Sen. Rosemary Brown

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 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 amends Pennsylvania's Child Internet Protection Act to update terminology and clarify definitions regarding harmful online content in public schools and libraries. It requires school boards and public library governing bodies to adopt acceptable-use policies within 180 days that mandate the use of filtering software or specific online servers to block access to obscenity, child sexual abuse material, and other content harmful to minors. The legislation also grants public libraries immunity from civil liability if approved filtering tools fail to block such material, ensuring they can enforce these safety measures without fear of lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to clarify the definition of activities that do not constitute the unauthorized practice of medicine. It specifically lists sports, athletic competitions, performing arts, recreational activities, and military exercises as examples of permissible non-medical engagements. By updating these definitions and removing outdated regulations, the law provides clearer guidance on what osteopathic physicians can do outside of clinical care without facing legal penalties. The changes directly affect osteopathic medical professionals and the regulatory bodies that oversee their practice.

Maddy summarySB 559 amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to update the legal definition of what constitutes "engaging in an activity associated" with medical practice. The bill specifically removes the phrase "engages in an activity associated" and replaces it with a list of five distinct categories, including individual or team sports, athletic competitions, performing arts, recreational activities, and military exercises. By clarifying these terms, the legislation aims to provide clearer boundaries for medical practitioners regarding their participation in non-medical events. This change also directs the state to revoke existing regulations that may conflict with these new definitions. Ultimately, the bill seeks to modernize the statute's language to better reflect current understandings of various extracurricular pursuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to regulate the sale and distribution of ready-to-drink cocktails, which are defined as premixed alcoholic beverages containing between 0.5% and 12.5% alcohol by volume. It establishes a new permit system allowing restaurants, hotels, and distributors to sell these drinks while restricting sales for off-premises consumption after 11 p.m. The legislation also clarifies rules for Pennsylvania Liquor Stores regarding wholesale sales to licensees and special order restrictions, while expanding import licenses to include ready-to-drink cocktails. Additionally, the bill introduces specific provisions for limited distilleries and updates definitions to ensure clarity across the state's alcohol regulatory framework.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update teacher certification requirements, specifically creating new pathways for career and technical education instructors. Under the new rules, individuals can qualify for teaching certificates by demonstrating extensive work experience, such as four years in a trade, or by combining two years of experience with a bachelor's degree. The legislation also establishes specific criteria for instructors with backgrounds as volunteer firefighters or emergency medical technicians, allowing them to teach related occupational skills if they have four years of service. Additionally, the bill modifies funding formulas for student-weighted basic education and adjusts provisions related to school safety, higher education, and library aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to change how nurses and dietitians are licensed and educated. It requires applicants to pay fees set by the licensing board and mandates individualized assessments for those with criminal convictions. The law also updates education standards by requiring nursing and dietetic programs to meet specific accreditation criteria and clarifies the qualifications needed for certified registered nurse practitioners. Additionally, it establishes a process for the board to maintain a list of approved clinical nurse specialist programs and manage student credits if a school is removed from that list.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates state laws to clarify which inmates are ineligible for early release programs, specifically short sentence parole and certain parole eligibility rules. It directly affects prisoners convicted of specific serious offenses, such as incest, open lewdness, and crimes involving child sexual abuse material, by ensuring they cannot access these accelerated release options. The legislation also standardizes the term "child sexual abuse material" throughout the statutes to replace older references to "child pornography." Additionally, the bill makes minor editorial changes to correct references within the legal code.