Rep. Brenda Pugh

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to remove a specific third-class county with a population between 215,000 and 216,000 from the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The department must then submit a revised State implementation plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by January 1, 2027, demonstrating that the county can maintain federal air quality standards without the inspection program. The plan must comply with federal law and ensure it does not interfere with air quality goals or federal funding, with formal notifications sent to state legislative committee chairs upon EPA approval.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2026, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the service and sacrifice of police officers who have died in the line of duty and aligns Pennsylvania with the federal observance dates established by Congress. It does not create new laws, funding, or operational requirements but serves as a symbolic recognition of law enforcement contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows secondary school students in Pennsylvania with cystic fibrosis or pancreatic insufficiency to carry and self-administer prescribed pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) at school. To qualify, students must provide a doctor's order, a parent's request, and written acknowledgments from both the school nurse and the student confirming they understand safety precautions. Schools may restrict self-administration if students fail to follow rules or safeguard the medication, but must then ensure the medication is stored in an accessible location with clear access instructions. The law also requires schools to adopt written policies outlining documentation processes, storage locations, and limits on daily supply quantities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 421) designates April 2026 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the month to raise awareness about child abuse prevention. The resolution highlights Pennsylvania's 2024 statistics (4,756 substantiated abuse cases, 60 child fatalities) and acknowledges community efforts to support victims. It urges Pennsylvanians to participate in prevention efforts and commends organizations working on this issue. The designation is symbolic, aiming to foster community engagement without altering existing policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2256 amends Pennsylvania's theft laws to clarify when a theft offense is classified as a felony of the third degree. It specifies that theft becomes a third-degree felony if the stolen property is valued over $2,000, involves certain vehicles (such as automobiles, motorcycles, or motorboats), includes human remains, or occurs when a person in the business of buying or selling stolen property receives the goods. The bill also defines "human remains" to include any part of a dead body or cremated remains. This change directly affects individuals convicted of theft and how courts categorize these offenses for sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 amends Pennsylvania law to update reimbursement rules for municipal police training costs. It requires the state commission to reimburse municipalities for 60% of police officers' regular salaries during approved training and for the full cost of tuition, living, and travel expenses. Municipalities must provide documentation and undergo annual audits to qualify for reimbursement. Additionally, the law mandates that at least 25% of state funds for this purpose be allocated to townships and boroughs with populations under 20,000 residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2249 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act to clarify the definition of "biosolid" and establish new requirements for its management. The bill prohibits land application of biosolids if levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exceed state limits, and mandates resampling and treatment before land application if those limits are exceeded. It also creates regulations for the beneficial use of municipal waste, requiring monitoring for up to one year, notification of property changes, and departmental oversight for waste stored beyond that period. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to propose a state fund for hazardous waste site cleanup if federal funding proves inadequate.

Maddy summaryHB 2239 prohibits operating drones without written permission on school property, including grounds and aerial space of all school types (public, charter, private, etc.). It creates a new misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine up to $300 for unauthorized drone use near schools, while exempting school security personnel acting in their official duties. The bill specifically targets drone activity that could disrupt school safety or operations, defining "school entity" broadly to cover all educational institutions. This amendment to Pennsylvania's criminal code directly affects drone operators near schools and aims to prevent unauthorized aerial surveillance or intrusion.

Maddy summaryHB 2238 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to submit an annual financial report by October 1st detailing all expenditures from the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, including payments to local EMS agencies, compliance documentation, and corrective actions for noncompliant recipients. If the report is late, administrative funds for the department are withheld, but funding for local EMS providers (like ambulance services and fire departments) remains protected. The Auditor General must verify the report's accuracy, and false certifications carry penalties. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in how EMS funds are managed, directly affecting the Department of Health and local emergency medical services providers.

Maddy summaryHB 2236 requires Pennsylvania public utilities to notify residential customers when their water usage significantly exceeds typical levels (by 200% or $200 above average over 12 months), as it may indicate a property leak. Notifications must include a leak warning, an estimate of future bills if usage continues, and tips for preventing/identifying leaks. Utilities may offer a free, non-intrusive site visit (with customer consent) to inspect for leaks but cannot disturb property or be held liable for missed leaks. The bill defines "atypical water consumption" and prohibits utilities from using this data for purposes beyond leak alerts.