Sen. Greg Rothman

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to help eligible students attend participating nonpublic schools. To qualify, a student must be a Pennsylvania resident living in a household with income below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines and reside within the attendance boundary of a school designated as low-achieving. The program creates scholarship accounts that parents can use to pay for tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at approved private schools. Additionally, the bill requires school districts with low-achieving schools to notify parents about the program and provide lists of designated schools.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the state's Public School Code to require that all elementary schools teach cursive handwriting and provide students with a copy of the National Flag Code by eighth grade. It mandates that every student receive cursive instruction until they can read and write it by the end of fifth grade. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which existing laws and regulations apply to both traditional and cyber charter schools, ensuring they adhere to standards regarding safety, fair treatment, and other educational requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Outpatient Psychiatric Oversight Act to clarify definitions for mental health providers and expand how psychiatric services can be delivered. It specifically allows certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide up to 50% of their psychiatric care remotely via telehealth, provided they hold or obtain a mental health certification within two years. Clinics seeking to offer more than 50% of services remotely must request a waiver from the state department, which requires them to maintain a partnership with a nearby physical clinic to ensure patients can access in-person care if needed. The legislation also mandates that outpatient clinics be directed by a psychiatrist who must participate in regular staff meetings and quality management processes, while simultaneously repealing several outdated regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 10, 2024, as "World Suicide Prevention Day" throughout Pennsylvania. It serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and encourage open discussions about suicide prevention. The bill does not create new laws or change any government procedures, but rather acknowledges a global health initiative led by international organizations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the fifth anniversary of the United States Space Force, which was established in December 2019 as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. The document highlights the Space Force's role in managing satellite operations, providing missile warning, and ensuring secure access to space for national defense and commercial interests. It notes that the branch consolidates resources from over 60 organizations and is led by a Chief of Space Operations who reports to the Secretary of the Air Force. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of the service's growth and mission rather than proposing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the state legislature to officially recognize October 13, 2024, as the 249th birthday of the United States Navy. It does not create new laws, change funding, or affect any specific group of people, as it serves only as a symbolic gesture to honor the Navy's history and values. The text highlights the service's long tradition of protecting the nation and its core principles of honor, courage, and commitment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 10, 2024, as Marine Corps' Day in Pennsylvania to honor the 249th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps' founding. The bill does not change any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal statement of recognition within the state legislature. By passing this measure, the Senate acknowledges the historical contributions and service of the Marine Corps without altering existing policies or affecting specific individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 20, 2024, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Pennsylvania to honor soldiers who are prisoners of war or missing in action. The bill does not change any laws or require new actions from government agencies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices of these service members and their families. By setting aside a specific date for recognition, the measure aims to keep the memory of those unaccounted for from past conflicts alive within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to restrict state funding for universities that host or support events promoting antisemitism during the 2024-2025 school year. It requires institutions to refund any state money received in the year such an event occurs and mandates that violations be reported to the State Board of Education for a hearing within 30 days. The legislation defines antisemitism using specific criteria, including hate speech, denial of the Holocaust, and double standards applied to Israel, and applies these rules to all state-funded universities in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to clarify how individuals can claim abandoned or unclaimed property held by the state. It allows any person with an interest in such property to file a formal claim using a specific form provided by the State Treasurer. Additionally, the law permits the State Treasurer to automatically distribute property or its sale proceeds to a person if that person is identified as the sole owner and the item's value is under $500, even without a filed claim. The changes apply to the state government and affect anyone holding unclaimed assets or seeking to recover them.