Rep. Tina Pickett

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution recognizes May 2025 as "National Water Safety Month" to promote awareness of water safety education. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture highlighting efforts to prevent water-related injuries and drownings, referencing statistics on boating safety and drowning incidents. The resolution aims to support existing community education initiatives by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, American Red Cross, and other water safety organizations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of March 17-21, 2025, as "Flood Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about flood risks and safety practices. The resolution references Pennsylvania’s history of flooding, the role of climate factors like increased rainfall, and safety tips from the National Weather Service. It specifically urges residents to practice flood safety procedures during this designated week. The resolution is symbolic and does not implement policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1422 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify how mail-in voters must return their ballots. It requires that completed mail-in ballots be returned by 8:00 PM on election day via one of three methods: U.S. Postal Service to county election offices, in person at county election offices during regular hours, or at designated ballot return locations. Ballot return locations must be on county election premises or courthouses, monitored by election inspectors from both major parties, and equipped with video recording for public review. This bill directly affects mail-in voters and county election boards across Pennsylvania by standardizing ballot return procedures and accessibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 9-15, 2025, as "Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes FBLA, a nonprofit organization that prepares students for business leadership through career-focused education and activities. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it simply honors FBLA’s mission and history in Pennsylvania, including its long-standing presence in schools since 1943. It directly affects Pennsylvania by encouraging public acknowledgment of FBLA’s role in student development.

Maddy summaryHB 1269 establishes the Brain Injury Advisory Board within Pennsylvania’s Department of Health. The board will consist of 25 voting members appointed by the Governor, including brain injury survivors, family caregivers, disability advocates, rehabilitation providers, injury prevention groups, and veterans with brain injuries. It also creates 9 non-voting members representing key state agencies like Aging, Corrections, Education, and Human Services. The bill defines the board’s structure, membership requirements, and terms (4 years, no term limits), with members serving without pay but reimbursed for expenses. This is a procedural change to create an advisory body, not a policy shift affecting health services or funding.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1397 amends Pennsylvania law to allow individuals to use media devices to record, transmit, or broadcast images, video, or audio of judicial proceedings without needing court approval. This change directly affects attendees of court proceedings and the judiciary by altering rules for public access and recording. However, the bill specifies several exceptions where this permission does not apply, including proceedings related to sexual abuse, domestic violence, protection from abuse, sexual violence or intimidation, and testimony from child witnesses or confidential informants.

Maddy summaryHB 1394 proposes to repeal the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, directly affecting estates and beneficiaries who would no longer be subject to this tax on inherited assets. The bill also modifies procedures for taxpayers to petition for a reassessment of taxes. Additionally, it updates existing provisions related to how government-issued obligations are treated for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 224 designates May 2025 as "Month of May (MOM) Mom Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to recognize the important role mothers play in society and encourages them to focus on their own health and well-being.

Maddy summaryHB 1373 requires Pennsylvania high schools to administer the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Test as a civic knowledge assessment to students in grades 7-12 starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Students must score at least 60% on this test to meet a high school graduation requirement. Schools must report compliance data, including participation and passing rates, to the state education department every other year. The bill specifically exempts students with individualized education programs (IEPs) if their IEPs indicate they are not required to take the test.

Maddy summaryHB 1356 prohibits Pennsylvania state and local government agencies from requiring REAL ID-compliant identification to access public buildings or receive government services. Instead, it allows standard driver's licenses, non-driver photo IDs, or other similar identification to be accepted as valid alternatives. The bill clarifies that agencies cannot demand identification if it is not otherwise necessary for a service or building access. This directly affects all state and local government services and the residents who use them.