Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update the rules for historic preservation incentive tax credits. It clarifies which businesses and organizations are eligible to claim these credits and expands the definition of qualified taxpayers to include tax-exempt entities. The legislation also adjusts the administrative process by setting a new annual funding limit of $50 million for tax credit certificates and establishing a tiered application fee that cannot exceed 5% of the requested amount or $2,000. These changes aim to streamline how the Department of Community and Economic Development processes applications for funds used to restore historic structures.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the state's Workforce Development Act to improve how local workforce boards use data and measure their performance. It requires the creation of a user-friendly digital tool called a data dashboard, which will display information on new hires, unemployment claims, and wages to help local officials track program effectiveness. The legislation also mandates that the state provide free technical assistance to help these boards interpret the data and allows for the sharing of sensitive employment records for specific evaluation purposes, while maintaining strict confidentiality rules. Local workforce development boards will be responsible for using this information to assess eligibility and research job training needs, though they can request exemptions from certain data usage duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Schools-to-Work Program by clarifying who can participate and who can run the program. It expands the definition of "adult learners" to include individuals over 18 who lack basic skills, do not have a high school diploma, need help returning to work, or require career training. The legislation also broadens the list of eligible program sponsors to include pre-apprenticeship entities, nonprofits, schools, and local workforce boards. Grants awarded under the program must support partnerships between schools and employers to create training pathways that offer internships, apprenticeships, and other learning opportunities. Recipients of these grants are required to report annually on how many participants entered the program, completed it, earned certifications, or moved into further education or employment. The changes to the program are set to expire in 2029.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's LGBTQ+ community and mark the 55th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Inn demonstrations. The document highlights historical events within the state, such as early civil rights protests in Philadelphia and past executive orders recognizing LGBTQ+ equality, as reasons for this recognition. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new programs but serves to publicly acknowledge the contributions and struggles of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to impose stricter rules on pharmacy benefit managers and the pharmacies that work with them. The legislation prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to accept lower reimbursement rates to join their networks, banning retroactive money take-backs, and outlawing hidden fees or practices that steer patients toward specific pharmacies solely for cost savings. Additionally, it requires PBMs to respond to pharmacy network requests within 30 days, mandates quarterly reporting on drug rebates, and tasks a state department with regulating PBMs and ensuring pharmacies are reimbursed at least the cost of the drugs they dispense.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a State Advisory Board to guide the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The board will include members representing various groups, such as pediatric physicians and breastfeeding experts, to ensure diverse perspectives in their work. Its primary purpose is to increase awareness of breastfeeding services and improve access to WIC-authorized stores for program participants. By adding specific roles focused on nutrition and lactation support, the legislation aims to strengthen the program's ability to assist eligible families.

Maddy summaryThis law creates a new section within Pennsylvania's administrative rules to better support children involved in abuse investigations. It allows the Department of Human Services to assign trained advocates to explain legal processes and help children cope with emotional stress during proceedings. Additionally, the bill permits children to testify using alternative methods, such as having a comfort person present or using video, to reduce trauma while they provide their statements. These changes apply specifically to cases where a child is a witness or subject in an abuse or exploitation report handled by state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a legal framework for comprehensive school counseling services across all public, private, parochial, and charter schools. It requires each school district and charter school to create a written plan that coordinates counseling activities to support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development from kindergarten through grade 12. The legislation mandates that school counselors spend at least 80% of their working time providing direct services, such as individual counseling and classroom instruction, as well as indirect services like consulting with parents and community agencies. Additionally, the plan must include specific strategies for guiding students through course selection, career planning, and social-emotional learning while ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all students.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of July 22 through 26, 2024, as "Construction Opioid Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the high rate of opioid-related deaths in the construction industry. The bill formally recognizes the vulnerability of construction workers to opioid abuse and encourages industry groups to promote awareness of the dangers associated with prescription drug misuse. During this designated week, various construction organizations are expected to facilitate discussions and events, such as drug take-back initiatives, to educate workers and address the epidemic. The measure serves as a commemorative designation rather than a law that imposes new regulations or mandates on businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 31, 2024, as "Overdose Awareness Day" throughout Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about drug overdoses and reduce the stigma associated with them. It asks the governor to issue a proclamation and order flags to be flown at half-staff on that date, encouraging officials and residents to participate in related activities. The measure aims to honor those affected by overdose deaths and injuries while promoting a message that addiction is a preventable issue and that individuals are valued. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves to highlight the ongoing impact of the drug crisis in the state.