Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania Senate to officially recognize the week of April 14 through 20, 2024, as "National Public Safety Telecommunications Week" within the state. It aims to honor the work of 911 dispatchers and emergency communications staff who provide critical support to first responders and assist callers during crises. The resolution does not change laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the dedication of these workers to public safety.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding but instead serves to raise public awareness about prevention, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. By formally recognizing the month, the Senate aims to encourage residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek timely medical care.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 8, 2024, as "School Nurse Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the work of school nurses. It directly affects school nurses, students, families, and the broader community by formally recognizing their role in student health and academic success. The resolution acknowledges the contributions of these professionals in keeping schools safe and supporting student well-being, but it does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the state's 30 Jewish day schools and the approximately 440,000 people of Jewish faith or ancestry who rely on them for education and community support. By officially naming this time period, the bill expresses appreciation for the institutions' role in preserving culture and language while highlighting their contributions to society. The resolution does not alter laws or budgets but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the schools' importance to the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure aims to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the state's communities and institutions. By adopting this designation, the Senate encourages Pennsylvanians to learn about and celebrate Jewish heritage during the month of May.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2024, as "Nurses Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the selfless service of the state's healthcare workers, who include over 242,000 registered nurses and thousands of other licensed nursing professionals. By formally acknowledging this period, the Senate highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the nursing profession.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's consumer protection laws to require clear and conspicuous disclosure when artificial intelligence is used to create text, images, audio, or video content. It defines artificial intelligence as tools that use predictive algorithms to generate new media and mandates that any AI-generated material be labeled in a way that is easily noticeable and understandable to consumers. The law applies to businesses and individuals distributing such content but includes exemptions for media outlets and internet service providers who publish material in good faith without knowing it is deceptive. These requirements take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow licensed alcohol establishments to temporarily extend their service areas and issue off-premises catering permits. It authorizes the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to implement these extensions without requiring a filing fee from applicants. The new provisions are set to expire on December 31, 2024, and the changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act to clarify labeling requirements for certain oral medications. It specifically defines "gluten-containing grain" to include wheat, rye, barley, and oats, ensuring that any oral drug containing ingredients derived from these grains must be clearly labeled. The new provision mandates that product labels must state the drug contains a gluten-derived ingredient and identify the specific type of grain used. By updating these definitions and labeling rules, the legislation aims to improve transparency for consumers and healthcare providers regarding potential gluten sources in medicines. The changes will not take effect until two years after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 1169 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to formally define key terms like "opioid" and "emergency opioid antagonist," which includes drugs such as naloxone used to reverse overdoses. The bill requires the Department of Health to update training and protocols for emergency medical services providers, law enforcement, firefighters, and other groups to recognize overdoses and administer reversal medication safely. It also mandates the creation of free, age-appropriate educational materials for schools, correctional facilities, and the general public to reduce stigma and promote safe use of these life-saving drugs. Additionally, the legislation allows law enforcement agencies and fire departments to enter agreements to obtain supplies of emergency opioid antagonists after their personnel complete the required training.