Rep. Tina Pickett

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally designates the week of October 4 through 10, 2026, as "Fire Prevention Week" in the state. The bill highlights specific fire risks associated with electronic devices, such as overheating power banks and damaged chargers, while emphasizing the importance of proper battery disposal and working smoke alarms. It urges residents, landlords, and businesses to adopt safety practices recommended by the National Fire Protection Association to reduce home fire hazards. Additionally, the resolution commends firefighters and other first responders for their ongoing efforts in fire prevention and emergency response.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2738 amends state law to require the Public Utility Commission to submit an annual report by April 15 that compares utility rates across different service areas for gas, water, and waste water customers. Starting in 2027, this report must include a five-year historical summary of rate cases, supplier data, and the cumulative financial impact of various charges on residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The bill mandates that these impacts be presented using standardized usage assumptions and plain-language explanations for specific cost drivers such as infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and storm recovery. Additionally, the report must detail major electric transmission projects affecting Pennsylvania ratepayers and identify any regulatory provisions that create recurring implementation challenges or reduce bill transparency.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2736 amends the state's Fiscal Code to establish specific rules for handling abandoned and unclaimed digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies. The bill defines key terms including "digital asset," "digital asset holder," and "distributed ledger" to clarify which entities are responsible for reporting these assets. It requires digital asset holders to attempt contact with owners who have been inactive for three years, using electronic or mail notifications, before reporting the assets to the State Treasurer as unclaimed property. The State Treasurer is granted authority to direct the liquidation of these assets or accept them in their native form, while also allowing the state to refuse assets that are not freely transferable or have minimal value relative to maintenance costs.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates December 7, 2026, as "Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day" to honor the service members and civilians affected by the 1941 attack. The bill highlights a specific connection between the state and the event by noting that the USS Pennsylvania was present at Pearl Harbor and sustained casualties. It encourages residents to pause in remembrance, honor World War II veterans, and recognize the resilience of the people of Hawaii.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and related offenses. It revises definitions for DUI, modifies chemical testing procedures for drivers, and changes requirements for ignition interlock devices (which prevent a car from starting if alcohol is detected). The bill repeals outdated provisions about ignition interlock limited licenses, adds online services for managing interlock requirements, and specifies penalties for driving without an interlock device. This directly affects drivers convicted of DUI or driving under the influence of drugs, particularly those with prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1972 amends Pennsylvania's Public Adjuster Licensing Law (1983) to update requirements for public adjusters who represent insurance policyholders in claim disputes. It adds new provisions requiring adjusters to provide written financial interest disclosures to clients and make separate pre-contract disclosures about their services and fees. The bill also clarifies definitions, adjusts licensing fees, and specifies bond requirements for adjusters seeking or maintaining their license. These changes directly affect licensed public adjusters and the policyholders they serve in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to create a disaster recovery grant program for fruit and vegetable growers affected by freeze events between April 1 and April 21, 2026. It allocates up to $20 million from previously set-aside funds for highly pathogenic avian influenza to assist growers of specialty crops, including pome and stone fruits, grapes, berries, and vegetables, who suffered production losses exceeding 30%. The legislation explicitly excludes costs already covered by federal funding, insurance, or other contracts from receiving these state grants and requires the Department of Agriculture to publish implementation guidelines within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to study current bail and pretrial release practices across the state. The study aims to identify inconsistencies in how bail amounts are set for similar defendants in different jurisdictions and to develop recommendations for more uniform procedures. The Commission must submit its findings and suggestions for reform to the House of Representatives within two years. This resolution does not change existing laws immediately but initiates a review process to potentially improve fairness in pretrial decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of October 11 through 17, 2026, as "Credit Union Week" in the state. The measure aims to recognize credit unions, which are member-owned financial cooperatives serving approximately 5.5 million people across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. By officially naming this week, the resolution highlights the role these institutions play in providing low-cost financial services and encouraging community involvement. The resolution is symbolic and does not create new laws or change any regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 158, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges in Pennsylvania to explicitly designate athletic teams as male, female, or coed based on biological sex. It prohibits teams designated for females from allowing male students to participate and allows students who face denied opportunities or harm due to violations to sue for damages. Schools can also sue entities that punish them for following the law. The bill applies directly to all public school districts, colleges, and athletic programs covered under Pennsylvania's Public School Code.