Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryHB 1179, the Genetic Materials Privacy and Compensation Act, requires genetic testing entities (including medical facilities, genealogy services, and law enforcement) to clearly disclose to individuals what genetic data they collect, how it may be used, and with which third parties it will be shared. The bill mandates "prominent disclosure" in plain language before data collection, prohibiting misleading claims about data privacy or usage. It specifically requires testing entities to obtain explicit consent before sharing genetic material with third parties. The law directly affects individuals using genetic tests and the companies providing those services, focusing on transparency rather than compensation mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 32 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to clarify income definitions for senior citizens' property tax and rent rebate programs. It specifically adds a temporary exception: seniors who were already eligible for rebates as of December 31, 2012, may retain eligibility if their household income limit is exceeded solely due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). This exception applies only to income increases from Social Security COLAs, not other income sources, and expires on December 31, 2016. The change directly affects seniors whose rebate eligibility was previously jeopardized by automatic Social Security payment increases.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for its 112-year commitment to social activism, academic excellence, and civic engagement in Pennsylvania. It specifically recognizes the sorority's members for their participation in "Delta Day" at the Pennsylvania State Capitol on May 5, 2025, where they connect with legislators and advance community-focused initiatives. The resolution acknowledges their work in areas like voting rights, healthcare access, economic empowerment, and support for historically Black colleges. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1171 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to modify rules for businesses holding "wine expanded permits." It allows these permit holders to sell up to 3,000 milliliters (about 101 ounces) of wine per transaction for off-premises consumption during their regular operating hours. The bill also clarifies that wine sales for take-home use cannot occur after 11:00 PM until the business's next permitted operating hours, including Sundays if authorized. This directly affects existing licensed businesses (like wineries or restaurants) with wine expanded permits seeking to sell wine for customers to take away.

Maddy summaryHB 1172 defines "utility terrain vehicle" (UTV) as a four-wheel off-road vehicle with specific size and weight limits (max 64 inches wide or 1,700 pounds), excluding ATVs, snowmobiles, and other vehicle types. The bill clarifies that state, local, and county authorities can designate roads for UTVs, snowmobiles, and ATVs, including whether these roads may share space with regular traffic. It requires helmets for snowmobile and ATV operators and passengers on shared roads but exempts UTVs equipped with bucket seats, seat belts, and roll cages. The law also directs the Department of Transportation to specify approved helmet types through regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1174 amends Pennsylvania law governing meetings for condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities. It requires annual meetings to be scheduled with at least 21 days' notice (previously 10-60 days) and mandates written consent for electronic meeting notices. The bill also requires pre-election sessions for board candidates if more candidates apply than positions available, and allows meetings to be recorded with advance announcement, with recordings kept for six months. These changes directly affect all community associations and their unit owners by standardizing meeting procedures and enhancing transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 180 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 13-19, 2025, as "Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors telecommunicators who handle 911 calls, process approximately 14.5 million emergency requests annually, and provide critical support during crises. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges their service through a designated week of recognition. This applies directly to Pennsylvania’s public safety telecommunicators, who serve as first responders during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1187 amends Pennsylvania's Air Pollution Control Act to require major facilities (as defined in state code) to create and maintain municipal notification plans. These plans must alert nearby municipalities within 12 hours of air pollution incidents posing health risks, including communication methods, public safety measures, and annual updates. The bill also increases civil penalties for violations, raising daily fines to $37,500 after the fifth year of implementation based on factors like severity and environmental damage. This affects industrial facilities and their adjacent communities by mandating faster emergency communication and strengthening enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 325 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to clarify how school districts must present tax relief information to property owners. It adds a definition of "conspicuous" requiring notices to use larger text, contrasting colors, or special formatting that a reasonable person would notice. The bill mandates that school districts include a specific, conspicuous notice with tax bills for homestead and farmstead property owners, explaining that their tax reduction comes from casino gaming revenue (State Gaming Fund) under state law, not from the school district's actions. This affects all Pennsylvania property owners eligible for homestead/farmstead exclusions and the school districts that issue their tax bills, effective for taxable years after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 183 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to increase the maximum compensation period for serious permanent disfigurement of the head, neck, or face from 275 weeks to 400 weeks. It specifically updates Section 306(c)(22) to clarify that disfigurement benefits are paid separately from disability benefits, allowing injured workers to receive both simultaneously. The change applies to injuries sustained on or after the bill's effective date (60 days from enactment), regardless of when the original injury occurred. This directly affects workers who sustain qualifying permanent disfigurement in workplace injuries.