Rep. Maureen Madden

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates May 2026 as Osteoporosis Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of bone health and fracture prevention. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves to raise public awareness about osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk, particularly among older adults. By recognizing this month, the resolution encourages health professionals, policymakers, and the public to focus on preventive measures such as proper nutrition, exercise, and screening. The text includes background information on the prevalence and costs of osteoporosis in Pennsylvania and the nation to underscore the significance of the awareness campaign.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 18, 2026, as "Erie Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the historical events surrounding Erie's founding, including the 1795 land survey and 1805 borough establishment. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any specific group or program. The designation is purely ceremonial and applies statewide on that date. (HR 416, 2026 session)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies and government programs in Pennsylvania to cover semiannual maintenance and safety checks for complex wheelchairs. It defines complex wheelchairs as custom-designed medical devices that need regular adjustments to meet a user's specific physical needs. The law mandates that these coverage plans pay for the labor and travel costs associated with these evaluations, which can be conducted either in person or via telehealth. By imposing these duties on the Department of Human Services and the Insurance Department, the act ensures that individuals relying on specialized mobility equipment receive consistent care to maintain the device's functionality.

Maddy summaryHB 1113 proposes creating a new state office dedicated to supporting immigrants and newcomers in Pennsylvania, along with a dedicated funding account to support its work. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to guide the office's efforts, specifying its membership and responsibilities. This office would directly assist new residents, including immigrants, by providing resources and coordination. Key provisions include defining the office's duties, managing the restricted funding account, and outlining the committee's role in advising state officials. The bill aims to create a centralized state resource for newcomers but remains in early committee stages with no voting action taken.

Maddy summaryHB 1963 amends Pennsylvania's driver licensing rules to clarify the role of the Medical Advisory Board in reviewing medical conditions that may affect driving safety. It directly affects drivers with health conditions requiring medical evaluation and the Board itself, requiring the Board to provide specific guidance for license decisions. The bill establishes a formal process where the Board reviews medical documentation and advises the state on fitness-to-drive determinations. This changes current procedures by making the Board's input a mandatory step in certain licensing cases under Title 75.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence to oversee and report on vocational training programs across Pennsylvania. The commission will consist of state officials and representatives from industry groups, tasked with setting guidelines for credit transfer between schools and assessing workforce needs. Additionally, the legislation establishes a grant program to provide equipment for building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship initiatives at community colleges. It also mandates that community colleges offer annual youth camps in construction and building trades to seventh and eighth-grade students to introduce them to these career paths.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces two main changes to Pennsylvania law: it exempts gun safes and gun locks from sales and use tax, and it creates a new criminal offense for failing to securely store firearms. Under the new provisions, firearm owners must keep their weapons locked in a designated safe or with a locking device when not in use, with stricter penalties if a minor or unauthorized person is likely to be present. The legislation also establishes civil liability for owners whose unsecured firearms cause injury or property damage and requires retailers to post notices about secure storage laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies that gun cabinets do not qualify as gun safes and defines specific terms like "securely store" and "unauthorized user" to guide enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to receive a minimum of $19 million in state funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The money is designated for the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program, which supports projects aimed at advancing agricultural practices and technologies. By amending the state's Fiscal Code, the legislation ensures this specific funding source is established and available to the department.

Maddy summaryHB 1611 revises Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to create a uniform statewide system for reporting and investigating abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of older adults. It directly affects vulnerable elderly Pennsylvanians and their caregivers by establishing mandatory reporting protocols and prohibiting financial exploitation. Key provisions include requiring local agencies to use a standardized reporting system, clarifying definitions of abuse and exploitation, and ensuring protective services are available to those at risk. The bill also updates funding mechanisms and penalties for violations, aiming to improve coordination and response across all counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to explicitly prohibit the state from interfering with the use or provision of medically appropriate contraception and fertility treatments. It defines fertility treatment broadly to include services such as egg and sperm preservation, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo genetic testing, and related medications. By codifying this protection in the state's criminal code, the legislation ensures that government entities cannot restrict access to these reproductive health services. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.