Rep. Brenda Pugh

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.

Maddy summaryHB 1422 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify how mail-in voters must return their ballots. It requires that completed mail-in ballots be returned by 8:00 PM on election day via one of three methods: U.S. Postal Service to county election offices, in person at county election offices during regular hours, or at designated ballot return locations. Ballot return locations must be on county election premises or courthouses, monitored by election inspectors from both major parties, and equipped with video recording for public review. This bill directly affects mail-in voters and county election boards across Pennsylvania by standardizing ballot return procedures and accessibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1269 establishes the Brain Injury Advisory Board within Pennsylvania’s Department of Health. The board will consist of 25 voting members appointed by the Governor, including brain injury survivors, family caregivers, disability advocates, rehabilitation providers, injury prevention groups, and veterans with brain injuries. It also creates 9 non-voting members representing key state agencies like Aging, Corrections, Education, and Human Services. The bill defines the board’s structure, membership requirements, and terms (4 years, no term limits), with members serving without pay but reimbursed for expenses. This is a procedural change to create an advisory body, not a policy shift affecting health services or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 97 is a resolution designating the week of May 4-10, 2025, as "Career and Technology Week" and May 7, 2025, as "National Skilled Trades Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the role of career and technical education programs and skilled trades professions in supporting Pennsylvania's economy and workforce development. The resolution highlights how these fields prepare students for high-demand careers in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and technology while addressing workforce shortages. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but aims to raise awareness and honor contributions to Pennsylvania's economic growth.

Maddy summaryHB 1394 proposes to repeal the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, directly affecting estates and beneficiaries who would no longer be subject to this tax on inherited assets. The bill also modifies procedures for taxpayers to petition for a reassessment of taxes. Additionally, it updates existing provisions related to how government-issued obligations are treated for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new felony offenses for assaulting emergency responders (like police, EMTs, or firefighters) by exposing them to fentanyl or its derivatives. Intentionally throwing fentanyl at a responder while they are on duty (and knowing they are a responder) is a felony of the second degree. Unlawfully possessing fentanyl and causing a responder to come into contact with it is a felony of the third degree. The law defines "emergency responder" using existing Pennsylvania law and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1298 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to allow certain absentee voters to apply for a ballot after the standard 15-day deadline (by 5 PM on the fifteenth day before an election) if they face unexpected circumstances like sudden illness, unforeseen work obligations, or last-minute travel plans that prevented timely application. Voters must submit a sworn declaration explaining their situation and confirming eligibility under the new provisions, under penalty of perjury. The bill does not change the existing application rules for mail-in ballots, which require applications to be received 50 days before an election and processed by the 15th day prior.

Maddy summaryHB 269 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to improve access to overdose response information. It requires the Department of Health to develop free online training materials, posters, and pamphlets about recognizing opioid overdoses and using reversal medications (like naloxone), with the materials available in multiple languages upon request. Specific public entities - including Commonwealth agencies, transit authorities, municipalities, and local transportation organizations - must display the poster in conspicuous public locations, such as bathrooms or lobbies. The Department covers all printing and distribution costs, and entities already displaying equivalent materials may substitute them with prior notice. This bill focuses on education and resource accessibility, not changing drug laws or medication access.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) through a symbolic designation, highlighting the disease's impact - such as its fatal neurodegenerative nature, average 2-5 year survival after diagnosis, and lack of cure - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS, acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and families, and honor ongoing research efforts. As a procedural resolution, it does not alter any existing policies or provide financial support.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates May 2025 as "Nurses Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of nurses across the state. It highlights nurses' critical roles during the pandemic, their daily patient care responsibilities, and their impact on community health without creating new legal requirements or funding. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the nursing profession, which includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other specialized roles.