Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's fishing and hunting license laws to offer special discounts to volunteer firefighters. It allows eligible volunteer firefighters to purchase an annual resident fishing license for just one dollar if they provide proof of their service over the past year. Additionally, the legislation creates a new category of hunting licenses for volunteer firefighters, also priced at one dollar, while maintaining standard resident hunting license exemptions. These changes apply to anyone who has served as a volunteer firefighter in good standing within the state for at least twelve months.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Right-to-Know Law to require organizations that receive taxpayer money or are regulated by government agencies to provide public records. Specifically, it mandates that any entity receiving grants, loans, or appropriations, or falling under the jurisdiction of a state or local agency, must comply with existing public record disclosure rules. The amendment clarifies the scope of entities subject to these transparency requirements by adding a new section to the statute. This change ensures that publicly funded and regulated organizations are held to the same open records standards as other public bodies.

Maddy summarySB 375, known as Greg Moyer's Law, amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update requirements for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training and equipment in schools. The bill repeals the previous mandate requiring schools to offer CPR classes every three years and replaces it with a requirement to provide both CPR and AED instruction to school employees. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new AED Program that allocates at least one percent of the School Safety and Security Fund between fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2028-2029 to purchase or discount AED devices for school buildings. This program also defines what constitutes an AED, sets specifications for their availability, and outlines reporting requirements for schools to track the number and condition of these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish a new Child Reunification Program within the Department of Education. The legislation specifically modifies the preliminary provisions of the existing act to create this program, which aims to support families in reuniting children with their parents or guardians. A minor technical change is also included, which removes the word "inkless" from the text. The bill does not detail the specific operational rules or funding for the program, focusing instead on its creation within the state's education framework.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2024 as "Migraine and Headache Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the impact of these conditions on public health. The bill cites statistics showing that headaches are a leading cause of disability and significantly affect millions of people, including veterans and service members. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate aims to encourage public education and reduce the stigma surrounding migraine disorders. This measure serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the need for better research funding and accessible treatments rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program to help fund the development of regional plans and business sites within the state. It authorizes the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority to issue up to $500 million in bonds to support projects that reduce development risks for municipalities, economic development organizations, and other eligible entities. The funds can be used for creating comprehensive real estate plans, preparing industrial or nonindustrial sites for business relocation or expansion, and other projects deemed eligible by the Department of Community and Economic Development. All bond payments must be covered by specific pledged revenues rather than general state funds, ensuring the bonds do not create a direct debt obligation for the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Breach of Personal Information Notification Act to clarify how different types of organizations must handle data security incidents. It specifically adds an exemption for entities already regulated under the state's insurance data security laws, meaning they do not need to follow the notification rules in this updated act. The change ensures that insurance companies are not required to provide duplicate breach notifications under this specific legislation. This update streamlines compliance requirements by avoiding overlapping rules for the insurance sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to create a new "limited license" specifically for natural hair braiders, allowing them to operate legally without a full cosmetology license. It defines natural hair braiding as techniques that create tension on hair roots, such as twisting or weaving, while explicitly excluding the use of dyes or chemical treatments. Under the new rules, individuals can obtain this specialized license by completing three hundred hours of training or by proving three years of prior practice, and they are permitted to work in licensed salons. The legislation also clarifies that practicing cosmetology without a license remains illegal and establishes specific sanitary and educational requirements for schools and teachers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 72 in Swatara Township as the Senator David J. Arnold, Jr., Memorial Bridge to honor his service. The legislation officially names the structure after the late state senator, who previously served as Lebanon County's district attorney and later as a state senator. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission to facilitate business and trade activities between Pennsylvania and Ireland. It establishes a dedicated funding account within the state's General Fund to cover the commission's administrative costs and authorizes the Secretary of Business and Industry to oversee its operations. The commission will be led by the Secretary or their designee, along with six members appointed by the Governor representing various sectors. Additionally, the legislation updates the official name of the department responsible for the commission from Commerce to Business and Industry.