Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryHB 1678 adds a 45-mill tax plus a 5-mill surtax on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users within Pennsylvania. It directly affects digital advertising providers (e.g., companies running banner or search ads) but exempts broadcast and news media entities. The tax applies to revenue from ads shown on digital interfaces (websites, apps) where users are located in Pennsylvania, excluding sales of internet access, telecom hardware, and resale services. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to regulate medical devices by banning specific toxic chemicals known as ortho-phthalates, with a primary focus on DEHP. The legislation targets manufacturers of intravenous solution containers and tubing, which currently use these chemicals to make plastic flexible. By prohibiting the intentional addition of these substances, the bill aims to prevent the chemicals from leaching into patient fluids and reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The law is based on findings that these compounds can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially harming reproductive health and contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on how electronic monitoring is currently used in Pennsylvania as an alternative to incarceration. The study will examine where and how this technology is applied, identify barriers to its use, and analyze costs and recidivism rates compared to traditional imprisonment. Committee members will consult with various government agencies, legal groups, and service providers to gather information, with the final report due to the House of Representatives within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies to publicly notify the community 14 days before hiring an officer with a history of specific disciplinary actions, such as excessive force, theft, or sexual misconduct. Agencies must also submit detailed hiring reports explaining their rationale for employing individuals with these records to a state commission, which will maintain these reports in a public database. To ensure compliance, the legislation imposes penalties that could make non-compliant agencies ineligible for state funding related to equipment, hiring, overtime, and community programs. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual public report reviewing the database's impact on police accountability and community safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates October 24, 2026, as "Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day" throughout Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, change regulations, or alter funding, and it has no direct impact on healthcare providers or residents. The measure simply acknowledges the historical use of these medical practices and encourages the public to learn more about them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to build a combined 3,000 megawatts of energy storage systems by July 2033, with specific targets for short-duration and long-duration storage. The Public Utility Commission will assign storage goals to each company based on their service area's demand and may adjust these targets if market conditions change. Companies must use open, competitive bidding processes overseen by an independent monitor to purchase this capacity through long-term contracts.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates June 19, 2026, as 'Korean-American Citizenship Day' to honor the 1890 naturalization of Philip Jaisohn, the first Korean-American citizen. The measure directly affects the state legislature and the Korean-American community by formally recognizing this historical milestone. It encourages citizens to observe the day and acknowledges the contributions of naturalized Korean Americans to Pennsylvania and the nation.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" within the state to honor the anniversary of the final abolition of slavery in the United States. The measure formally recognizes the historical significance of June 1865, when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Texas, and encourages residents to observe the day with ceremonies and educational programs. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create a paid state holiday or alter employment laws but serves to acknowledge the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of African American descendants.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change how Pennsylvania determines who is eligible to serve on juries by removing a specific disqualification for people currently serving prison sentences. Under the current law, individuals convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison are barred from jury service, but this bill would allow them to serve while they are incarcerated. The change would apply to all citizens who meet the basic age and residency requirements for voting, regardless of their criminal conviction status. The legislation would become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to recognize medical diagnoses made by healthcare providers before an individual is incarcerated. It prohibits the department from removing or ignoring such diagnoses, except when a healthcare provider (who made the diagnosis or has relevant expertise) submits a written recommendation for removal. The department may then choose to remove the diagnosis based on that recommendation. This change directly affects individuals entering state prisons by ensuring their pre-incarceration medical conditions are acknowledged in their records. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.