Sen. Wayne Fontana

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 bill requires emergency dispatch centers in Pennsylvania to maintain updated lists of veterinary clinics, hospital emergency departments, and similar facilities capable of treating injured police animals. The primary goal is to ensure that when a law enforcement animal is hurt, dispatchers have the necessary contact information to arrange for its timely transport and medical care. By mandating these records be kept accurate, the legislation aims to streamline the response process for injured service animals without changing existing laws about their care or compensation.

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 Senate resolution officially designates September 2024 as "Mushroom Month" to honor Pennsylvania's status as the nation's leading mushroom producer. The bill highlights the state's significant economic contribution from family-owned farms and recognizes the technical expertise required for mushroom cultivation. By celebrating this industry, the measure aims to raise awareness of the agricultural traditions and economic value provided by Pennsylvania's mushroom growers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates September 2024 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The bill aims to increase public knowledge about the disease, which is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the state and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. By highlighting statistics on risk factors and symptoms, the measure encourages Pennsylvanians to learn more about prevention and early detection. This action is symbolic and does not alter any laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes new rules to limit the use of DEHP and other similar chemicals in medical devices like IV bags and tubing. It prohibits the manufacture and sale of these devices containing DEHP starting in 2026, with a complete ban on all IV tubing by 2031, while also forbidding the replacement of DEHP with other chemicals in the same family. Additionally, the law requires healthcare providers to inform patients about the potential risks of these chemicals and their right to request DEHP-free equipment before treatment begins. The legislation is based on findings that these substances can interfere with hormones and may contribute to certain health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems.

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 resolution designates September 20, 2024, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Pennsylvania to honor soldiers who are prisoners of war or missing in action. The bill does not change any laws or require new actions from government agencies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices of these service members and their families. By setting aside a specific date for recognition, the measure aims to keep the memory of those unaccounted for from past conflicts alive within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Public Employer Disclosure Act, requires public employers in Pennsylvania to share specific personal and employment details about their workers with authorized employee representatives. The law mandates that employers provide information such as names, contact details, job titles, and salaries in an electronic format within 21 days of hiring a new employee and at least every 120 days thereafter. Additionally, the act requires public employers to make meeting space available to employee organizations upon request, allowing them to gather with staff on a quarterly basis. While the provided information can only be used for representation purposes, the bill allows collective bargaining agreements to demand even more frequent updates. If a public employer fails to comply with these requirements, employee organizations can seek court orders to enforce the rules and recover legal costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Public Utility Credit Act, which requires public utilities in Pennsylvania to report customer payment history to major credit agencies like Experian and Equifax. The law defines public utilities broadly to include providers of electricity, gas, water, transportation services, and telecommunications, while explicitly excluding certain entities like nonprofit cooperatives and internal building systems. To protect consumer privacy, the bill mandates that all customers have the option to opt in or opt out of having their utility payments reported to credit bureaus, with specific notification timelines for both new and existing accounts.