Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates September 13, 2024, as Celiac Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the challenges faced by the state's approximately 129,000 residents with celiac disease. The bill includes provisions encouraging the U.S. Congress to increase funding for celiac research and to pass legislation requiring mandatory gluten labeling on packaged foods. By adopting this resolution, the Senate aims to raise public awareness about the autoimmune condition while advocating for federal policy changes that could improve safety and treatment options for affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 7, 2024, as "Disability Pride Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the disability community. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the cultural experiences and achievements of people with disabilities, rather than enacting new laws or funding. By officially naming this date, the Senate aims to promote inclusion and celebrate the ongoing advocacy efforts of organizations like Disability Pride Pennsylvania. The resolution does not change any existing policies or create new obligations for government agencies or citizens.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program to establish youth courts within Pennsylvania schools as an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures like suspensions. The program will provide grants of up to $250,000 to eligible school districts, with priority given to those facing high suspension rates or limited resources, to help them set up these student-run tribunals. A new resource center will be formed to offer training and technical assistance, ensuring that all participants follow trauma-informed practices and restorative justice principles. The youth courts will be staffed by students under 21 who have undergone specific training to hear cases and impose restorative sanctions such as community service, mediation, or apologies rather than arrests. The initiative is designed to run for three school years while collecting data on how the program affects student behavior and civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "Hunger Action Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about food insecurity. It highlights that one in eight residents and one in six children face limited access to adequate food, a problem that affects both urban and rural areas. The measure encourages public and private entities, including businesses and community groups, to engage in efforts to support hunger relief organizations. By formally recognizing this month, the Senate aims to mobilize support for the 1.5 million Pennsylvanians who rely on food banks and pantries annually.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates August 2024 as "Civic Health Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the connection between voting and community well-being. The measure does not create new laws or change government procedures but serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage civic participation. It aims to raise awareness that engaging in elections can help shape policies related to health, housing, and transportation, which are critical for individual and community health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create a real estate transfer tax exemption for specific affordable housing transactions. It defines key terms such as "affordable housing," "low-income household," and "owner entity" to clarify which properties and entities qualify for the tax break. The legislation exempts transfers of real estate between housing authorities and owner entities when the property is used to provide affordable housing, provided the transfer includes a legally binding 20-year agreement to maintain that use. If the property is not used for affordable housing within the required timeframe, the exemption is automatically revoked. The changes apply to deeds, leases, and restrictive covenants involving these specific housing transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to ensure that medical assistance covers payments for custom orthotics and prosthetics. It requires the state department to set reimbursement rates for these items at a level no lower than the current federal Medicare fee schedule. Additionally, the law mandates that all specific codes for these custom devices be included in the state's medical assistance program. The changes are designed to align state coverage with federal standards for durable medical equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act, requires hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health agencies in Pennsylvania to create committees dedicated to preventing workplace violence against their employees. These committees must include a mix of management, union and nonunion staff, and frontline workers who directly interact with patients or the public, and they are tasked with conducting annual risk assessments, developing safety plans, and providing regular training. The law also mandates that employees report violent incidents within 24 hours, protects reporters from retaliation, and requires facilities to keep detailed records of these events for at least three years. To ensure compliance, the Department of Labor and Industry is granted the authority to impose administrative fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for each violation of the new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative to provide financial grants for improving access to fresh food in underserved communities. The program, administered by the Department of Agriculture, offers funding for capital projects such as building grocery stores, supporting farmers' markets, and developing innovative food delivery technologies. To qualify, applicants must primarily sell staple foods to consumers and serve areas identified as having low grocery access, with a priority given to projects that increase opportunities for small and diverse businesses. Grants are subject to specific conditions, including a requirement for regional anchor supermarkets to match public funds with private investment and a limit on the portion of funding that can be used for administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates July 2, 2024, as the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill does not change any laws or affect public policy; instead, it formally acknowledges the historical significance of the legislation that ended legal segregation and prohibited discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and voting. By passing this resolution, the Senate recognizes the Act's role as a landmark achievement in American history without altering its existing provisions.