Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2026 as "Infant Safe Sleep Month" to raise awareness about preventing sleep-related infant deaths. It encourages the state Department of Health to partner with hospitals, community groups, and organizations like Cribs for Kids to promote evidence-based safe sleep practices through year-round public education campaigns. The resolution also directs that educational resources be developed and distributed in English and Spanish, with consideration for other common languages, to help parents create safer sleeping environments for their babies.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2734 requires health insurance companies to cover FDA-approved diagnostic tests and treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The mandate applies to insurers offering individual or group health policies in the state, with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2028, unless federal law preempts the requirement. The bill explicitly prohibits insurers from using step therapy for these specific treatments, meaning patients cannot be forced to try other medications first before receiving coverage for approved Alzheimer's therapies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific highway interchange in Schuylkill County as a memorial to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael E. Pahira, Jr., who died in the line of duty in 2026. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install signs identifying the interchange by his name. This action honors Trooper Pahira's service and memory without altering any traffic laws or infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates 2026 as the 80th Anniversary Year of the State YMCA of Pennsylvania Youth and Government Program. The resolution formally recognizes the program's eight-decade history of engaging high school students in hands-on civic education and leadership training. It also commends the organization for its long-standing commitment to developing future leaders and providing financial assistance to participants.

Maddy summaryHB 482 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling licensed occupational therapists and assistants from Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes mechanisms for mutual recognition of licenses, sharing of disciplinary and investigative data between states, and accountability for practitioners providing services across state lines. It directly affects occupational therapists, assistants, and patients seeking services in multiple states, particularly supporting military spouses relocating and expanding telehealth access. Key provisions include requiring states to participate in a shared data system, defining terms like "Compact Privilege," and preserving each state’s regulatory authority over local practice standards. This is a procedural bill enabling Pennsylvania’s participation in an existing interstate framework, not creating new licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates July 5, 2026, as "Venezuelan Independence Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the nation's 1811 declaration of independence from Spain. The text highlights historical connections between Philadelphia and the Venezuelan independence movement, noting that the city has long served as a hub for revolutionary ideas and hosts a statue gifted by Venezuela. Additionally, the resolution acknowledges the current Venezuelan community in the state, which numbers over 6,500 residents. As a symbolic measure, the bill does not alter laws or policies but serves to recognize historical ties and celebrate cultural heritage.

Maddy summaryHB 2190 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act to change how collective bargaining impasses are resolved for specific public safety and court staff. It requires binding arbitration for disputes involving prison guards, mental hospital staff, peace officers, and court employees when mediation fails - meaning the arbitrator's decision becomes final and enforceable. However, if an arbitration decision would require new legislation (e.g., changing pay rates or benefits), that part would only be advisory, not binding. The bill directly affects these public employee groups whose work is critical to security and court operations. This change streamlines dispute resolution while maintaining legislative oversight for policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify how the Department of Transportation handles personal documents submitted for identity or residency verification. It establishes that these specific documents are exempt from public inspection under the state's Right-to-Know Law, with exceptions only for criminal subpoenas, court orders, or certified law enforcement requests addressing immediate emergencies. The legislation explicitly states that immigration enforcement does not qualify as an exigent circumstance, thereby preventing the department from sharing such private records for immigration purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1961 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the PA Licensure Compact, a mutual recognition agreement with other states. This would allow licensed professionals (like nurses, teachers, and contractors) in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The bill establishes the legal framework for Pennsylvania’s participation and outlines responsibilities for the Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth. The bill passed the House on November 17, 2025, and is now under review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryHB 36 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to clarify the Office of State Inspector General's structure and authority. It adds a definition for "enforcement officer" as staff meeting specific criteria (including prior law enforcement classification under 71 Pa.C.S. § 5102), employed by the office to enforce duties under Section 506-A. The bill also explicitly grants enforcement officers the authority to carry firearms during official duties after completing required basic and annual firearms training, subject to the Inspector General's written policies. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.