Rep. Kyle Donahue

Maddy summaryHB 1853 amends Pennsylvania's licensing law for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. It updates definitions, licensing procedures, and board powers while adding a specific restriction: it prohibits the use of the title "Licensed Recreational Therapist" for professionals not meeting the defined standards for these licensed roles. The bill directly affects current license holders and applicants in these specific mental health professions within Pennsylvania. Key provisions include clarifying board functions, licensing requirements, out-of-state license endorsement rules, and adding penalties for unauthorized title use.

Maddy summaryHB 1816 regulates pet shops and kennels that handle dogs, cats, and rabbits. It prohibits specific practices like selling animals without health records and requires shops to maintain clean facilities, provide adequate food/water, and display clear pricing. The Department of Agriculture must enforce these rules, conduct inspections, and impose fines for violations. This bill directly affects businesses operating pet shops and kennels in the state, mandating new operational standards and penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating September 15-October 15, 2025, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies, nor does it directly affect specific individuals or groups. The resolution serves only to recognize and honor Hispanic heritage and contributions within the state during that timeframe. As a procedural measure, it requires no funding or implementation mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1804 would require the Commonwealth to withhold state payments to the federal government, strengthen claims against federal property, and prohibit sharing personal data with federal agencies. It creates a legal pathway for the Commonwealth to sue the federal government over withheld payments or data misuse. The bill directly affects how the state interacts with federal agencies on financial transactions and data privacy. Key provisions include blocking state funds to the federal government, allowing legal action for property claims, and banning the sharing of personally identifiable information.

Maddy summaryHB 1798 requires contractors performing home improvement work on properties adjacent to other properties (adjoining properties) to obtain a $500,000 surety bond per adjoining property. The bond must cover damages to the neighboring property and proof must be submitted to the municipality when applying for a building permit. Contractors without the bond face civil penalties of $10,000 for the first violation and $20,000 for each subsequent offense. The law applies to most home improvement contractors but excludes small projects under $5,000 and large home improvement retailers with over $50 million in net worth.

Maddy summaryHB 1799 amends Pennsylvania's 1992 Tuition Account Programs law to create the Keystone Scholars Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to students attending eligible postsecondary institutions. It establishes a dedicated Keystone Scholars Grant Program Account to fund this new scholarship initiative, directly affecting students and families participating in tuition savings programs. The bill updates existing program definitions, governance structures, and federal tax provisions while adding this new grant option to support educational access. This change expands the state's existing tuition savings framework without altering current program requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 creates a Waterfront Redevelopment Fund to provide grants for revitalizing waterfront areas across the state. It requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to manage the fund and distribute grants to eligible local projects, such as public access improvements or environmental upgrades. This bill directly affects municipalities, community groups, and developers working on waterfront sites by providing dedicated funding for redevelopment initiatives. The program establishes clear administrative procedures for grant applications and disbursement under the department's oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1795 requires payroll processing businesses to provide proof of fidelity insurance and surety bonds. This bill directly affects payroll processors by mandating these financial safeguards to cover potential losses from errors or misconduct. The legislation also establishes penalties for processors who fail to meet these requirements. The bill is currently pending in the Labor & Industry committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1785 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to expand coverage for certain cancers diagnosed in workers. It directly affects employees who develop cancer linked to job-related exposures, such as hazardous chemicals or radiation, that were previously not covered under the act. The key provision adds specific cancers to the list of occupational illnesses eligible for compensation, removing the need for workers to prove direct causation beyond standard workplace hazards. The bill is currently pending in the Labor & Industry committee after being referred on August 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 247 is a symbolic resolution designating June 2025 as "Golf Tourism Month" in Pennsylvania. It directly recognizes and promotes Pennsylvania's golf tourism industry during that month without creating new laws or allocating funds. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment by the state legislature to highlight the economic and recreational value of golf tourism. As a procedural resolution, it does not impose obligations or change existing policies.