Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to create a new program called the Zero Emissions Carbon Certificate Program and establishes a dedicated fund to support it. It expands the definition of alternative energy sources to include advanced nuclear power, waste coal from specific facilities, and various forms of renewable energy like solar, wind, and biomass. The legislation also sets strict deadlines for coal-fired power plants to significantly reduce their carbon emissions, requiring them to reach zero emissions by 2036. Additionally, the bill introduces specific technical requirements for solar technology and creates new definitions for low-impact hydropower and carbon capture systems.

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 creates the State Safety Oversight Office in Pennsylvania to supervise the safety and security of fixed guideway public transportation systems, such as subways and light rail. The new office will review security and emergency plans, oversee safety certifications for new construction projects, and ensure these systems comply with federal and state laws without exceeding federal standards. To balance oversight with operational autonomy, the bill establishes a formal appeal process allowing transit systems to request hearings if they disagree with the office's decisions or enforcement actions. Additionally, the legislation clarifies liability rules, holding the state department responsible for damages caused by its personnel while preserving the transit systems' rights to sue contractors for damages.

Maddy summarySB 1093 creates the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program, a pilot initiative designed to help first-time homebuyers in Pennsylvania by providing financial assistance for student loans. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will manage this program, offering grants of up to $40,000 to individuals who purchase a primary residence and have not previously owned a home in the state. To qualify, applicants must agree to live in their new home for at least three years and have a household income under $200,000, with grant amounts capped at the size of their student loan debt or 15% of the home's purchase price. The bill also requires the agency to publish detailed annual reports on the program's usage and outcomes while allowing for reasonable administrative fees to cover implementation costs.

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 establishes the Consumer Data Privacy Act to protect the personal information of Pennsylvania residents by setting specific rules for businesses that collect and use consumer data. It defines who must comply as "controllers," which are companies doing business in the state with over $10 million in annual revenue, those selling consumer data for half their income, or those handling data from at least 50,000 consumers. The law requires these companies to obtain clear, affirmative consent from individuals before processing their data and prohibits deceptive design tactics known as dark patterns that trick users into sharing information. Additionally, the act outlines strict penalties for violations and grants consumers the right to know how their data is used, particularly in high-risk situations like targeted advertising or automated decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to require all members of public housing authorities to complete a mandatory training program. The Department of Community and Economic Development will create and provide this free training, which covers topics such as fair housing laws, budgeting, board governance, building maintenance, and ethics. New members must finish the course within 180 days of starting their term, while current members must complete it within 180 days of the bill's effective date. Authorities are permitted to remove any member who fails to complete the required training, and the department may contract with third parties to deliver the instruction.

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 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 updates the state's laws governing electronic funds transfers and payroll card accounts to include specific consumer protections. It directly affects financial institutions and employers who use these systems to pay employees, requiring them to adhere to new safety and transparency standards. The legislation also modifies a reference in an existing 1975 law to align with current legal requirements for electronic payments. By clarifying rules for how money is moved electronically, the bill aims to ensure that digital payment methods are secure and reliable for workers.