Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes June 14, 2025, as "World Blood Donor Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or alter policies; it solely serves to honor blood donors through a formal state acknowledgment. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by promoting awareness of blood donation, though it has no binding effect on government actions or funding. It was referred to the Health committee and later laid on the table, indicating it did not advance further.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (HR 67), not a law with binding requirements. It formally designates May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania for commemorative purposes. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by encouraging public awareness efforts during that month. The bill was referred to the Health committee, reported as committed, but was laid on the table (stalled) under House Rule 71 on June 4, 2025, preventing further action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Melanoma Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to encourage community education and prevention efforts related to skin cancer. It has no funding or regulatory requirements and does not directly affect specific individuals or organizations, serving only as a symbolic designation to promote public health awareness.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Preeclampsia Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to raise public attention about preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy-related condition. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves as a symbolic recognition effort. The bill was referred to the Health committee, reported as committed, and ultimately laid on the table (per House Rule 71) on June 4, 2025, indicating it is no longer active.

Maddy summaryHB 1550 would allow Pennsylvania inmates to receive parole based on advanced age or serious medical conditions. It would amend state law to create two new pathways for parole eligibility under specific circumstances, changing the current criteria used by the Board of Probation and Parole. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals who meet these age or medical criteria, rather than the general public. The key mechanism is updating statutory language to expand the board's authority to grant parole in these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1543 amends Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act to permit minors aged 15 and older to work in specific nonprofit culinary programs. It directly affects minors participating in educational programs run by 501(c)(3) nonprofits in certain cities or counties, designed to support at-risk youth involved with the criminal justice system. The bill allows these minors to perform food service duties like serving food and clearing tables, but explicitly prohibits them from dispensing or serving alcoholic beverages. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1542 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to clarify and expand rules about minors working in licensed alcohol-serving establishments. It directly affects hotels, restaurants, clubs, and retail liquor licensees by restricting when minors can work near alcohol. Key provisions allow minors aged 16-18 to serve food or clear tables (but not alcohol), permit 14-15-year-olds at ski resorts/golf courses in non-alcohol areas, and let specific nonprofits serving juvenile offenders employ 15-18-year-olds for food service. The bill also requires written notice for student art performances involving minors.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 bans single-use plastic bags at retail stores in Pennsylvania, requiring them to offer recycled paper bags for a 10- to 25-cent fee instead. It directly affects stores like supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and farmers' markets, with exemptions for bags used with perishable foods, pharmacy medications, or dry cleaning. Retailers must post clear signs explaining the change until January 2027 and keep all fees collected from bag sales. The Department of Community and Economic Development must create educational materials and regulations to support the policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1548 authorizes Pennsylvania's State Workers' Insurance Board to sell health insurance policies directly to the general public, not just state workers. The program must include minimum coverage for inpatient/outpatient hospital care, emergency services, preventive care, and basic medical services like doctor visits, physical therapy, and lab tests. The Board may borrow up to 40% of the State Workers' Insurance Fund’s annual balance to cover claims and administrative costs, with premiums partially funding loan repayments. This program will begin on January 1, 2026, offering a new public option for health insurance in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) designating June 22-28, 2025, as "Women Firefighters and EMS Workers Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes women’s contributions to firefighting and emergency medical services, highlighting their historical roles, current workforce participation (9% of firefighters, 31% of EMS workers nationally), and ongoing efforts to address barriers in these fields. The resolution has no binding policy changes or funding; it solely serves to honor these professionals through a designated week of recognition. It was referred to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committee on June 3, 2025.