Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Alyssa's Law," requires every public school building in Pennsylvania to install a panic alert system designed for security emergencies like lockdowns or active shooter situations. The system must include a silent notification method, such as a panic button or mobile app, that immediately sends an alert directly to local law enforcement agencies designated as first responders. These requirements apply to all school facilities where students are present during the school day, and the law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's gaming laws to strengthen protections for individuals who voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities. It requires licensed casinos and gaming operators to immediately remove self-excluded persons from all marketing lists and prohibits them from receiving any advertisements, promotions, or credits. The legislation also mandates that these entities deny access to complimentary services, cash-cashing privileges, and credit lines for anyone on the exclusion list. To enforce these rules, the bill establishes new criminal penalties, including significant fines and potential jail time, for operators who fail to maintain accurate exclusion lists or contact prohibited individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals in Pennsylvania who wish to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm to purchase liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000. The legislation mandates that license applicants provide proof of this insurance to the state and carry the insurance certificate with their firearm at all times. If a person fails to produce the required insurance document when asked by law enforcement, the officer must confiscate the firearm and the state will revoke the individual's license. Additionally, the bill outlines specific procedures for reissuing a license after revocation, which includes a $50 fee and the requirement to submit new proof of insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's personal income tax code to allow a one-time tax deduction of up to $10,000 for individuals who donate human organs. The provision specifically covers unreimbursed expenses related to the donation, such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs, provided the donation occurs while the taxpayer or their dependent is alive. To qualify, the organ must be a liver, pancreas, kidney, intestine, lung, or bone marrow, and the deduction can only be claimed in the year the transplantation happens. This change applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2023, and is limited to a single claim per person during their lifetime.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the condition, which affects connective tissue and causes issues like joint instability and fragile skin. The bill aims to increase public understanding of the disorder, which often goes undiagnosed due to its varied symptoms and lack of routine screening. By drawing attention to the disease, the measure seeks to support affected individuals and encourage further research and multidisciplinary care without mandating any specific government actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 26, 2024, as "Fourth Trimester Care Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the health needs of new mothers during the first three months after childbirth. The bill highlights that current healthcare often focuses solely on pregnancy and birth, leaving many postpartum physical and mental health issues, such as depression and recovery complications, unaddressed. By officially recognizing this period, the measure aims to encourage better support for mothers transitioning into parenthood without changing any existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to increase the state minimum wage to $20 per hour starting July 1, 2024, and establishes a mechanism for automatic adjustments every five years based on the Consumer Price Index. It clarifies how tips and gratuities are handled by requiring employers to pay tipped workers a base wage of at least 70% of the standard minimum wage and prohibiting employers from taking credit card processing fees out of the full gratuity amount given to employees. The legislation also grants the Department of Labor and Industry broader authority to create regulations and enforce compliance, while explicitly stating that the state law preempts any conflicting local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify the powers of intermediate unit boards of directors regarding property acquisition. It explicitly allows these boards to acquire land and buildings through purchase, lease, or gift to own office space and warehouse facilities. Additionally, the legislation requires that all contracts for such facilities be pre-approved by the Secretary of Education and establishes a specific funding formula for capital subsidies based on student enrollment and instructional expenses. These changes aim to provide clearer authority and financial support for intermediate units managing school infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to prohibit online platforms from displaying prices that hide mandatory fees until after a consumer clicks to purchase. It specifically targets event ticket, lodging, and food delivery platforms by requiring them to prominently show the total cost, including taxes and non-variable mandatory charges, before the transaction is finalized. The legislation defines these platforms to include sites for booking hotels, renting temporary lodging, and selling or reselling event tickets, while explicitly exempting government-imposed taxes and fees. Additionally, the law clarifies that media outlets acting in good faith without knowledge of deceptive content are not subject to these new restrictions. The changes will not take effect until 180 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws to formally include home inspectors under the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, expanding the board's oversight beyond just real estate appraisers. It establishes clear definitions for home inspections, specifying that they are visual examinations of a home's systems and components to identify material defects, while explicitly excluding specialized inspections like those for radon, septic systems, or environmental hazards. The legislation creates a new category of "qualified home inspectors" on the state board and sets out requirements for licensing, renewal, and disciplinary actions for both appraisers and home inspectors. Additionally, it introduces specific protections for consumers, including remedies for issues with home inspection contracts and reports, and clarifies the legal responsibilities of home inspectors and their clients.