Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program (starting 2026-2027) within Pennsylvania public schools to teach students about the political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. School districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools may apply to participate by submitting proposals to the Department of Education by May 15, 2026. The Department must develop guidelines by March 15, 2026 in consultation with LGBTQ+ organizations and prioritize curricula from groups with at least 50% LGBTQ+ leadership. Participating schools must submit annual reports on implementation, and the Department will contract an independent evaluation to assess the program's effectiveness, with results published online.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Women's History Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial measure with no binding policy changes, funding, or new programs. The resolution invites all Pennsylvanians to reflect on women's contributions to the state's and nation's economic, cultural, and social development. It does not affect specific groups or create legal obligations, as it is purely symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 145 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the economic costs of flooding on residential homes and businesses across the state. The study must analyze 20 years of data (2004-2024), identify trends in flood damage locations and costs, and provide recommendations for better tracking of flood damage and targeting future prevention efforts. The Commission is required to submit a final report to the General Assembly within 12 months of the resolution's adoption. This resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to inform future state flood management strategies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. It formally recognizes the observance of Ramadan (March 1-30, 2025) and Eid al-Fitr, a significant religious period for Muslims involving fasting, reflection, and community celebration. The resolution has no legal effect or impact on laws, policies, or individuals - it simply acknowledges the Muslim community’s religious observance. As a symbolic gesture, it does not impose requirements or alter rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1041 allows a single business to hold both a brewery license and a limited distillery license at the same physical location in Pennsylvania. The bill requires that the areas for each operation be clearly separated (though they may overlap), specifies that both licenses must operate within permitted hours, and states that citations for violations can apply to either or both licenses. This directly affects breweries and distilleries seeking to combine operations under one roof, particularly those allowing on-premise consumption. The law modifies existing Liquor Code provisions (Sections 446 and 505.4) to formalize these dual-license arrangements. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 establishes Pennsylvania's Second Stage Loan Program, which provides loan guarantees to eligible commercial lenders (like banks) for loans to life sciences, advanced technology, and manufacturing businesses located in the state. To qualify, borrowers must have operated for at least two years, be located within the lender's service area, and demonstrate job creation or retention (e.g., new or retained employees). The program guarantees 50% of a loan's principal for the first two years, reducing to 25% for years three through seven, with lenders required to exhaust all other remedies before claiming under the guarantee. This directly affects participating lenders, their business clients in targeted sectors, and Pennsylvania's economic development goals.

Maddy summaryHB 1052 requires fire-resistant material applicators in Pennsylvania to obtain a license from the newly established Fireproofing Applicator Licensing Board. The bill directly affects workers applying fire-resistant materials (like sprayed cement or fiber) to building surfaces, mandating they complete accredited training and meet experience requirements. Key provisions include the board setting professional standards, approving training programs, issuing licenses, enforcing penalties for unlicensed work, and maintaining a public online roster of licensed applicators. The law aims to standardize safety practices and oversight in this specialized construction field.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 allows authorized entities like schools, childcare centers, or sports organizations to stock and use epinephrine delivery systems (e.g., auto-injectors) without requiring individual prescriptions for each person. It permits these entities to acquire devices under a single prescription from a healthcare provider, store them accessibly per FDA guidelines, and train designated staff to recognize anaphylaxis and administer the devices. Staff who complete approved training can use the devices in good faith for anyone showing signs of a severe allergic reaction, regardless of prior diagnosis or prescription. The bill also includes protections for individuals acting in good faith during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 404 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to extend health insurance coverage for children under family policies. It requires policies to cover dependent children up to age 26 (previously 19) and prohibits insurers from denying or restricting coverage based on a child's financial dependency, residency, marital status, school enrollment, or employment. The bill also allows group health plans to extend coverage for adult children up to age 29 if they meet specific conditions, such as not being married, having no dependents, and residing in Pennsylvania or attending school full-time. This affects all health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania that provide dependent child coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 410 allows certain Pennsylvanians with disabilities, 100% service-connected veterans, and active-duty military members or their dependents living abroad to renew driver's licenses using their most recent photo and signature on file instead of providing new photos. The bill applies to individuals who qualify under existing disability plate rules (Section 1338), have a 100% service-connected disability certification, or are active military personnel or their dependents. Renewal using existing records is prohibited if no current photo/signature exists, if record changes (like name or eye color) are needed, or if the photo is over 16 years old. The law takes effect 33 months after enactment.