Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that designates December 14, 2024, as "Wreaths Across America Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the organization's mission of placing wreaths on the graves of military veterans and fallen service members at cemeteries nationwide. The resolution calls on residents to reflect on the sacrifices of these individuals and their families during the holiday season. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new programs but serves to recognize a specific date for remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 155 amends the Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Act to update licensing requirements and strengthen consumer protections for residents of health care facilities. The bill includes a specific change to strike the phrase "or other" from the text, which alters how certain regulatory language is applied within the law. By modifying the existing statute and abrogating a specific regulation, the legislation aims to refine the legal framework governing health care facility operations. This measure directly impacts health care providers and facility administrators who must comply with the revised licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates a 19th-century law to allow county recorders of deeds to officially file discharge papers for honorably discharged military personnel. The legislation defines "discharge" to include various forms of separation documents, such as DD Form 214, for individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces or reserve components. Under the new rules, recorders may charge a fifty-cent fee for recording these documents, but the records must remain confidential and only accessible to the veteran, their family, or specific government and judicial entities. Additionally, the bill repeals the original 1868 statute while ensuring that any ongoing administrative actions under the old law can continue under the new framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to explicitly include natural hair braiders in its licensing requirements. It mandates that individuals performing natural hair braiding must obtain a cosmetology license and work only in licensed salons, while also prohibiting the rental of booths within those establishments. The legislation clarifies that these rules apply solely to those whose business is dedicated to braiding and does not affect emergency services, medical professionals, or licensed barbers. Additionally, the bill establishes specific eligibility criteria for taking the required examination and outlines the fees and renewal processes for these new licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers, including physicians and midwives, to offer pregnant and postpartum patients a standardized screening tool for mood and anxiety disorders in their primary language. It mandates that providers share information about available support resources with patients and, with consent, with their accompanying individuals or designated contacts. The legislation also directs the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about perinatal mental health and to maintain an updated list of counseling and assistance services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act to clarify the rules governing cemeteries owned by municipalities. It requires local governments to maintain cemetery grounds but explicitly prohibits them from operating these cemeteries for the purpose of selling plots or burial spaces to make a profit. The changes directly affect municipal authorities and real estate professionals who manage cemetery properties, ensuring that public land remains non-commercial. By adding a new section to the existing law, the legislation establishes clear boundaries between public maintenance duties and commercial real estate activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new savings program for first-time homebuyers in the state, allowing them to open accounts specifically to save for down payments and closing costs on a single-family home. The program is administered by a new Bureau of Savings Programs within the Treasury Department, which will also manage a dedicated fund to hold contributions and earnings. To participate, individuals must apply through an online form and must not have previously owned a home in the state or another country. The money saved in these accounts can only be used for eligible housing expenses when the buyer purchases their first home.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to update parking regulations for electric vehicles. It requires the state department to create new rules for parking at locations that begin receiving electricity, replacing previous language about connected facilities. The changes specifically address how parking spaces are designated for electric vehicles as charging infrastructure expands.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that officially designates October 2024 as "Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to recognize the state's significant grape industry, which includes over 270 wineries and contributes approximately $1.5 billion to the local economy. The resolution encourages residents to celebrate the harvest season by visiting wineries and enjoying grape products while acknowledging the industry's historical and economic contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 9, 2024, as "Ageism Awareness Day" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the issue of discrimination against older adults. The resolution aims to raise public consciousness about age-based stereotypes and their negative impacts on health, finances, and the economy. By formally recognizing this date, the legislation encourages communities to promote respect and inclusion for the state's growing elderly population. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to foster dialogue on preventing ageism in society.