Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryHB 2004 creates a special account to hold emergency funds for SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to low-income residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services, the Secretary of the Budget, and the State Treasurer to transfer these funds to pay SNAP recipients. This establishes a dedicated funding mechanism specifically for emergency SNAP benefit payments. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients by ensuring a streamlined process for receiving benefits during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHR 140 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 as "Polish American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies, but formally recognizes the cultural contributions of Polish Americans within the state. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on October 29, 2025, following committee review. This type of resolution serves to honor a community's heritage without imposing any legal obligations or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2000 designates a specific section of highway in Pennsylvania as the "Pennsylvania and National Medal of Honor Highway" to honor Medal of Honor recipients. It directly affects the highway corridor by renaming it, replacing a previous designation. The bill's key provision is the repeal of the prior highway name, formally establishing this new commemorative name through legislative action. This is a ceremonial measure with no funding or policy changes beyond the highway's official designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 2025 and October 2026 as "Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial resolution honoring the state's wine industry, directly affecting Pennsylvania wineries, grape growers, and related businesses. The resolution has no regulatory or funding provisions - it simply recognizes the industry's contributions through a formal designation. The bill was adopted by the Pennsylvania House on October 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1975 would amend Pennsylvania law to expand assault protections for emergency responders (including police, EMTs, and firefighters) beyond just law enforcement officers. The bill makes discharging a firearm at an emergency responder while they are on duty a first-degree felony (up to 40 years in prison), and intentionally exposing them to bodily fluids (blood, saliva, etc.) a third-degree felony, with a second-degree felony penalty if the fluids come from someone with a reportable disease. It directly affects all emergency responders performing their duties and would change sentencing for these specific assault offenses. The bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee as of its October 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHR 288 is a symbolic resolution adopted by Pennsylvania's legislature to designate October 13, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Navy" within the state. This resolution serves as a ceremonial recognition of the Navy's anniversary, with no legal effect or policy changes. It does not impose obligations, allocate funds, or affect any specific group or policy. The bill was formally adopted on October 8, 2025, following committee review.

Maddy summaryHR 201 is a ceremonial resolution designating September 29, 2025, as "VFW Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization and its contributions, without creating new laws or altering policies. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on October 7, 2025, as a symbolic gesture honoring veterans' service. This type of resolution does not affect individuals, provide funding, or change legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 303 is a Pennsylvania state resolution designating October 2025 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month." It raises public awareness about Agent Orange exposure and its health impacts on veterans without creating new laws or funding. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania veterans and their families by highlighting this issue during the designated month. It was adopted by the state legislature on October 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1418 amends Pennsylvania's boating laws to require boating education for operators. It directly affects anyone operating a boat in Pennsylvania waters, particularly new or inexperienced operators. The key provision adds a requirement for boating education as part of the preliminary provisions governing boats and boating. The bill passed the legislature on October 6, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 293 is a symbolic resolution designating the week of September 15-21, 2025, as "Rail Safety Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals or entities; instead, it formally recognizes and promotes rail safety awareness during that specific week. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on October 6, 2025, after being referred to the Transportation committee. As a procedural resolution, it serves to highlight rail safety initiatives without implementing policy changes.