Sen. John Kane

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 26, 2024, as "Fourth Trimester Care Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the health needs of new mothers during the first three months after childbirth. The bill highlights that current healthcare often focuses solely on pregnancy and birth, leaving many postpartum physical and mental health issues, such as depression and recovery complications, unaddressed. By officially recognizing this period, the measure aims to encourage better support for mothers transitioning into parenthood without changing any existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to increase the state minimum wage to $20 per hour starting July 1, 2024, and establishes a mechanism for automatic adjustments every five years based on the Consumer Price Index. It clarifies how tips and gratuities are handled by requiring employers to pay tipped workers a base wage of at least 70% of the standard minimum wage and prohibiting employers from taking credit card processing fees out of the full gratuity amount given to employees. The legislation also grants the Department of Labor and Industry broader authority to create regulations and enforce compliance, while explicitly stating that the state law preempts any conflicting local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the funding rules for magisterial district judges and Philadelphia municipal court judges in Pennsylvania. It requires the Office of the Court Administrator to pay a base annual registration fee of $600 to the judges' association, with an additional increase tied to the Consumer Price Index starting in 2025. The legislation also mandates that the Office cover the costs of publishing a monthly journal of state laws and court rules, while other expenses remain funded through existing annual appropriations.

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.

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 creates a new framework within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to protect plants and pollinators from pests and invasive species. It establishes a dedicated Plant and Pollinator Protection Committee and a specific funding account while replacing the existing Plant Pest Management Account. The legislation grants the department authority to issue licenses to plant merchants and beekeepers, conduct inspections, and enforce quarantines or stop orders to prevent the spread of harmful organisms. Additionally, it defines specific terms related to beekeeping and plant distribution to ensure clear regulatory standards for those involved in the industry.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2024 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to increase public awareness about the dangers of activities like texting, eating, or talking while driving, which can divert a driver's attention from the road. By adopting this designation, the Senate encourages safe driving habits and highlights the state's commitment to reducing preventable accidents caused by driver distraction. This is a symbolic gesture intended to reinforce safety education rather than implement new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution designates April 2024 as "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month" to highlight the issue of sexual violence within the military community. The measure aims to draw attention to available resources provided by state and federal veterans' agencies for survivors of such trauma. By officially recognizing this month, the bill seeks to increase public awareness and support for those affected, without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public and medical understanding of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that can affect people taking certain long-term medications for mental health or gastrointestinal issues. The resolution encourages individuals experiencing involuntary muscle movements to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation. This measure focuses on raising awareness rather than changing laws or funding specific programs.