Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 19, 2026, as "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare birth defect where abdominal organs move into the chest cavity. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition, which affects approximately 1,600 babies annually in the United States and often requires extensive medical care. By establishing this specific date, the resolution seeks to foster support for affected families and encourage medical research without altering any laws or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to standardize rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on single-family lots. It requires municipalities to allow at least one ADU per lot and sets a maximum size of 1,250 square feet or the size of the main home, whichever is smaller. The legislation restricts local governments from imposing certain barriers, such as requiring owner occupancy, mandating specific exterior designs, or charging additional fees for parking and impact. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "gross floor area" and ensures that having an ADU does not reclassify a property as multifamily housing.

Maddy summarySB 1257, known as the Small Necessities Leave Act, requires Pennsylvania employers to provide eligible employees with up to 24 hours of paid leave per year to attend to specific family needs. Eligible employees, defined as those working at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months, can use this time to participate in their children's school activities or accompany children and elderly relatives to medical and dental appointments. The bill mandates that employers cannot retaliate against workers for using this leave and allows for the use of accrued vacation or sick time if preferred. Additionally, the legislation assigns duties to the Department of Labor and Industry to ensure compliance with these new requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 259 formally designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness about the challenges faced by the state's over 200,000 residents with limb loss or difference, including barriers to accessing prosthetic care and physical activity. The document highlights the importance of mobility resources for health and independence but does not create any new laws or funding. It serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage community support and recognition for individuals affected by these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates April 2026 as National Fair Housing Month in Pennsylvania. The measure serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of fair housing principles without altering existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Crane Operator Licensure Act to include well drilling under the same regulatory framework, creating a single State Board of Crane Operators and Well Drillers. It establishes new requirements for well driller licensure, including examinations, bonding, insurance, continuing education, and registration for drilling companies and rigs. The legislation also expands definitions to cover various types of wells and drilling activities, while maintaining existing provisions for crane operator certification and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Safe Workplace Act, establishes legal protections against abusive work environments in Pennsylvania by defining and prohibiting abusive conduct such as sabotage, unreasonable workloads, excessive monitoring, and persistent verbal abuse. It applies to all employees and employers, including independent contractors who meet specific criteria, and covers actions by supervisors, coworkers, or the employer itself. The law prohibits retaliation against employees who report abuse and holds both employers and individual employees liable for violations, requiring employers to take reasonable preventive and responsive measures to maintain safe workplaces.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 4, 2026, as "School Librarian Day" in Pennsylvania to honor school librarians and their contributions to education. The measure recognizes the role librarians play in providing students with access to educational resources and teaching media literacy skills. It highlights the importance of school libraries in fostering reading appreciation and academic success while acknowledging the declining number of librarians in Pennsylvania schools. The resolution serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the profession rather than enacting new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about screening and prevention. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to learn about colorectal cancer risks and follow recommended screening guidelines. By highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention, the resolution aims to promote healthier lifestyle choices and support ongoing efforts to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes a statewide paid parental leave program requiring employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child within the first year. Eligible employees must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and completed 1,250 hours of service in the previous year, and they will receive their full pre-leave pay rate during the leave period. The Department of Labor and Industry will administer the program, enforce compliance through complaints and penalties, and maintain a Paid Parental Leave Account to fund the initiative. Additionally, the bill creates a Small Business Grant Program to assist smaller employers with the costs of providing paid parental leave, and requires employers to notify employees about their rights and post information about the program in the workplace.