Rep. Brenda Pugh

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt sales and use of specific baby items from state sales tax for a family's first child. The new provision allows parents to purchase child passenger restraint systems, formula feeding supplies, and teethers without paying tax, provided the child is their oldest or only child at the time of purchase. The Department of Revenue is required to publish online guidance to help clarify how these exclusions will be implemented. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately if that date has already passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's sales and use tax law to temporarily exempt pet food from taxation. It specifically applies to individual buyers purchasing pet food for personal, non-business use during a six-month window starting on July 1, 2026. The legislation defines "pet food" broadly to include dry, wet, raw, and fresh varieties, and clarifies that the tax break applies even if the food is delivered after the six-month period ends. The Department of Revenue is tasked with publishing online guidance to help consumers understand and utilize this temporary exclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's child protective services laws to clarify which specific sexual offenses involving children must be reported and to strengthen reporting protocols for staff at schools and medical facilities. It explicitly requires mandated reporters to file a report if they suspect a child is involved in the creation, display, or possession of child sexual abuse material or artificially generated images of children, regardless of whether the minor created the content. Additionally, the legislation mandates that institution staff notify their supervisor immediately after making a report and ensures that institutions cooperate fully with subsequent investigations. The changes will not take effect until one year after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Second Class City Firemen Relief Law to update pension eligibility rules for surviving spouses of fire department members. It modifies membership requirements for married firefighters and adjusts how pensions are calculated and provided to surviving spouses after a member's death. The changes directly affect married firefighters employed in second-class cities and their spouses who may qualify for pension benefits under this law. The bill focuses on clarifying and adjusting existing pension provisions rather than creating new benefits.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and their families. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to increase public understanding of the disease and support ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by those living with ALS and the importance of continued medical investigation.

Maddy summaryHB 2220 requires video streaming services (like Netflix or Disney+) to ensure advertisements are not louder than the main content they accompany, aligning with federal guidelines. It directly affects streaming platforms operating in Pennsylvania by prohibiting volume disparities in ads. Consumers can file complaints with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, which may impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation or seek injunctive relief. The law explicitly states that private lawsuits for violations are not permitted, making the Attorney General the sole enforcer.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 18, 2025, as "Lineworker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes Pennsylvania's electrical lineworkers for their critical role in maintaining the state's power grid, without creating new laws or affecting regulations. The resolution honors their work in ensuring reliable electricity delivery, acknowledging their safety-focused efforts in hazardous conditions.

Maddy summaryHR 195 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the month for raising awareness about child abuse prevention efforts across the state. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents and organizations focused on child welfare by encouraging community observances and educational activities during April 2025. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and serves solely as a formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2, 2026, as Negro Leagues Day to honor African-American baseball players who contributed to the sport. The bill recognizes the historical significance of Negro League teams in Pennsylvania, such as the Philadelphia Giants and Homestead Grays, and highlights the achievements of players like Josh Gibson and Roy Campanella. By officially naming this date, the resolution aims to preserve the legacy of these athletes and acknowledge their impact on the civil rights movement in sports.

Maddy summaryThis bill would temporarily exempt Halloween costumes, decorations, pumpkins, and related accessories from Pennsylvania sales and use tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal, non-business use during a six-month period starting when the law takes effect. The Department of Revenue would be required to publish a list of exempt items online and may provide additional guidance on what qualifies. If passed, the tax break would begin on July 1, 2026, or later if the law is enacted after that date.