Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2026 as "National Social Work Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of social workers who support vulnerable populations, address mental health needs, and advocate for policies like minimum wage and poverty reduction. The resolution has no binding effect - it encourages Pennsylvanians to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating the profession during that month. It does not create new policies, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the lives of three Pennsylvania law enforcement officers - Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker - who died in the line of duty on September 17, 2025. The bill formally extends condolences to their families and recognizes their individual contributions to public service, including Becker's heroism in saving a family from a house fire, Emenheiser's leadership and lifesaving awards, and Baker's pioneering work in forensic investigations. As a noncontroversial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a legislative acknowledgment of their sacrifice and dedication to their communities.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 395 designates March 17, 2026, as "St. Patrick's Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally celebrates the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the founding of the United States, including their roles in the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to honor Irish American heritage and history.

Maddy summaryHB 501 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update definitions and clarify requirements for renewable energy compliance. It specifically adds "advanced reactor" (including small modular reactors) to eligible energy sources, refines criteria for low-impact hydropower, and updates definitions for biomass, biogas, and alternative energy credits. The bill affects electric utilities required to meet portfolio standards by specifying which energy sources count toward compliance and how credits are calculated. These changes aim to modernize the framework for renewable energy reporting and incentives without altering current percentage targets. The bill is currently in committee review (Environmental & Natural Resource Protection).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to update definitions and regulations related to alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, while also introducing provisions for hemp-derived cannabinoid beverages. It establishes new categories for "alcohol service personnel" and "cannabinoid service personnel" to clarify the roles of employees in licensed establishments, and creates a Local Hemp Sharing Fund to support local communities. The legislation also modifies licensing rules for malt and brewed beverages, outlines requirements for responsible alcohol management, and sets penalties for unlawful acts involving these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to exempt individuals aged 65 or older from identification card renewal fees if they have surrendered their driver's license due to a diagnosed physical or mental condition. The exemption applies specifically to those who surrender their licenses based on a health care provider's diagnosis, and the department may request proof of this medical documentation. The change aims to reduce financial burdens on seniors who can no longer drive for health reasons. The legislation would become effective 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1311 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code by revising the definition of "serious provocation" in cases involving danger to the person. The amendment explicitly states that this term does not include the discovery, knowledge, or potential disclosure of a victim's gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation, nor does it cover unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advances by the victim or a prior romantic relationship between the victim and defendant. This change affects criminal cases where defendants might otherwise claim "serious provocation" as a defense, particularly in incidents involving LGBTQ+ individuals or relationship dynamics. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act by adding a formal definition for "wetland" and establishing specific rules for where wetland replacement projects must be located. The legislation directly affects developers, environmental regulators, and landowners involved in projects that impact wetlands, requiring them to follow a prioritized siting hierarchy. Under the new provisions, replacement wetlands must be placed immediately adjacent to the affected area whenever possible, with subsequent options including locations along the same watercourse, within the same watershed, or near higher-order streams if closer sites are unavailable. The bill also mandates that regulatory agencies reject replacement proposals in different watersheds unless all suitable local options have been exhausted, and requires documentation explaining why alternative sites were not feasible.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to explicitly exempt health care sharing ministries from state insurance regulations and oversight by the Insurance Commissioner. It defines these ministries as faith-based nonprofit organizations where members share medical expenses based on common ethical or religious beliefs, with voluntary contributions and no promise of payment. To qualify, these organizations must provide monthly expense statements, undergo annual independent audits, and include clear disclaimers on membership materials stating they are not insurance and members remain personally responsible for medical bills. The changes apply to any organization meeting the specified criteria and would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new Boards of Prison Inspectors at each Pennsylvania State correctional institution to oversee facility conditions and operations. The boards will consist of 18 members including medical professionals, educators, law enforcement officers, county officials, and community representatives, with at least one member being a former inmate or family member of an inmate. Each board will conduct unannounced inspections at least twice annually, review inmate complaints and officer misconduct records, and submit public reports on their findings. Board members serve three-year terms without pay but receive expense reimbursement, and they are prohibited from being current employees of the correctional system.