Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates October 2024 as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" within Pennsylvania. The bill serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of employment opportunities for the state's approximately 2.7 million adults with disabilities. It does not create new laws or alter existing regulations but rather encourages employers, schools, and community groups to promote inclusive hiring practices and the value of workers with disabilities. By adopting this theme, the Senate aims to raise awareness about the goal of providing good jobs and full participation for all Pennsylvanians.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to encourage residents to learn more about adult literacy and take part in activities that support literacy programs within the state. The bill does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of adult education and workforce skills.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study how racial harassment and discrimination affect students at Pennsylvania's colleges and universities. The study will involve consulting with students, staff, and administrators, reviewing current prevention policies, and examining strategies used by other states to combat such issues. Based on its findings, the commission must submit a report with specific recommendations for new laws to the General Assembly within 18 months. The bill focuses on gathering data and proposing policy changes rather than implementing immediate rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 4, 2024, as "Manufacturing Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's manufacturing sector. It aims to highlight the industry's economic importance, which supports over 550,000 direct jobs and contributes significantly to the state's gross product. The resolution encourages the Senate to recognize manufacturing's role in providing high-wage employment and to promote opportunities for students and young people to consider careers in the field.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Denise Williams Act, creates a state program to fund safe exchange zones where individuals can meet to trade online purchases or exchange children. Local municipalities can apply for one-time grants to set up these zones near police stations, sheriff offices, state police barracks, or other public areas with active law enforcement presence. To qualify, the zones must include video surveillance, clear signage with emergency contact information, and oversight by local police or sheriff departments who will monitor the area without interfering unless there is a danger. The program aims to provide secure public locations for transactions while limiting the legal liability of the municipalities, police departments, and the state department that administer the grants.

Maddy summarySB 1281 updates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally include definitions and licensure requirements for several allied health professions, including respiratory therapists, perfusionists, genetic counselors, and prosthetists. The bill also establishes specific rules for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, and radiologist assistants, while removing previous education and training mandates related to radiologic procedures. A key provision across these new categories is the requirement that applicants demonstrate good moral character, with a specific instruction for the licensing board to conduct individualized assessments of criminal convictions. By adding these roles to the state's regulatory framework, the legislation ensures that these healthcare workers operate under standardized licensing and qualification standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to exempt minor league baseball players from minimum wage and overtime requirements if they are paid under a collective bargaining agreement. It also clarifies an employer's duty to maintain accurate records of employee hours and wages, which must be kept for three years and made available for inspection. Additionally, the law requires employers to post a summary of the act and allows authorized representatives to question employees about their pay and hours, though these record-keeping and inquiry rules do not apply to the exempted baseball players. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 77th anniversary of the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard. It highlights the history of these branches, noting their establishment in 1947 and their service in various conflicts and disaster relief efforts. The bill serves as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates September 2024 as "National Recovery Month" throughout Pennsylvania to honor individuals overcoming substance use and mental health disorders. The measure cites state statistics on addiction and overdose deaths to highlight the importance of supporting recovery communities and service providers. By recognizing this national observance, the bill encourages Pennsylvanians to celebrate those in recovery and offer support to those struggling with addiction. As a symbolic gesture, the resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves to raise awareness and promote community engagement during the month.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the state's Public School Code to require that all elementary schools teach cursive handwriting and provide students with a copy of the National Flag Code by eighth grade. It mandates that every student receive cursive instruction until they can read and write it by the end of fifth grade. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which existing laws and regulations apply to both traditional and cyber charter schools, ensuring they adhere to standards regarding safety, fair treatment, and other educational requirements.