Sen. Devlin Robinson

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act to update requirements for individuals working in long-term care facilities. It allows students and graduates of nursing programs that meet specific standards to qualify as nurse aides if they pass a competency exam, while also clarifying that training must be established by a facility rather than just enrolled in by an individual. The legislation sets different effective dates for various new sections, with some provisions taking effect in 30 days, others in 60 days, and the remainder in one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Pennsylvania public schools award academic credit for students who work at congregate care facilities. It lowers the required number of work hours from 350 to 250 and allows schools to use existing programs to manage these credits instead of creating new ones. The law also clarifies that schools must approve each student's application and ensure all requirements are met before granting the credit. Additionally, the bill updates terminology to refer to "school districts" rather than "public schools" in specific sections.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Commonwealth Zero-Based Budgeting Act, requires Pennsylvania state agencies to justify every dollar of their spending rather than simply adjusting previous year's budgets. Under the new rules, the Secretary of the Budget must review all government programs at least once every five years, starting with about one-fifth of the budget annually beginning in 2024. Agencies must submit detailed plans explaining why each program exists, how much it costs to maintain current or minimum service levels, and the potential impact if the program were cut. While most departments are subject to this review, specific educational functions like class sizes, school curricula, and direct classroom services are exempt from the process. The law aims to ensure that public funds are allocated based on clear, defensible purposes rather than historical spending habits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires full-time firefighters and emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania to undergo specific health screenings every three years. The law mandates that these exams, which cover various cancers and cardiovascular conditions, be conducted by a physician and include tests such as echocardiograms and prostate or HPV screenings depending on gender. Employers must ensure that all costs for these screenings, including deductibles and copayments, are fully covered by their health benefits plans or insurance funds. The legislation defines EMS providers to include various roles such as paramedics and prehospital nurses to ensure broad coverage for those working in emergency response.

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 bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to prohibit online platforms from displaying prices that hide mandatory fees until after a consumer clicks to purchase. It specifically targets event ticket, lodging, and food delivery platforms by requiring them to prominently show the total cost, including taxes and non-variable mandatory charges, before the transaction is finalized. The legislation defines these platforms to include sites for booking hotels, renting temporary lodging, and selling or reselling event tickets, while explicitly exempting government-imposed taxes and fees. Additionally, the law clarifies that media outlets acting in good faith without knowledge of deceptive content are not subject to these new restrictions. The changes will not take effect until 180 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 10 through 19, 2024, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania to encourage residents and visitors to explore the state's public gardens. The measure highlights the economic and environmental value of these institutions, noting that they support thousands of jobs, contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy, and help conserve natural resources. By officially recognizing this specific week, the bill aims to draw attention to an existing campaign that promotes volunteering and attendance at these sites during the period surrounding Mother's Day.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence of mental health conditions in the state. The measure acknowledges that mental illness affects millions of residents and can impact physical health, while noting that current responses from institutions still need improvement. Although the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it calls on the Senate to pursue policies that ensure mental health receives equal attention and resources as physical health.

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.