Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require that teachers and reading instructors receive training in structured literacy, a method grounded in scientific research that explicitly teaches phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The legislation mandates that professional development for educators be conducted during paid work hours and removes the previous requirement to include characteristics of dyslexia in certain educational materials. Additionally, the law establishes a council to develop a list of approved training programs and requires schools to notify parents when their kindergarten through third-grade students show reading deficiencies, providing periodic updates on progress. These changes apply to public schools and charter schools, ensuring that reading instruction follows evidence-based practices while accommodating students with disabilities and limited English proficiency.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act to clarify definitions and improve how evidence is managed. It designates the Pennsylvania State Police as the sole entity responsible for maintaining and operating the statewide tracking system used to record sexual assault evidence kits. The legislation also establishes that information in this system is intended solely as a resource for victims and cannot be used in court to challenge the legal chain of custody for evidence. Additionally, the bill adjusts the timeline for certain reporting requirements, changing the deadline from a specific date to a period of 60 days.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill officially establishes Vietnam War Veterans Day as a state observance to be held annually on March 29. The legislation directs the Governor to issue a yearly proclamation encouraging public schools and educational institutions to hold events that honor the service and sacrifices of Vietnam veterans, while explicitly stating that participation in these events cannot be mandatory. By adding this designation to the state statutes, the bill ensures that the contributions of those who served during the Vietnam Conflict are formally recognized within Pennsylvania, aligning the state with the existing federal observance.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding sexual offenses and child safety by replacing the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material" to better reflect modern digital content. It specifically addresses the creation and sharing of sexually explicit images generated by artificial intelligence, defining these new technologies and expanding legal protections to include them. The legislation also clarifies penalties for transmitting such images, adjusting some offenses from felonies to misdemeanors while introducing new categories for the abuse of minors and the unlawful dissemination of intimate images.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates November 2024 as "Care at Home Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the work of home care, hospice, and home health professionals. The measure highlights the importance of these workers who help individuals with disabilities and older adults receive essential support and medical services in their own homes. It also acknowledges the growing demand for such care as the state's population ages and notes the significant number of jobs currently held in this sector. By passing this resolution, the Senate aims to express gratitude for the dedication of these caregivers without changing any laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates 2024 as the "Year of The Franklin Institute" to honor the museum's 200th anniversary. The measure formally recognizes the institution's history, its role in science education, and its status as a major cultural landmark in Pennsylvania. By passing this resolution, the Senate encourages residents and visitors to celebrate the institute's contributions and directs a copy of the document to the museum.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates November 2024 as "Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the state's existing immunity protections for individuals who call 911 during drug overdoses. The bill encourages all branches of state and local government to promote awareness of Act 139 of 2014, which allows people to seek emergency medical help without fear of facing criminal charges. By increasing public knowledge of this law, the measure aims to encourage more people to seek immediate assistance during medical emergencies, potentially saving lives.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors all Pennsylvania veterans who have served during both war and peace on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. It encourages local communities across the state to participate in ceremonies recognizing the nearly 800,000 current residents who have served in the armed forces. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the Senate.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution urges the U.S. Congress and the National Collegiate Athletic Association to work together on creating consistent rules for student-athlete name, image, and likeness policies across all states. The bill seeks to establish national guidelines that would ensure fairness, oversight, and transparency for college athletes, addressing the current patchwork of state laws and NCAA regulations. By calling for uniformity, the resolution aims to protect student-athletes and provide a clearer environment for NIL agreements without mandating specific legal changes itself.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to allow police officers at Fort Indiantown Gap to keep their certification without retaking the full exam. Under the new rules, these officers can maintain their status if they finish required training and either already hold an active certificate or previously held one that expired within the last two years while working at the base. The legislation applies specifically to installation police officers at this military facility and does not affect other law enforcement agencies. It will become effective 60 days after it is signed into law.