Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania food safety laws to set stricter standards for water used in food establishments and bottled water production. It requires any business serving or selling water for drinking to use sources that meet state safe drinking water requirements or standards that are at least as strict. The law also mandates that bottled water products follow specific federal labeling and recall rules while removing any conflicting state regulations. These changes apply to all food establishments regardless of the size of the containers they use.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally define and regulate the practice of midwifery by nurse-midwives and certified midwives. It establishes specific conditions under which nurse-midwives can prescribe medications, allowing those with advanced pharmacology training to dispense certain controlled substances for acute pain, opioid use disorder, and gynecologic health issues. The legislation also clarifies the scope of practice for nurse-midwives working in hospitals and birth centers versus those in other settings, requiring collaborative agreements with physicians in the latter case. Additionally, the bill grants nurse-midwives authority to order medical devices, immunizing agents, and laboratory tests while maintaining their responsibility for patient care decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania counties to create public safety authorities specifically for emergency medical services and related support functions. Under the new rules, a county can establish up to two such authorities and must try to include municipal representatives in their governance, while existing emergency organizations can continue operating without restriction. Municipalities within the county can contract with these authorities to meet their legal obligations for providing emergency services, but the authorities generally cannot charge fees unless a municipality explicitly opts in through an ordinance. The legislation also requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to offer guidance and technical assistance to help counties set up and manage these new public safety entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes minor adjustments to Pennsylvania's vehicle laws, specifically targeting rules regarding racing on highways and the handling of impounded vehicles. It seeks to remove the word "intentional" from a specific provision, clarify language about controlled or uncontrolled substances, and change the authority responsible for certain vehicle matters from municipalities to counties. These changes aim to refine how traffic enforcement and penalties are applied without altering the fundamental structure of the state's vehicle code.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Pennsylvania Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, creates a state funding program to help local governments and municipal authorities prevent, respond to, and recover from significant cybersecurity incidents. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will administer the program by distributing up to $10 million in state funds to supplement existing federal grants, with specific rules allowing money to reach local entities that do not qualify for federal aid. To receive these funds, eligible municipalities and authorities must submit an application detailing their cybersecurity needs, while the agency is required to establish clear guidelines and application forms within 60 days of the law taking effect. The legislation also mandates that the agency report all grant awards and amounts to the state legislature's Appropriations Committees to ensure transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg to honor Chief Justice Robert N. C. Nix, Jr. The Department of General Services is tasked with creating and installing plaques or markers bearing the new name on the building. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help public school districts provide annual mental health screenings for students in grades six through twelve. To receive funding, schools must apply by proposing specific evidence-based screening tools, outlining how they will use the money to hire staff or expand counseling services, and detailing an emergency plan for students who need immediate help. The program will begin in the 2025-2026 school year, and the department will assess each school district's readiness before selecting participants. Additionally, the bill requires the department to consult with national mental health organizations and establish a list of qualified vendors to support the screening process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the expiration date for Pennsylvania's fire and emergency medical services grant programs from 2034 to 2029. It repeals specific provisions related to temporary COVID-19 recovery grants and establishes new rules for how these funds are awarded and reported annually. The legislation directly affects fire companies and emergency medical services organizations by defining the timeline for their financial support and requiring them to submit yearly reports on the use of funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Schools-to-Work Program by clarifying who can participate and who can run the program. It expands the definition of "adult learners" to include individuals over 18 who lack basic skills, do not have a high school diploma, need help returning to work, or require career training. The legislation also broadens the list of eligible program sponsors to include pre-apprenticeship entities, nonprofits, schools, and local workforce boards. Grants awarded under the program must support partnerships between schools and employers to create training pathways that offer internships, apprenticeships, and other learning opportunities. Recipients of these grants are required to report annually on how many participants entered the program, completed it, earned certifications, or moved into further education or employment. The changes to the program are set to expire in 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to create a new State Board of Higher Education designed to coordinate and oversee the state's colleges and universities. The proposed board would consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor, state legislators, and representatives from various sectors, including universities, community colleges, businesses, and student bodies. Its primary purpose is to align higher education with workforce needs, reduce duplication among institutions, and ensure affordable access to postsecondary credentials for all residents. Additionally, the legislation establishes clear definitions for different types of educational institutions and financial aid programs to support a more strategic approach to funding and resource allocation.