Rep. Brenda Pugh

Maddy summaryThis bill legalizes prediction markets in Pennsylvania by adding a new chapter to the state's amusement laws that defines how these speculative platforms must operate. It directly affects the companies that build and run these platforms, as well as the individuals who wish to place bets on the outcomes of future events. Key provisions include setting a minimum age of 21 for participants, banning markets related to deaths or assassinations, and prohibiting anyone involved in gambling from acting as a market maker or sharing in the platform's revenue. The legislation also establishes rules to prevent insider trading and market manipulation, while giving the state board authority to create specific regulations and impose civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to formally define "pedalcycles with electric assist" and sets specific rules for how local authorities can regulate them. It establishes that these vehicles must weigh no more than 100 pounds, have operable pedals, and be limited to speeds of 20 or 28 miles per hour, while explicitly excluding devices designed for people with disabilities. The legislation also creates a new category of fines for violations, increasing penalties for operating these e-bikes compared to standard bicycles, and grants local governments the power to restrict where these vehicles can be ridden on roads or sidewalks. However, the bill explicitly prohibits state or local officials from requiring owners to register, insure, or license these specific electric bicycles.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding child protective services to improve how cases are investigated and how records are handled. It requires that when a child abuse report is found to be unfounded but the family still needs help, agencies must keep those records for a specific time before expunging them, while ensuring the subject of the record receives written notice of the expunction. Additionally, the legislation mandates the creation of specialized review teams for cases where a child dies or suffers a near-fatal injury due to abuse. These teams must include a diverse group of experts, such as healthcare professionals, law enforcement, mental health specialists, and community representatives, to conduct thorough reviews and write reports. The bill also clarifies the composition of these teams to ensure broad representation and expertise in preventing and treating child abuse.

Maddy summaryHB 2146 modifies Pennsylvania's open meetings law to clarify when government agencies can take action on unlisted agenda items. It creates specific exceptions for minor administrative approvals that arise unexpectedly, such as urgent legal filings, small purchases under $10,000 (based on current thresholds), grant applications with deadlines, or minor permit approvals. Agencies must obtain and publicly disclose a legal opinion confirming an item qualifies under these exceptions before acting. This directly affects state and local agencies holding public meetings, ensuring transparency while allowing limited flexibility for time-sensitive matters. The bill does not change core meeting notice requirements but adds defined exceptions for minor, non-financial actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to create a disaster recovery grant program for fruit and vegetable growers affected by freeze events between April 1 and April 21, 2026. It allocates up to $20 million from previously set-aside funds for highly pathogenic avian influenza to assist growers of specialty crops, including pome and stone fruits, grapes, berries, and vegetables, who suffered production losses exceeding 30%. The legislation explicitly excludes costs already covered by federal funding, insurance, or other contracts from receiving these state grants and requires the Department of Agriculture to publish implementation guidelines within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's race horse industry laws to update definitions and expand the regulatory powers of the state commission. It clarifies that the term "applicant" covers a wide range of individuals involved in horse racing, including owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, and security personnel. The legislation requires these applicants to submit fingerprints for a comprehensive criminal history check that includes verification with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission use this background information to screen individuals for fitness to hold licenses while ensuring the records are maintained according to federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania residents to voluntarily donate $5 when they renew their driver's licenses or vehicle registrations online. The funds collected will go exclusively to the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to help provide communication access services for those individuals. The donation is optional and will be added to the regular renewal fee, with annual reports required to track how much money is raised and how it is spent.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 208 directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study wait times, service processes, and operational challenges at two state offices: the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services within the Department of Labor and Industry. The committee must examine current wait times for services, assess how delays affect individuals seeking support, and explore solutions like contracting with nonprofit organizations to improve efficiency. The study requires a report to the General Assembly within 180 days, focusing on concrete findings about service delivery rather than mandating policy changes. This resolution does not alter existing services but aims to inform potential improvements for Pennsylvanians with vision impairments who rely on these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge carrying U.S. Route 22 in Cresson Township, Cambria County, as the PFC Stanley J. Lassak Memorial Bridge to honor a local veteran. The legislation officially names the structure after PFC Stanley J. Lassak, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was killed in a car accident in 1993. It requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions on the bridge. The act will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates the week of August 19 through 30, 2026, as "Little League World Series Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects the state's residents and officials by formally recognizing the annual youth baseball tournament held in South Williamsport. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the event's impact on the local economy and community spirit. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to attend games and support the volunteers who help run the program.