Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania statutes regarding driver licensing to update the title of the Office of General Counsel within the Department of Justice. It also removes a specific section of text from the original draft of the legislation. These changes are administrative and technical, focusing on correcting the bill's language rather than altering the core policies for drivers or the Medical Advisory Board.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for pet insurance in Pennsylvania, requiring insurers to provide clear definitions for terms like preexisting conditions and wellness programs. It mandates that policyholders receive a copy of their insurance policy and allows them to return it within 30 days for a full refund if they are not satisfied. The legislation also sets standards for how pet insurance policies must be sold and requires insurance producers to receive specific training. Finally, the bill outlines penalties for violations and gives the Insurance Commissioner the authority to create further rules and regulations to enforce these standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the deadline for foreign companies to submit their annual reports to the state of Pennsylvania. It changes the effective date for a specific reporting requirement from January 3, 2026, to January 4, 2027. The law applies only to foreign associations that were already subject to the previous reporting rules when this change was made.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's personal income tax law to introduce tax incentives for 529 savings accounts and tuition programs. It allows employers to claim a tax credit for matching employee contributions to 529 accounts, with a limit of $500 per employee per year, provided the employee also contributes to the account. Additionally, the bill updates tuition account rules to prevent fees from being charged when an account is closed due to the beneficiary's death or disability and ensures such payments are not taxed as income. These changes aim to encourage education savings while clarifying tax treatment for specific account events.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide menstrual hygiene products to students in Pennsylvania public schools without charge. It directs the Department of Education to award funding to school districts that have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch, allowing recipients to purchase items like tampons and pads or install dispensing machines. The program requires that these products be accessible to all students regardless of their gender identity and mandates that schools report how the funds are spent. A total of $100,000 is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support this initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania schools to create and distribute mental health awareness materials specifically for student athletes, their parents, and coaches. It mandates that these groups sign an acknowledgment form each year confirming they have reviewed information about mental health warning signs and available resources. Additionally, the law requires coaches to complete an approved mental health training course annually before they can lead any athletic activity. Schools may also hold informational meetings at the start of each season to discuss these topics with students, families, and staff. Coaches who fail to complete the required training face suspensions that increase in severity with each violation, ranging from the remainder of the current season to permanent removal from coaching.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to allow participating healthcare providers to choose how they receive payments, rather than forcing them to accept only credit card transactions. Insurers must inform providers about all available payment options, disclose any associated fees, and provide clear instructions on how to select a method. The law also prohibits charging fees for transmitting payments unless the provider agrees to them, while allowing billing agents to charge for specific management services. These rules apply to licensed hospitals, doctors, and other regulated medical professionals who have contracts with health insurers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a resolution to update the year for a cost analysis study from 2005 to 2006 and extends the timeline for the study from 180 days to one year. The study is intended to examine the financial impact of an early retirement proposal for members of the State Employees' Retirement System and the Public School Employees' Retirement System. By making these specific adjustments, the bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct the review within a longer timeframe using the updated year.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to reevaluate their foreign policy toward Ethiopia due to concerns over the country's shift toward authoritarian rule and ethnic-based violence. The bill highlights specific issues such as the suppression of democratic institutions, human rights abuses, and the persecution of minorities, calling for increased U.S. attention to these conditions. It does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a formal recommendation to federal leaders to prioritize human rights and democratic development in their diplomatic approach to Ethiopia.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to adjust funding rates for personal assistance services provided under the Community HealthChoices program starting in January 2025. It mandates that providers receiving these funds spend at least 80% of their budget on worker salaries and benefits, while offering an enhanced rate to providers who invest 90% or more in wages. The legislation also directs the Department of Human Services to conduct regular reviews of these rates every three years to ensure they reflect local wage data and cost factors. Additionally, the bill allocates specific budget increases for direct care workers, including a 16% raise for consumer-directed services and a 10% raise for agency-directed services.