks" to honor the work of over 13,000 registered officials in Pennsylvania interscholastic athletics. The designated times are October 6-12, 2024, January 12-18, 2025, and April 6-12, 2025, covering fall, winter, and spring sports seasons respectively. The measure encourages schools, coaches, student-athletes, and fans to recognize these officials for their role in maintaining fair and safe game environments. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not alter laws or funding but serves to publicly acknowledge the dedication of these individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to streamline how juvenile criminal records are sealed and removed from public view. It requires probation officers to automatically notify courts when a young person's record becomes eligible for expungement based on specific timeframes and good behavior. The law establishes clear waiting periods, such as two years for misdemeanor cases and five years for felony cases, after which records can be erased if the individual has not committed new offenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that fingerprints and photos be destroyed if a court finds a juvenile did not commit the alleged acts. These changes aim to simplify the process for clearing juvenile records while maintaining strict criteria to ensure public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding juvenile justice by clarifying how courts handle the placement and supervision of delinquent children. It requires judges to hold mandatory review hearings at least every three months for youth in out-of-home placements to ensure they are receiving necessary treatment and that their placement is still appropriate. The legislation also allows courts to order restitution from a child's earnings, provided the work is paid at minimum wage and up to 75% of those earnings go toward paying for damages. Additionally, the bill permits restitution orders to remain in effect beyond the maximum time a juvenile could be confined, ensuring victims can still be compensated even after a child's commitment period ends.

Maddy summarySB 1147 updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to require annual safety inspections for motorcycles, a change that specifically affects motorcycle owners. The bill also introduces additional parking regulations and prohibits the use of hearing impairment devices while driving. Furthermore, it establishes a motorcycle safety education program to promote rider awareness. These measures aim to improve road safety and vehicle compliance without altering other existing traffic rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 4, 2024, as "BAPS Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the 50th anniversary of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha's presence in the United States. The measure recognizes the organization's history of building temples, supporting community services, and helping immigrants integrate into American civic life. By adopting this symbolic date, the Pennsylvania Senate formally acknowledges the group's contributions to the state's religious and cultural diversity.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Pennsylvania Senate to summon Patrick M. Browne, the Secretary of Revenue, to appear before the Senate for refusing to comply with a subpoena. The subpoena ordered the release of specific tax data related to Neighborhood Improvement Zone programs, which the Department of Revenue declined to provide despite a legal opinion stating the information is not confidential. The bill outlines the Senate's intent to determine if the Secretary is in contempt of the chamber for defying the committee's authority to investigate state agency operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Child Learning Investment Tax Credit Program, which provides a tax benefit to parents of school-age children who are not currently enrolled in public schools. The program allows eligible taxpayers to claim an $8,000 credit per child for qualified learning expenses, such as tuition at nonpublic schools, tutoring, educational software, and standardized testing fees. The credit can be claimed when filing annual tax returns or through advance installments, with options for direct deposit or mailed checks if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability. The legislation also includes provisions for prorating the credit if a child attends both public and nonpublic schools during the same taxable year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to establish a specific identification system for milk hauling operations. It requires licensed milk haulers to display a one-time decal on the driver's side of their vehicle, which the Pennsylvania Milk Board will issue for a fee limited to administrative costs. The legislation also clarifies the board's authority and defines the permit requirements that allow these vehicles to move during the course of manufacturing milk.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's hunting laws to create a new permit for regulated hunting grounds, allowing landowners to manage wildlife on their property. Under the new rules, permit holders can remove birds killed on their land without traditional tagging, provided they attach a label with their contact information and details about the birds. The label must stay on the package or container until the birds are either returned to the landowner's address or prepared for eating. This change directly affects individuals who hold these specific permits and alters how they must document harvested game.