Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryHB 1656 requires facilities serving vulnerable populations (like nursing homes, shelters, or group homes) to improve indoor air quality through specific measures. It provides tax credits to help these facilities cover costs for air quality upgrades, establishes certification programs for facilities meeting standards, and funds public education campaigns about air quality benefits. The bill also mandates the Department of Health to collect data on indoor air quality conditions across these facilities. These provisions aim to create cleaner indoor environments for residents without specifying outcome predictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1658 amends Pennsylvania's Recorder of Deeds Fee Law to change how counties charge for recording property documents like deeds and mortgages. It repeals the current fee schedule and establishes new fee structures for recording documents, while updating definitions related to these fees. The bill also modifies provisions for the County Records Improvement Fund and the county demolition fund, specifying how these funds are managed. This directly affects county offices that handle property records and individuals/businesses submitting documents for recording.

Maddy summaryHR 230 is a symbolic resolution designating September 15-21, 2025, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects low-income families, infants, toddlers, and incontinent adults who face challenges affording diapers, as highlighted by statistics showing 46% of affected families cut food or utility spending to cover costs. The resolution recognizes Pennsylvania’s 10 active diaper banks and the National Diaper Bank Network, while encouraging public support through community donations and diaper drives. It does not create new funding or regulations but aims to raise awareness about the lack of access to diapers, which impacts health, childcare participation, and economic stability.

Maddy summaryHB 1347 establishes a framework for creating tourism improvement districts (TIDs) in local areas. These districts can collect special fees from participating businesses to fund tourism promotion, infrastructure, and marketing projects. The bill requires each TID to form a management association to oversee funds and operations, with mandatory annual financial audits. This directly affects local governments, tourism businesses within designated districts, and residents who may see changes to tourism-related services and facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1669 requires Pennsylvania public schools serving kindergarten through grade five to provide at least 30 minutes of daily supervised, unstructured free-play recess for all students. This means students cannot replace recess with extra classwork, and schools cannot withhold recess as punishment for behavior or missed assignments. The bill mandates that recess occur outdoors when weather and facilities permit, while allowing exceptions based on medical advice or a student's individualized education plan. It defines "free-play recess" as time away from structured learning for physical activity or social play, excluding scheduled physical education classes. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1534 creates Pennsylvania's Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program, directly affecting residents who claim the federal child care tax credit. For 2022, it provides a 30% state credit on up to $3,000 ($6,000 for two+ dependents) of qualifying employment-related care expenses, matching federal limits. Starting in 2023, the credit increases to 100% of those same expense limits. An alternate credit for those using dependent care assistance programs (via Section 129 of the federal tax code) begins in 2025. The credit reduces state tax liability, with refunds issued if the credit exceeds tax owed.

Maddy summaryHB 506 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish a state-funded Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. It directly affects licensed child care providers and their staff by creating a new program to address staffing shortages. The key mechanism provides state funding for recruitment incentives and retention support, such as signing bonuses or professional development, for child care workers. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryHB 27 amends the Health Care Facilities Act to require hospitals and surgical clinics to install systems that remove smoke generated during certain medical procedures. This directly affects healthcare facilities performing surgeries where smoke is produced, such as those using lasers or electrosurgery. The bill mandates these evacuation systems as part of facility licensing standards under the existing 1979 law. The change focuses on improving air quality and safety for both patients and medical staff during operations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes July 25, 2025, as "World IVF Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture by the state legislature to acknowledge and raise awareness about in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reproductive health. The resolution does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect individuals or organizations. It serves as a commemorative statement without legal force or concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1654 requires Pennsylvania school districts to set identical starting salaries for teachers holding the same grade span State instructional certification and salary step, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. This applies uniformly across all districts, ensuring teachers with identical qualifications (certification type and experience level) receive the same initial pay regardless of where they are hired. The bill mandates this consistency in new-hire compensation without altering existing salary structures for current employees. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, with the first application for the 2026-2027 school term.