Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program (starting 2026-2027) within Pennsylvania public schools to teach students about the political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. School districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools may apply to participate by submitting proposals to the Department of Education by May 15, 2026. The Department must develop guidelines by March 15, 2026 in consultation with LGBTQ+ organizations and prioritize curricula from groups with at least 50% LGBTQ+ leadership. Participating schools must submit annual reports on implementation, and the Department will contract an independent evaluation to assess the program's effectiveness, with results published online.

Maddy summaryHB 1051 amends Pennsylvania's firearm sale laws to address electronic system failures during background checks. It requires gun dealers to use a specific one-page form for buyers when the instant check system is unavailable, including basic personal details (name, address, birthdate) but not firearm type, and send the original copy to the Pennsylvania State Police within 14 days. The bill also increases the firearm sales surcharge from $3 to $10 per transaction, with funds going to a dedicated "Firearm Instant Records Check Fund." These changes directly affect gun dealers, buyers, and the Pennsylvania State Police during background check system outages.

Maddy summaryHR 145 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the economic costs of flooding on residential homes and businesses across the state. The study must analyze 20 years of data (2004-2024), identify trends in flood damage locations and costs, and provide recommendations for better tracking of flood damage and targeting future prevention efforts. The Commission is required to submit a final report to the General Assembly within 12 months of the resolution's adoption. This resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to inform future state flood management strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 877 modifies Pennsylvania's Job Enhancement Act to create financial support for businesses significantly harmed by the January 31, 2025, air ambulance crash in Philadelphia. It establishes two programs: grants to community groups for technical assistance and training to affected businesses, and loans to those groups to fund direct loans to impacted businesses. The bill requires the administering authority to report to legislative committees within 180 days of implementation, detailing funds used and businesses served. Additionally, it mandates a study on best practices for small business recovery after emergencies, to be completed within 180 days. The programs expire five years after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 allows authorized entities like schools, childcare centers, or sports organizations to stock and use epinephrine delivery systems (e.g., auto-injectors) without requiring individual prescriptions for each person. It permits these entities to acquire devices under a single prescription from a healthcare provider, store them accessibly per FDA guidelines, and train designated staff to recognize anaphylaxis and administer the devices. Staff who complete approved training can use the devices in good faith for anyone showing signs of a severe allergic reaction, regardless of prior diagnosis or prescription. The bill also includes protections for individuals acting in good faith during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 755 requires health insurers in Pennsylvania (excluding grandfathered plans) to cover all preventive health services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing, such as copays or deductibles. This directly affects insurers who must comply with the coverage rules and enrollees who gain access to preventive care like vaccinations and screenings at no extra cost. The bill empowers the Insurance Department to create and update the preventive services list through a public comment process (15+ business days) and enforce compliance with penalties for violations. It aligns with federal preventive care standards but allows Pennsylvania to adjust the list based on public input and evidence-based guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 989 extends a 3-day "cooling-off period" for consumers who purchase goods or services priced at $25 or more through door-to-door sales, phone calls, or online platforms. It requires sellers to provide a bilingual receipt and a detachable cancellation form at the time of sale, clearly stating the right to cancel within three business days. Consumers must return merchandise in its original condition and notify sellers in writing to cancel, with sellers required to refund payments within 10 business days. This bill directly affects buyers in these specific sales scenarios and mandates new disclosure requirements for sellers under Pennsylvania's consumer protection law.

Maddy summaryHB 1003 establishes Pennsylvania's Veterans' Housing Assistance Program to provide rental assistance to homeless or at-risk veterans. It directly affects veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces and are identified as homeless or facing imminent homelessness by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program provides rental vouchers (financial assistance) to cover monthly rent and utilities, while the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency coordinates housing ombudsman services to negotiate leases and resolve credit issues, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs identifies eligible veterans and sets implementation guidelines. Veterans must apply through the Department or Agency and may be required to participate in supportive services like mental health counseling or job training to receive assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to increase annual limits on research and development (R&D) tax credits. It raises the total annual credit cap from $60 million to $120 million, with $24 million specifically reserved for small businesses (up from $12 million). Unused allocations for either small businesses or other qualifying businesses can roll over to the other group within the same fiscal year. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1050 defines new types of electronic games under Pennsylvania's small games of chance law, specifically creating legal terms for electronic pull-tab devices, games, and systems. It clarifies that these electronic games cannot resemble casino-style games like slots or poker and must follow strict technical rules (e.g., no mobile phone use, no spinning reels). The bill directly affects licensed organizations already operating games like pull-tabs, ensuring new electronic formats comply with existing regulations. Key provisions include banning duplicate hold combinations in event games and requiring distinguishable features for multiple prize sets. This is a definitional update, not a policy change to prize limits or licensing.