Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act to clarify how the state secretary can delegate regulatory duties to designated employees. It establishes that pesticide regulations are a statewide matter, preventing local governments from creating conflicting rules about the sale, transport, or general use of these products. However, it allows municipalities with a population density of at least 300 people per square mile to pass ordinances restricting outdoor pesticide applications by commercial applicators on private property, while explicitly excluding agricultural, public, and aerial applications from these local restrictions. The Department of Community and Economic Development is also tasked with creating a sample ordinance to help localities implement these new powers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's domestic relations laws to restrict financial support in cases where one spouse has been convicted of a personal injury crime against the other. Under the new rules, a victim of such a crime would generally be ineligible to receive spousal support or temporary alimony unless a court determines that denying it would cause a significant unfairness. To decide if an exception applies, judges must examine whether there is a history of harassment or existing protection orders involving the parties. Additionally, the law allows the injured party to recover any money they paid to the convicted spouse after the offense but before the conviction was finalized. These changes apply to legal cases that begin after the bill becomes effective 60 days later.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally define genetic testing and establish the scope of practice for genetic counselors. It authorizes genetic counselors to identify, order, and coordinate genetic tests as part of client assessments while requiring them to maintain detailed medical and counseling records. The legislation explicitly limits their role by stating they cannot diagnose, manage, or treat genetic diseases or other medical conditions. Once passed, these changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia as the Leo Rosenblum Memorial Highway to honor the legacy of Leo Rosenblum, the founder of the long-standing Leo's Men's and Boy's Apparel store. The legislation formally recognizes Rosenblum's history as a Holocaust survivor and World War II resistance fighter while celebrating his family's three-generation business success in the North Philadelphia community. To implement this change, the Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions along the route. The act will become effective 60 days after its passage.

Maddy summarySB 1324 updates the definition of "income" used to determine eligibility for Pennsylvania's senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance programs. The bill clarifies that Social Security benefits received before 1999 are fully counted as income, while benefits received in 1999 and later count only half toward the income limit. It also includes a temporary provision ensuring that seniors who qualified for these rebates by December 31, 2012, will remain eligible even if their income exceeds the limit due to a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, though this protection expires on December 31, 2016. The legislation also explicitly lists several types of payments, such as surplus food, veterans' disability payments, and inflation dividends, that are excluded from the income calculation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to allow municipalities to regulate unauthorized camping and encampments on private property that lack sanitation or create unsanitary conditions. It defines these encampments as public nuisances and gives local governments the authority to issue notices to property owners, requiring them to remove the encampment within 30 days or face abatement at their expense. The legislation also establishes that property owners, including corporations and trusts, are liable for cleanup costs and fines, even if they cannot be personally served with notices, and allows cities to deny certain permits to owners who fail to address serious violations or unauthorized encampments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes September 2024 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month throughout Pennsylvania. The bill highlights the severity of the disease by citing statistics on diagnoses, deaths, and the challenges of early detection, while also acknowledging the impact on Pennsylvanian families. It calls on the state to honor the struggles of those affected and to support efforts aimed at improving treatment and finding a cure. As a symbolic measure, the resolution does not alter laws or allocate funding but serves to raise public awareness about the condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania Senate to officially recognize October 2024 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the prevalence of pregnancy loss and infant mortality while noting disparities affecting Black families. It aims to increase public understanding and encourage compassion for those grieving these losses. By formally acknowledging the month, the bill seeks to support affected individuals and educate professionals who interact with them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates October 2024 as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" within Pennsylvania. The bill serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of employment opportunities for the state's approximately 2.7 million adults with disabilities. It does not create new laws or alter existing regulations but rather encourages employers, schools, and community groups to promote inclusive hiring practices and the value of workers with disabilities. By adopting this theme, the Senate aims to raise awareness about the goal of providing good jobs and full participation for all Pennsylvanians.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to encourage residents to learn more about adult literacy and take part in activities that support literacy programs within the state. The bill does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of adult education and workforce skills.