Sen. Frank Farry

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Middletown Township, Bucks County, as the Lance Corporal John F. Muffler Memorial Bridge to honor a Marine who died in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. It also includes background information about Lance Corporal Muffler's life and service, noting that his mother supported a memorial in Philadelphia and that an annual award for drummers was inspired by him. The act will become effective 60 days after passage.

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 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 bill updates Pennsylvania's laws to formally include home inspectors under the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, expanding the board's oversight beyond just real estate appraisers. It establishes clear definitions for home inspections, specifying that they are visual examinations of a home's systems and components to identify material defects, while explicitly excluding specialized inspections like those for radon, septic systems, or environmental hazards. The legislation creates a new category of "qualified home inspectors" on the state board and sets out requirements for licensing, renewal, and disciplinary actions for both appraisers and home inspectors. Additionally, it introduces specific protections for consumers, including remedies for issues with home inspection contracts and reports, and clarifies the legal responsibilities of home inspectors and their clients.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 12th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania residents who placed at the national tournament. The bill formally recognizes the team's historic performance, including setting a record for points scored and producing multiple All-Americans, as well as celebrating specific individual achievements by wrestlers Levi Haines, Carter Starocci, Aaron Brooks, and Greg Kerkvliet. It also extends congratulations to the coaching staff and wishes continued success to the university's wrestling program and other Pennsylvania-based athletes.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania Senate to officially recognize the week of April 14 through 20, 2024, as "National Public Safety Telecommunications Week" within the state. It aims to honor the work of 911 dispatchers and emergency communications staff who provide critical support to first responders and assist callers during crises. The resolution does not change laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the dedication of these workers to public safety.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2024, as "Nurses Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the selfless service of the state's healthcare workers, who include over 242,000 registered nurses and thousands of other licensed nursing professionals. By formally acknowledging this period, the Senate highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the nursing profession.