Rep. Tina Pickett

Maddy summaryHB 1329 makes it illegal to share secretly recorded videos or images of people in private settings, specifically targeting the transmission of such material via phone, email, internet, or physical media. It directly affects individuals who secretly record others' intimate areas (like genitals or nipples with minimal covering) in places where privacy is expected - such as bathrooms or changing rooms - and then share those recordings. The bill updates Pennsylvania's invasion of privacy law to explicitly prohibit this sharing, with harsher penalties when the victim is a student or minor. This law aims to protect people from non-consensual sharing of intimate content, particularly in vulnerable situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to establish rules for resident-permitted electronic monitoring in long-term care facilities. It allows residents or their guardians to authorize cameras or audio devices in their rooms, requiring specific written consent forms that include privacy options (like camera obstruction) and explicit consent from all roommates. The bill mandates that residents cover installation, maintenance, and internet costs, and protects facilities from liability for privacy violations when following these procedures. This directly affects residents in nursing facilities and their guardians by creating a structured process for personal monitoring consent.

Maddy summaryHB 1352 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to expand the offense of "unlawful contact with a minor." It directly affects individuals who intentionally contact minors (or law enforcement posing as minors) for specific prohibited activities, including sexual offenses, human trafficking involving minors, incest, or sexual exploitation. The bill adds new categories to the existing law, such as human trafficking with sexual servitude involving minors, endangering a child's welfare through sexual contact, and expanded corruption of minors offenses. These changes clarify that contact for these activities - whether initiated by the adult or the minor - is a criminal offense within Pennsylvania. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1355 would increase tax discounts for businesses that file and pay Pennsylvania sales tax on time. Currently, businesses receive $25 for monthly filings, $75 for quarterly filings, and $150 for semiannual filings. The bill would double these amounts to $50, $150, and $300 per return, respectively. This change directly affects businesses required to collect and remit sales tax under Pennsylvania’s Tax Reform Code.

Maddy summaryHB 1298 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to allow certain absentee voters to apply for a ballot after the standard 15-day deadline (by 5 PM on the fifteenth day before an election) if they face unexpected circumstances like sudden illness, unforeseen work obligations, or last-minute travel plans that prevented timely application. Voters must submit a sworn declaration explaining their situation and confirming eligibility under the new provisions, under penalty of perjury. The bill does not change the existing application rules for mail-in ballots, which require applications to be received 50 days before an election and processed by the 15th day prior.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 requires broadband grant programs under Pennsylvania's Broadband Development Authority to comply with the state's prevailing wage law. It mandates that grant materials include prevailing wage requirements and directs the Department of Labor to create new wage classifications specifically for broadband infrastructure workers, such as teledata linemen, groundmen, and cable splicers. The department must set fair wages based on federal standards and include labor market surveys to determine rates. This affects broadband project funders and contractors receiving state grants, ensuring workers on these projects earn locally established fair wages.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) through a symbolic designation, highlighting the disease's impact - such as its fatal neurodegenerative nature, average 2-5 year survival after diagnosis, and lack of cure - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS, acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and families, and honor ongoing research efforts. As a procedural resolution, it does not alter any existing policies or provide financial support.

Maddy summaryHB 1290 requires Pennsylvania licensing boards to provide written advisory opinions to licensees (such as doctors, lawyers, and contractors) within 30 business days when they request clarification on how laws or regulations apply to their specific license. These opinions must be binding only for the requesting licensee and will be made public via the Right-to-Know Law, allowing others to access them online. The bill also mandates that boards issue general advisory notices about regulatory changes or topics of broad interest to licensees. Licensing boards must create implementing regulations within 18 months of the law taking effect. The bill directly affects licensed professionals seeking clarity on compliance and licensing boards managing those requests.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 176 honors law enforcement officers who have died while serving, specifically commemorating Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Junior Roman, who lost his life on September 10, 2024. The resolution expresses the House of Representatives' deepest sympathy to his family and all families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting public safety. It serves as a formal expression of respect for fallen officers, without creating new legal requirements or altering policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 18-24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the critical role of EMS providers - including paramedics, first responders, and emergency dispatchers - in delivering lifesaving care and improving patient outcomes. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment of EMS professionals' contributions.