Sen. Wayne Fontana

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 resolution formally acknowledges the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Steelers for hosting the 2026 National Football League Draft. It highlights the event's significance by noting Pittsburgh's historical connection to the sport and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the team's legendary 1974 draft class. The document points out that the three-day celebration will feature various community activities and a fan festival, drawing global attention to the city. Ultimately, the bill serves as a commemorative statement rather than enacting new laws or policies.

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 bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify how school districts that span multiple counties or municipalities must manage their property tax revenues. It requires these districts to ensure a uniform tax rate across all areas they cover, offering several options to achieve this consistency, such as adjusting tax rates individually in each county or using a single uniform rate if local assessment methods align. The legislation also provides specific instructions on how to calculate market values for properties when a district crosses county lines, allowing school directors to choose the most appropriate valuation method for their situation. Ultimately, the law aims to create a fairer and more predictable system for taxing real estate within multi-jurisdictional school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to grant the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs temporary regulatory flexibility during an opioid epidemic. It allows the department to suspend specific rules that previously barred individuals with lived experience in addiction recovery or those in apprenticeship programs from becoming counselors, provided they receive supervisor approval and complete a training plan. Additionally, the legislation prevents the department from creating new credential requirements for staff positions within drug and alcohol treatment facilities while the epidemic is deemed to be occurring. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance companies in Pennsylvania to send certain notices and documents to customers via email or other electronic methods instead of traditional mail. To use this option, insurers must first get clear permission from individuals or their plan sponsors and must inform them of their right to receive paper copies or withdraw consent at any time. The law ensures that electronic delivery is treated as legally equivalent to sending mail and includes protections for personal health information. It also clarifies that these rules do not apply to health plans governed by federal employee retirement laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 10, 2024, as "Delco Day" throughout Pennsylvania to recognize the annual charitable event held in Delaware County. The bill highlights the community's tradition of uniting to support local causes, specifically noting that this year's proceeds will benefit the HEADstrong Foundation to aid cancer patients and their families. Additionally, the text honors twelve notable individuals from the county who have made significant contributions in fields such as civil rights, entertainment, sports, and public service. By formally acknowledging these achievements and the annual fundraiser, the resolution serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

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.