Sen. Michele Brooks

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 amends the Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act to update requirements for individuals working in long-term care facilities. It allows students and graduates of nursing programs that meet specific standards to qualify as nurse aides if they pass a competency exam, while also clarifying that training must be established by a facility rather than just enrolled in by an individual. The legislation sets different effective dates for various new sections, with some provisions taking effect in 30 days, others in 60 days, and the remainder in one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Pennsylvania public schools award academic credit for students who work at congregate care facilities. It lowers the required number of work hours from 350 to 250 and allows schools to use existing programs to manage these credits instead of creating new ones. The law also clarifies that schools must approve each student's application and ensure all requirements are met before granting the credit. Additionally, the bill updates terminology to refer to "school districts" rather than "public schools" in specific sections.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Information Technology within Pennsylvania's executive branch to centralize and manage state IT services. It establishes a Chief Information Officer who will serve as a member of the Governor's Cabinet and will be appointed by the Governor with the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. The new official will have the authority to oversee technology operations across state agencies and set security protocols for government data. This change affects the administrative structure of the executive department by adding a dedicated role for managing information technology.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 4, 2024, as "National Guard and Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's military history and current service members. The measure recognizes the Pennsylvania National Guard's lineage dating back to 1755 and highlights its extensive contributions to domestic emergencies, international conflicts, and community support. By officially setting aside this date, the bill aims to acknowledge the service of approximately 21,000 Guard members and the Commonwealth's large veteran population.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to prohibit online platforms from displaying prices that hide mandatory fees until after a consumer clicks to purchase. It specifically targets event ticket, lodging, and food delivery platforms by requiring them to prominently show the total cost, including taxes and non-variable mandatory charges, before the transaction is finalized. The legislation defines these platforms to include sites for booking hotels, renting temporary lodging, and selling or reselling event tickets, while explicitly exempting government-imposed taxes and fees. Additionally, the law clarifies that media outlets acting in good faith without knowledge of deceptive content are not subject to these new restrictions. The changes will not take effect until 180 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding but instead serves to raise public awareness about prevention, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. By formally recognizing the month, the Senate aims to encourage residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek timely medical care.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax code to create special provisions for low-income individuals, allowing them to receive refunds or forgiveness of taxes owed based on their poverty income levels. For tax years before 2025, eligible individuals earning up to $6,500 individually or $13,000 jointly can get a full refund, while those earning slightly more receive partial refunds ranging from 10% to 90% depending on how much their income exceeds the threshold. The law also updates these income limits for tax years after 2024 to $10,000 and $20,000 respectively, with future adjustments tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. Additionally, the legislation eliminates a tax on the sale of electric energy and establishes a volunteer certified emergency medical technician tax credit.