Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryHB 559 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code (1951) to update definitions and streamline licensing rules for businesses selling alcohol. It changes how license districts are established, clarifies license periods (e.g., annual renewals), and modifies hearing procedures for license applications, transfers, or extensions. The bill directly affects hotels, restaurants, clubs, and businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell malt and brewed beverages. These changes aim to modernize administrative processes under the existing liquor licensing framework.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 modifies Pennsylvania court records to limit public access to eviction information in dockets and indices. It directly affects tenants, landlords, and court clerks by restricting how eviction history is shared while requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to process these records under the new rules. The key provision creates a "limited access" system for eviction data, meaning the public cannot freely view these records as they currently can. This change applies specifically to eviction-related court documents within the state's judicial system. The bill passed the House on June 23, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 811 would create civil liability for political candidates who make false statements about themselves or others during campaigns. It allows affected individuals or entities to sue for damages if a candidate knowingly makes a fraudulent misrepresentation. The bill directly affects candidates running for office and voters who may be misled by false claims. Key provisions establish a legal pathway for civil lawsuits rather than criminal penalties, requiring proof of intentional falsehoods. This bill is currently in the Communications & Technology committee after passing final passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1498 creates a new legal process for dividing "heirs property" in Pennsylvania - real estate owned by multiple family members through inheritance without clear ownership agreements. It directly affects families holding such property (often rural or minority-owned land), requiring courts to apply specific rules when dividing it, including a right of first refusal for relatives if a cotenant receives an outside purchase offer. Key mechanisms include mandatory settlement conferences before court decisions, defined valuation procedures, and prioritizing family members over outsiders for buying shares. The law replaces older rules for partitioning property and applies automatically to eligible cases unless all owners agree otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 1635 amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to protect the privacy of large lottery winners. It requires that personal details (like name and address) of anyone winning $1 million or more remain confidential and not part of public records. However, basic information such as the winner's city/township, county, and prize amount must still be publicly disclosed. Winners can also choose to voluntarily waive this confidentiality if they wish. The Department of Revenue will create rules to implement these new privacy protections.

Maddy summaryHR 222 is a non-binding resolution designating May 2025 as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents by formally recognizing the importance of asthma and allergy awareness during that month. The bill has no funding or regulatory provisions; it serves solely as a symbolic gesture to highlight public health education efforts related to these conditions. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 188) symbolically recognizes May 6, 2025, as "World Asthma Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups or policies; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The resolution was referred to the Health committee, reported as committed, and ultimately laid on the table (stalled) on June 23, 2025, under House Rule 71. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 1624 would require companies and service providers (like apps or websites) to obtain explicit permission before collecting or using people's location data. It directly affects digital services that track user movements, such as navigation apps or location-based advertisers. The law establishes penalties for violations, allows individuals to sue companies that break the rule, and gives the Attorney General authority to enforce it. Violations could result in fines, with the bill specifying these enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1326 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change how school districts calculate student travel distances for attendance purposes and requires standardized reporting of pupil transportation data. It directly affects school districts by altering the method for measuring distance to determine if a student qualifies for transportation under attendance rules, and it impacts state funding by mandating specific data collection for reimbursement between districts and the Commonwealth. The bill establishes clear requirements for districts to track and submit transportation information, ensuring consistent data for state funding decisions. This policy change aims to standardize processes related to student transportation eligibility and funding allocation.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 reduces the maximum fee for reviewing teacher certification applications under Pennsylvania's Public School Code to $50. It also creates a special exemption for military service members, veterans, and their spouses, requiring them to pay no more than $10 for certification fees and $25 for professional discipline fees. These changes directly affect educators seeking or maintaining teaching credentials in Pennsylvania public schools. The bill modifies existing sections of the 1949 Public School Code to implement these specific fee caps and exemptions.