Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rural Population Revitalization Commission to address population shifts and demographic changes in Pennsylvania's rural areas. The commission will consist of members appointed by the Governor, state legislators, and representatives from various organizations including universities, farm bureaus, and county associations. Its primary duties include reviewing population trends, holding public hearings, and issuing biennial reports with recommendations on issues such as education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities. Additionally, the bill updates the governing board of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania by specifying its composition to include representatives from both political parties and higher education institutions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's crop insurance laws to create a program that helps farmers and ranchers afford insurance and risk management tools. It directs the state Department of Agriculture to educate producers on these options and offer financial aid to cover part of their premium costs, provided funds are available. The legislation specifically adds a provision allowing the department to give money to dairy producers who join the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program to help with enrollment and coverage expenses. By defining agricultural commodities broadly and outlining new administrative duties, the bill aims to make these insurance programs more accessible to eligible Pennsylvania agricultural producers.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Alicia's Law, creates a new task force within the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute internet-based sexual offenses against minors. It establishes a dedicated funding account to support these task forces, with money available only after legislative appropriation. Additionally, the law imposes a temporary $11.25 surcharge on certain judicial fees to generate revenue for the Judicial Department, which will expire in 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance companies in Pennsylvania to send certain notices and documents to customers via email or other electronic methods instead of traditional mail. To use this option, insurers must first get clear permission from individuals or their plan sponsors and must inform them of their right to receive paper copies or withdraw consent at any time. The law ensures that electronic delivery is treated as legally equivalent to sending mail and includes protections for personal health information. It also clarifies that these rules do not apply to health plans governed by federal employee retirement laws.
Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as "Dairy Month" to honor Pennsylvania's dairy industry, which supports over 47,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity. The measure aims to raise awareness about the state's dairy farmers and their families, who operate more than 468,000 cows and produce roughly 10 billion pounds of milk annually. It encourages the public to recognize the value of local dairy products and promotes the purchase of dairy goods produced within Pennsylvania.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 2 through 8, 2024, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations; instead, it formally recognizes the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the state's environment, economy, and recreation. By establishing this specific timeframe, the resolution encourages residents and organizations to hold events and educational programs that highlight the bay's significance.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's tax code to exclude specific financial compensation from being counted as taxable income. It directly affects individuals who received payments from the federal or state government, Norfolk Southern Railway, or their agents following the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023. The key provision adds a new category to the tax law stating that these specific recovery funds are not subject to personal income tax. By making this change, the legislation ensures that money awarded for the aftermath of that disaster remains tax-free for the recipients.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of a "governmental entity" within Pennsylvania's education retirement statutes to explicitly include various school boards and authorities. It directly affects employees of associations that collect membership dues from public schools, ensuring these workers are covered under the state retirement system if hired after the law takes effect. The legislation also clarifies that such associations will not be treated as nonparticipating employers as long as they maintain active participants in the retirement plan. These changes take effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 14, 2024, as "IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys. The bill aims to raise public awareness about IgA nephropathy, which can lead to serious complications like kidney failure, and to support patients and their families. Additionally, the resolution formally recognizes the IgA Nephropathy Foundation for its work in advancing research and care for those affected by the condition.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as Celiac Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. The bill cites statistics showing that the disease affects over 129,000 Pennsylvanians and notes that many cases go undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and funding for research. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate aims to encourage early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and draw attention to the need for better food labeling and increased medical research. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves to educate the public and medical community about the condition.