Sen. John Kane

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Protecting Parents of Transgender Children Act, prevents Pennsylvania government agencies from stopping parents or guardians from obtaining or allowing minors to access specific medical information and services. It defines these services as those that are medically accurate, medically appropriate, and evidence-based, ensuring that parental decisions in this area are not blocked by state authorities. Additionally, the law clarifies that a parent providing such information or services to a minor cannot be accused of child abuse under state law. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg to honor Chief Justice Robert N. C. Nix, Jr. The Department of General Services is tasked with creating and installing plaques or markers bearing the new name on the building. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help public school districts provide annual mental health screenings for students in grades six through twelve. To receive funding, schools must apply by proposing specific evidence-based screening tools, outlining how they will use the money to hire staff or expand counseling services, and detailing an emergency plan for students who need immediate help. The program will begin in the 2025-2026 school year, and the department will assess each school district's readiness before selecting participants. Additionally, the bill requires the department to consult with national mental health organizations and establish a list of qualified vendors to support the screening process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Schools-to-Work Program by clarifying who can participate and who can run the program. It expands the definition of "adult learners" to include individuals over 18 who lack basic skills, do not have a high school diploma, need help returning to work, or require career training. The legislation also broadens the list of eligible program sponsors to include pre-apprenticeship entities, nonprofits, schools, and local workforce boards. Grants awarded under the program must support partnerships between schools and employers to create training pathways that offer internships, apprenticeships, and other learning opportunities. Recipients of these grants are required to report annually on how many participants entered the program, completed it, earned certifications, or moved into further education or employment. The changes to the program are set to expire in 2029.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's LGBTQ+ community and mark the 55th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Inn demonstrations. The document highlights historical events within the state, such as early civil rights protests in Philadelphia and past executive orders recognizing LGBTQ+ equality, as reasons for this recognition. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new programs but serves to publicly acknowledge the contributions and struggles of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to establish a specific logo design for veteran-owned small businesses. It creates a new section within the military affairs statutes to define and regulate this official business logotype. The legislation also sets up a nonprofit membership association to manage the program and imposes penalties for non-compliance with the new requirements. These changes directly affect businesses owned by veterans and the organizations that support them.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to impose stricter rules on pharmacy benefit managers and the pharmacies that work with them. The legislation prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to accept lower reimbursement rates to join their networks, banning retroactive money take-backs, and outlawing hidden fees or practices that steer patients toward specific pharmacies solely for cost savings. Additionally, it requires PBMs to respond to pharmacy network requests within 30 days, mandates quarterly reporting on drug rebates, and tasks a state department with regulating PBMs and ensuring pharmacies are reimbursed at least the cost of the drugs they dispense.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill designates March 13 as K9 Veterans Day to honor military working dogs and their handlers. It establishes this date based on the historical creation of the official K9 Corps in 1942 and recognizes the service and risks taken by these animals in combat zones. The law requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging residents to observe the day, while also noting that field medics are trained to treat injured military dogs. The change becomes effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 1244 modifies Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to require employees to pay a portion of unemployment insurance contributions for the first time. Under this change, five percent of wages earned between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2028, must be deposited into the Reemployment Fund if paid by December 31, 2028. This bill directly affects employers and employees by shifting some financial responsibility for unemployment benefits from solely employers to a shared arrangement. The legislation is designed to fund reemployment programs while maintaining the existing structure for employer contributions and other state funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a State Advisory Board to guide the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The board will include members representing various groups, such as pediatric physicians and breastfeeding experts, to ensure diverse perspectives in their work. Its primary purpose is to increase awareness of breastfeeding services and improve access to WIC-authorized stores for program participants. By adding specific roles focused on nutrition and lactation support, the legislation aims to strengthen the program's ability to assist eligible families.