Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryHB 1452 amends Pennsylvania's Military Affairs statutes to update provisions for the veterans registry and the PA VETConnect Program. The bill requires the veterans registry forms to include options for requesting information on support resources for military sexual trauma. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs coordinate with organizations that provide military sexual trauma support resources as part of the PA VETConnect Program. These changes are intended to improve access to specific support services for veterans.

Maddy summaryHB 1200 establishes a comprehensive framework for the regulation and treatment of cannabis in Pennsylvania. It creates state-run Pennsylvania Cannabis Stores for sales and a licensing system for private cannabis businesses, including cultivators, processors, and transporters. The bill also provides for the expungement of certain past cannabis convictions and includes provisions for social and economic equity initiatives. It establishes a cannabis excise tax, dedicating revenue to funds for community reinvestment and substance use disorder prevention, and assigns oversight duties to state agencies like the Liquor Control Board.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Menstrual Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the importance of menstrual health, highlighting issues like limited access to education and hygiene products, stigma, and health disparities affecting women and girls. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or requirements; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to raise awareness about these issues. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by designating a month for community education and discussion around menstrual health.

Maddy summaryHB 1439 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. The bill requires that the pharmaceutical composition of crystalline polymorph psilocybin be scheduled in Pennsylvania to match federal law immediately upon its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Following federal rescheduling by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the state Secretary of Health must publish notice of this change. The state's rescheduling of this substance will then take effect 30 days after its publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This process directly affects the legal classification of this specific substance within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill prohibits real estate service agreements that unfairly bind future property owners, create liens, or allow silent assignment without owner notification. It makes such agreements unenforceable, bans their recording (with misdemeanor penalties), and allows consumers to sue for damages - $5,000 minimum or actual losses, $15,000 for seniors over 60. The law directly affects homeowners and buyers who sign real estate service contracts, ensuring transparency and preventing deceptive terms. It also provides remedies including debt forgiveness, attorney fees, and court orders to void invalid agreements.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 167 recognizes May 9-18, 2025, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the economic and community benefits of public gardens, including supporting over 2,000 jobs, contributing more than $500 million to the state economy, and welcoming 4.2 million annual visitors. It emphasizes public gardens' roles in conservation, education, and promoting health through outdoor engagement. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or obligations but aims to raise awareness of these institutions' value.

Maddy summaryHB 492 repeals Section 8041 of Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code, which previously regulated rodeo events. This removes specific municipal restrictions on rodeo operations, including a 12-day annual limit for ticketed rodeos and definitions for "rodeo hosting entities." The bill directly affects municipalities (counties, cities, townships) and rodeo operators by eliminating these regulatory requirements. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment, streamlining the Fiscal Code by removing outdated provisions unrelated to fiscal management.

Maddy summaryHB 921 establishes Pennsylvania's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help residents with overdue water or wastewater bills after the federal program ends. It requires the Department of Human Services to create the program by July 1, 2026, with eligibility based on income, owning/renting a home in PA, and having overdue bills (including termination notices). Water or wastewater utility companies can apply for grants on behalf of eligible customers to prevent service termination, pay past-due bills, or restore services. The program mandates annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees detailing grant recipients, amounts, and expenditures. This policy directly affects low-income households facing water service disruptions and utility providers serving them.

Maddy summaryHB 1067 requires retailers in Pennsylvania to display a notice warning consumers about gift card scams and providing guidance on what to do if they suspect a scam, with the notice to be placed at all gift card sales locations. Retailers must also train staff to identify scam patterns, require purchasers to show photo ID at checkout, and report suspected scams to authorities. Non-compliant retailers face civil penalties: $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The law directly affects retailers selling gift cards (excluding those selling cards valid only at their own business) and aims to protect consumers from fraud.