Sen. Jimmy Dillon

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes replacing Pennsylvania's current Legislative Redistricting Commission with a new Independent Redistricting Commission to draw state and congressional election maps. The new commission would consist of eleven citizens selected from the two largest political parties and unaffiliated voters, with strict rules preventing current or former politicians, lobbyists, and party officials from serving. By removing elected lawmakers from the redistricting process, the legislation aims to create a more neutral body responsible for establishing district boundaries based on census data.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2024 as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" within Pennsylvania to highlight the state's high rates of firearm-related deaths and injuries. The bill serves as a formal acknowledgment of the public health crisis caused by gun violence, noting statistics such as a firearm death occurring every seven hours in the Commonwealth. It does not alter any laws or create new programs but rather establishes an official period for awareness and commemoration of those affected by gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to create local solar programs that allow customers to purchase electricity generated by nearby solar facilities. Under the new rules, third-party developers must build and maintain these solar projects, which are then sold to residential and small business customers through a competitive selection process. The legislation specifically ensures that low-income customers can participate in these renewable energy programs without losing their existing financial assistance benefits. Additionally, the bill mandates that utility commissions oversee these programs and prohibits companies from charging sign-up fees or passing on costs for unused solar energy to ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Fraudulent Misrepresentation of a Candidate Prevention Act, establishes civil liability for anyone who uses artificial intelligence to create fake images, videos, or text that impersonate current or former candidates for public office. It specifically targets advertisements distributed within 90 days of an election if they are made with the intent to misrepresent a candidate's words, actions, or beliefs. Affected candidates can sue for punitive damages and legal fees, while courts may also impose daily fines ranging from $15,000 to $250,000 depending on the level of office involved. The law includes defenses for those who obtain written consent from the impersonated individual and provides exemptions for news organizations and law enforcement performing official duties when they clearly disclose the artificial nature of the content.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Alyssa's Law," requires every public school building in Pennsylvania to install a panic alert system designed for security emergencies like lockdowns or active shooter situations. The system must include a silent notification method, such as a panic button or mobile app, that immediately sends an alert directly to local law enforcement agencies designated as first responders. These requirements apply to all school facilities where students are present during the school day, and the law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires full-time firefighters and emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania to undergo specific health screenings every three years. The law mandates that these exams, which cover various cancers and cardiovascular conditions, be conducted by a physician and include tests such as echocardiograms and prostate or HPV screenings depending on gender. Employers must ensure that all costs for these screenings, including deductibles and copayments, are fully covered by their health benefits plans or insurance funds. The legislation defines EMS providers to include various roles such as paramedics and prehospital nurses to ensure broad coverage for those working in emergency response.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's gaming laws to strengthen protections for individuals who voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities. It requires licensed casinos and gaming operators to immediately remove self-excluded persons from all marketing lists and prohibits them from receiving any advertisements, promotions, or credits. The legislation also mandates that these entities deny access to complimentary services, cash-cashing privileges, and credit lines for anyone on the exclusion list. To enforce these rules, the bill establishes new criminal penalties, including significant fines and potential jail time, for operators who fail to maintain accurate exclusion lists or contact prohibited individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals in Pennsylvania who wish to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm to purchase liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000. The legislation mandates that license applicants provide proof of this insurance to the state and carry the insurance certificate with their firearm at all times. If a person fails to produce the required insurance document when asked by law enforcement, the officer must confiscate the firearm and the state will revoke the individual's license. Additionally, the bill outlines specific procedures for reissuing a license after revocation, which includes a $50 fee and the requirement to submit new proof of insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Pennsylvania's Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit program by raising the annual funding cap from $36 million to $72 million. It adjusts the percentage of tax credits available to businesses and private companies based on their investment duration and specific project types, such as veterans' housing or long-term service commitments. The legislation also raises the maximum credit limit per taxpayer and allocates $2 million specifically for pass-through entities like partnerships and S corporations. These changes aim to encourage more private investment in community development projects while maintaining restrictions on financial institutions using credits for their standard business operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify the powers of intermediate unit boards of directors regarding property acquisition. It explicitly allows these boards to acquire land and buildings through purchase, lease, or gift to own office space and warehouse facilities. Additionally, the legislation requires that all contracts for such facilities be pre-approved by the Secretary of Education and establishes a specific funding formula for capital subsidies based on student enrollment and instructional expenses. These changes aim to provide clearer authority and financial support for intermediate units managing school infrastructure.