Rep. Brenda Pugh

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, known as "America 250," specifically highlighting the state's historical role in the American Revolution. The document encourages residents to reflect on themes of freedom and democracy while participating in local celebrations and the nationwide "America's Block Party" event. It formally directs a copy of the resolution to the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial to facilitate these observances.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. The study will examine current insurance coverage for treatments, the number of available specialists, common misdiagnoses, and policy actions taken by other states. The Commission is required to consult with medical organizations, insurers, and advocacy groups before submitting a report with recommendations to the House within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month to highlight a spinal condition affecting millions of people, particularly children and teenagers. The bill aims to encourage the public to learn more about scoliosis and support early screening efforts to prevent severe spinal deformities. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness and community support for those affected by the condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow local governments to temporarily halt the submission of new data center development applications. Under the new provision, a municipality can adopt a resolution at a public meeting to pause these submissions for up to 180 days, a period that begins retroactively from the date of public notice. During this pause, local authorities may update their zoning laws regarding data centers, and any applications received while the pause is in effect will be evaluated under the new rules. The legislation defines a data center as a facility primarily used for housing servers or data storage systems with specific backup power and cooling infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to change the deadline for senior citizens to apply for property tax and rent rebates. Under the new rules, eligible individuals must file their claims by December 31 of the year following the tax year, replacing the previous June 30 cutoff. The legislation also removes the requirement that late-filed claims be accepted only if funds are available, allowing the state to process applications submitted after the deadline. These changes directly affect elderly Pennsylvanians seeking financial assistance and streamline the administrative process for the state department handling these claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania turnpike laws to restrict the use of text messages for notifying drivers about unpaid tolls. It specifically prohibits the turnpike commission and its agents from sending texts regarding unpaid charges, payment links, or potential enforcement actions like license suspensions. Exceptions are made for messages from third-party collection agencies and for drivers who have explicitly opted in to receive texts or who use an official mobile app. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania state licensing boards to create rules governing how licensed professionals use artificial intelligence in their practice. It requires these boards to establish guidelines on when AI can be used, the level of human review needed for AI-generated work, and the obligation to inform clients if AI is used to create services or advice. The legislation also mandates that clients have the option to communicate directly with a human professional rather than solely through an AI system. By defining AI and generative AI within state law, the bill ensures that professional standards, ethical duties, and confidentiality rules remain clear even when technology is involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to conduct comprehensive audits of electric, gas, telephone, and water utilities with a plant value of at least $10 million. These audits must happen at least once every three years and will examine management performance, operating efficiency, financial controls, and customer service. The commission will also appoint an investigator to monitor utility responses to these audits and ensure ongoing management effectiveness. All audit summaries will be made public, while full reports will be shared with consumer advocacy offices, and the audits must be performed by independent auditors selected by the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for small businesses in Pennsylvania that help employees pay for health insurance purchased through the state exchange. To qualify, a business must have 50 or fewer employees and make contributions toward health reimbursement arrangements for their workers. The credit is calculated based on the first $1,000 of contributions per employee and can be applied to reduce the business's state tax liability. Companies claiming the credit must submit detailed forms to the Department of Revenue listing employee information and insurance provider details.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify how dealers are defined and establishes new health requirements for horses and other equines sold by them. Under the new rules, dealers must ensure that any equine they sell has tested negative for equine infectious anemia within the last 12 months, unless the animal is a young foal under six months sold with its mother. Dealers are also required to keep detailed records for at least two years, including information about identification methods like microchips or brands, the date of sale, and copies of health test results.