Sen. John Kane

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to clarify how individuals can claim abandoned or unclaimed property held by the state. It allows any person with an interest in such property to file a formal claim using a specific form provided by the State Treasurer. Additionally, the law permits the State Treasurer to automatically distribute property or its sale proceeds to a person if that person is identified as the sole owner and the item's value is under $500, even without a filed claim. The changes apply to the state government and affect anyone holding unclaimed assets or seeking to recover them.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the State Safety Oversight Office in Pennsylvania to supervise the safety and security of fixed guideway public transportation systems, such as subways and light rail. The new office will review security and emergency plans, oversee safety certifications for new construction projects, and ensure these systems comply with federal and state laws without exceeding federal standards. To balance oversight with operational autonomy, the bill establishes a formal appeal process allowing transit systems to request hearings if they disagree with the office's decisions or enforcement actions. Additionally, the legislation clarifies liability rules, holding the state department responsible for damages caused by its personnel while preserving the transit systems' rights to sue contractors for damages.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify rules for car modifications and safety equipment. It specifically allows vehicle owners to remove and reinstall doors while requiring that any modified vehicle still have side mirrors attached for visibility. Additionally, the law mandates that vehicles with removed doors must be inspected with those doors reattached to ensure they meet safety standards. The legislation also expands seat belt requirements to include passengers in the back seats of certain vehicles used for specific unlawful activities.

Maddy summarySB 1093 creates the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program, a pilot initiative designed to help first-time homebuyers in Pennsylvania by providing financial assistance for student loans. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will manage this program, offering grants of up to $40,000 to individuals who purchase a primary residence and have not previously owned a home in the state. To qualify, applicants must agree to live in their new home for at least three years and have a household income under $200,000, with grant amounts capped at the size of their student loan debt or 15% of the home's purchase price. The bill also requires the agency to publish detailed annual reports on the program's usage and outcomes while allowing for reasonable administrative fees to cover implementation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Consumer Data Privacy Act to protect the personal information of Pennsylvania residents by setting specific rules for businesses that collect and use consumer data. It defines who must comply as "controllers," which are companies doing business in the state with over $10 million in annual revenue, those selling consumer data for half their income, or those handling data from at least 50,000 consumers. The law requires these companies to obtain clear, affirmative consent from individuals before processing their data and prohibits deceptive design tactics known as dark patterns that trick users into sharing information. Additionally, the act outlines strict penalties for violations and grants consumers the right to know how their data is used, particularly in high-risk situations like targeted advertising or automated decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act, requires hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health agencies in Pennsylvania to create committees dedicated to preventing workplace violence against their employees. These committees must include a mix of management, union and nonunion staff, and frontline workers who directly interact with patients or the public, and they are tasked with conducting annual risk assessments, developing safety plans, and providing regular training. The law also mandates that employees report violent incidents within 24 hours, protects reporters from retaliation, and requires facilities to keep detailed records of these events for at least three years. To ensure compliance, the Department of Labor and Industry is granted the authority to impose administrative fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for each violation of the new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who have received the Vice Presidential Service Badge to apply for special license plates in Pennsylvania. To qualify, applicants must pay a $26 fee in addition to standard registration costs and provide documentation proving their status as badge recipients. The special plates are restricted to passenger cars or trucks with a gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less and will become effective 120 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates July 2, 2024, as the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill does not change any laws or affect public policy; instead, it formally acknowledges the historical significance of the legislation that ended legal segregation and prohibited discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and voting. By passing this resolution, the Senate recognizes the Act's role as a landmark achievement in American history without altering its existing provisions.

Maddy summarySB 1171 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow trained nonmedical school employees to voluntarily administer emergency anti-seizure medication to students with epilepsy when a licensed nurse is not present. The bill requires that this participation be entirely voluntary, ensuring schools cannot force staff to provide medical assistance, and mandates that training be provided by licensed health care professionals. Additionally, the legislation outlines a process where parents can request these services, prompting schools to inform families about their rights to create a 504 plan or individualized education program to address the student's unique needs. By defining specific medications and establishing clear guidelines for training and consent, the measure aims to ensure the safety of students with seizures while respecting the professional boundaries of school staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid family and medical leave program in Pennsylvania, allowing eligible employees to take time off work with wage replacement for specific personal and family reasons. The program is administered by the Department of Labor and Industry, which will manage the Family and Medical Leave Fund financed by employer contributions, while also offering an option for employers to use private insurance plans instead. Eligible workers can receive benefits for various needs, including caring for a sick family member, bonding with a new child, or addressing violence against vulnerable adults, with protections ensuring their jobs remain secure during leave. The legislation includes provisions for self-employed individuals to opt into the program, sets rules for benefit amounts and duration, and creates an advisory board to oversee the initiative.