Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 31, 2024, as "Overdose Awareness Day" throughout Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about drug overdoses and reduce the stigma associated with them. It asks the governor to issue a proclamation and order flags to be flown at half-staff on that date, encouraging officials and residents to participate in related activities. The measure aims to honor those affected by overdose deaths and injuries while promoting a message that addiction is a preventable issue and that individuals are valued. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves to highlight the ongoing impact of the drug crisis in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 2 through 8, 2024, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations; instead, it formally recognizes the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the state's environment, economy, and recreation. By establishing this specific timeframe, the resolution encourages residents and organizations to hold events and educational programs that highlight the bay's significance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Construction Workplace Misclassification Act to strengthen protections for workers on public work projects by clarifying definitions and increasing penalties for employers who incorrectly classify employees. It raises the maximum prison sentence for first-time violations to three years and second offenses to five years, while also escalating repeat offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. Additionally, the legislation mandates that administrative penalties be assessed rather than optional, and it expands the scope of prohibited retaliation to cover actions taken under the new provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Pennsylvania calculates taxes on shares held by banks and trust companies, specifically regarding the treatment of United States government debt. It establishes that new rules for determining taxable amounts apply only to shares held after December 31, 2024, and taxes due after March 14, 2025. The legislation also ensures that these changes do not affect tax calculations or refunds for periods before those dates, preserving the previous legal standards for earlier years.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's tax code to exclude specific financial compensation from being counted as taxable income. It directly affects individuals who received payments from the federal or state government, Norfolk Southern Railway, or their agents following the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023. The key provision adds a new category to the tax law stating that these specific recovery funds are not subject to personal income tax. By making this change, the legislation ensures that money awarded for the aftermath of that disaster remains tax-free for the recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes replacing Pennsylvania's current Legislative Redistricting Commission with a new Independent Redistricting Commission to draw state and congressional election maps. The new commission would consist of eleven citizens selected from the two largest political parties and unaffiliated voters, with strict rules preventing current or former politicians, lobbyists, and party officials from serving. By removing elected lawmakers from the redistricting process, the legislation aims to create a more neutral body responsible for establishing district boundaries based on census data.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 14, 2024, as "IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys. The bill aims to raise public awareness about IgA nephropathy, which can lead to serious complications like kidney failure, and to support patients and their families. Additionally, the resolution formally recognizes the IgA Nephropathy Foundation for its work in advancing research and care for those affected by the condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to swap permanent land access rights between the state and the University of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County. Specifically, the state would grant the university a path through its former psychiatric institute grounds to support construction on adjacent university property, while the university would give the state a path through its own land to help build a retaining wall for the institute. The transfer requires approval from the Department of Human Services and the Governor and is intended to facilitate necessary infrastructure projects for both institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania prisons and county jails to provide free voice communication services to all inmates, ensuring access levels match those available as of January 1, 2023. The law mandates a specific ratio of operable phones to inmates in housing units and recreational yards while prohibiting any fees for making or receiving calls. To fund these services, the state will appropriate $16.5 million annually, with 70% going to the Department of Corrections and 30% distributed to counties based on their inmate populations. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that these communication tools cannot replace in-person visitation programs and must not limit existing face-to-face contact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as Celiac Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. The bill cites statistics showing that the disease affects over 129,000 Pennsylvanians and notes that many cases go undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and funding for research. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate aims to encourage early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and draw attention to the need for better food labeling and increased medical research. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves to educate the public and medical community about the condition.