Rep. Dave Madsen

Maddy summaryHB 274 amends Pennsylvania's 1936 Unemployment Compensation Law to change eligibility rules for workers seeking benefits. It specifically expands eligibility for individuals fleeing domestic violence by removing barriers to claiming compensation in such cases. The bill also modifies how unemployment compensation rates and benefit amounts are calculated. These changes directly affect unemployed workers in Pennsylvania who qualify under the updated rules. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 382) urges Congress to extend expanded health insurance subsidies that currently help Pennsylvanians purchase coverage through Pennie, the state's health insurance marketplace. Without extension, these subsidies expire December 31, 2025, causing average premium increases of 102% for Pennie customers - projected to push 150,000 people to lose coverage. The resolution highlights that without the expanded credits, a couple earning $85,000 annually would pay $25,776 yearly for insurance (31% of their income), compared to lower costs under current subsidies. It cites Pennie's 2025 enrollment of nearly 500,000 customers and a 16% drop in new sign-ups since Open Enrollment 2026 as evidence of the need for continued support. The resolution has no legal force but requests congressional action to maintain affordability.

Maddy summaryHB 439 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly define "race" as including hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as locs, braids, or afros), and "religious creed" as including head coverings or hairstyles tied to religious practice. Employers cannot prohibit these features unless they prove the rule is necessary for health/safety, non-discriminatory, job-specific, and applied equally. The law does not prevent employers from enforcing general safety rules or anti-harassment policies that apply fairly across all employees. This directly affects employers and employees in Pennsylvania workplaces by clarifying protections against discrimination related to appearance.

Maddy summaryHB 1176 amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession laws (when someone dies without a will) to adjust how assets are distributed to non-spouse relatives, such as children or parents. It specifically modifies the shares allocated to these individuals beyond the surviving spouse's portion. The bill also updates procedures for payments to family members and funeral directors during estate administration. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents who die without a will and their non-spouse heirs. The law became effective upon the Governor's approval on November 24, 2025 (Act No. 50 of 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 1528 establishes the Grand-family Assistance Program to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren. It creates a dedicated fund to make regular payments to local area agencies on aging, which will administer the program and assist eligible families. The bill requires the Department of Aging to manage the program and oversee fund distribution, ensuring direct support reaches affected relatives caring for children. This policy change directly affects grandfamilies and local aging services agencies through structured financial aid and administrative responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1030 designates Hershey's Kisses as the official State candy of Pennsylvania. This symbolic bill does not impose any new laws, taxes, or regulations, nor does it directly affect any individuals or businesses. It serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of Hershey's Kisses, a candy brand produced by Hershey Foods Corporation in Pennsylvania. The bill passed through committee review and final passage in 2025 but has no practical policy impact beyond the designation.

Maddy summaryHR 257 is a non-binding resolution designating November 2025 as "Diabetes Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the need for public education about diabetes prevention, management, and support services during that month. This resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific individuals or programs - it serves solely as a symbolic designation to encourage awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1308 updates Pennsylvania's storm water management rules by amending environmental (Title 27) and municipal (Title 53) statutes. It requires municipalities to implement new storm water management plans for new construction and development projects, directly affecting local governments and developers. The bill establishes standardized requirements for managing runoff to protect water quality, including updated definitions and procedures for municipal authorities. These changes aim to modernize how communities address storm water pollution under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2041 amends Pennsylvania's Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to require health care practitioners to ensure children receive at least one blood lead test by 12 months of age and a second test by 24 months of age, with additional testing mandated between 24 and 72 months if not tested by age 2. The bill also requires blood lead testing for pregnant women who have at least one identified lead exposure risk factor. It clarifies that health insurance must cover these tests without cost-sharing, as defined in the bill. This law directly affects children under 72 months, pregnant women, and health care providers in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 749 updates Pennsylvania's public welfare laws to streamline assistance programs and improve service access. It requires copayments for subsidized child care, changes reporting for SNAP benefits, and mandates reports on transitioning to chip-enabled access cards for benefits. The bill removes regulatory barriers for outpatient behavioral health services provided within clinic facilities, allowing services to be billed as part of the clinic visit. It also requires additional reports to the General Assembly regarding medical assistance eligibility and nonemergency medical transportation services.