Maddy summaryHB 439 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly define "race" as including hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as locs, braids, or afros), and "religious creed" as including head coverings or hairstyles tied to religious practice. Employers cannot prohibit these features unless they prove the rule is necessary for health/safety, non-discriminatory, job-specific, and applied equally. The law does not prevent employers from enforcing general safety rules or anti-harassment policies that apply fairly across all employees. This directly affects employers and employees in Pennsylvania workplaces by clarifying protections against discrimination related to appearance.
Rep. Manny Guzman
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1161 requires a physician to be present at all wrestling competitions in Pennsylvania, including high school and college events. This law directly affects athletic programs, schools, and event organizers by mandating immediate medical personnel availability during matches. The key provision ensures a physician is on-site to address potential injuries, aligning with safety standards for wrestling competitions under state athletic regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 2050 amends the 1961 Pharmacy Act to update requirements for obtaining and maintaining a pharmacy operating permit. It directly affects pharmacy owners and operators who must comply with these permit rules. The bill modifies the existing permit process under the Pharmacy Act, though specific procedural changes are not detailed in the provided context. This update aims to modernize pharmacy permit administration within the state's regulatory framework. The bill was recently referred to the Health committee for further review.
Maddy summaryHB 2046 updates Pennsylvania's gaming laws to establish a new framework for skill-based video gaming, which would directly affect gaming operators and players. The bill modifies how slot machine revenue is distributed to the State Gaming Fund, requiring the Department of Revenue to manage these funds and implement new tax collection for skill video gaming. It also introduces criminal and civil penalties for violations related to these gaming activities. The law aims to create a regulated system for skill video gaming while adjusting revenue streams for the state's existing gaming programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating the week of November 17-21, 2025, as "Certified Public Accountant Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly recognizes the profession of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) within the state through a formal legislative designation. The resolution has no policy or regulatory impact - it serves solely as a commemorative gesture without imposing new requirements or altering laws. The bill was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on November 17, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2030 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Interstate Compact, enabling APRNs (like nurse practitioners and anesthetists) to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This directly affects APRNs working in Pennsylvania and those seeking to practice in other compact states. The bill requires the Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth to adopt the compact's terms and implement its provisions. If enacted, it would streamline licensing for APRNs providing care in multiple states, reducing administrative barriers for healthcare providers and patients.
Maddy summaryHR 305 is a Pennsylvania legislative resolution designating November 2025 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" within the state. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but formally recognizes the month to promote public awareness about pancreatic cancer. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvanians by encouraging community events, education, and support for cancer research and patient advocacy during that period. It was adopted by the state legislature on November 17, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2007 mandates a specific $62 million transfer from Pennsylvania's Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund by November 1, 2025, to address the loss of federal SNAP benefits. The funds are allocated as follows: $50 million to the Department of Agriculture for food bank grants under existing state food programs, $10 million to the Department of Human Services for senior meal assistance, and $2 million for administration and outreach. This bill directly affects food banks, senior assistance organizations, and state agencies managing these programs. It requires the transfer to occur regardless of the usual emergency funding process outlined in Section 1703-A(b), which typically requires a two-thirds legislative vote for reserve fund appropriations. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryHB 1512 requires manufacturers of digital electronic devices (like smartphones and computers) to provide owners and independent repair shops with necessary repair documentation, parts, and tools on fair and reasonable terms. The bill mandates that manufacturers make this information accessible to enable repairs outside of official channels. It also imposes penalties for manufacturers who fail to comply with these requirements. This directly affects device manufacturers and expands repair options for consumers and small repair businesses. The bill passed final passage in the legislature on October 27, 2025, and now awaits review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.
Maddy summaryHB 1828 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover all recommended vaccines without requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles. It directly affects insurance companies by mandating this coverage and patients who rely on insurance for routine immunizations (e.g., childhood vaccines, flu shots). The bill adds penalties for insurers that fail to comply with the coverage requirement. This policy change ensures broader access to vaccines by removing financial barriers under insurance plans.