Rep. Milou Mackenzie

Maddy summaryHB 2157 requires career and technical education schools in Pennsylvania to transfer governance to a new board within three years of the law's effective date. These boards, composed of at least five members approved by the Department of Education, must include representation from local workforce sectors, school staff, and parents, while excluding school board members, teachers' unions, district employees, and public officials. The Department must establish a public approval process with 60-day timelines, public hearings, and clear qualifications for board members. The governance boards will hold full operational authority over these schools and must comply with Pennsylvania's open meetings and right-to-know laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 defines "cell-cultured protein" (lab-grown meat made from animal cells grown outside the animal) and prohibits its manufacturing, sale, delivery, holding for sale, or offering for sale in Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects companies developing or selling lab-grown meat products within the state. Key provisions establish a legal definition for this emerging food technology and ban all commercial transactions involving it. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment, creating a clear regulatory restriction on this specific food product type.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of October 5-11, 2025, as "Healthy Vision Week" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure to raise public awareness about eye health and vision care, without creating new laws or regulations. The bill does not directly affect individuals or organizations, as it serves only to recognize and promote vision health awareness during that specific week. It is a non-binding resolution, meaning it has no legal force or enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summaryHR 154 is a state resolution designating October 6, 2025, as "German American Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the cultural heritage and contributions of German Americans within the state through official acknowledgment, without creating new laws or funding. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvanians by highlighting this community's historical and cultural impact at the state level. As a procedural resolution, it serves a symbolic purpose rather than implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill removes the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations from further consideration of House Resolution 278. It allows House Resolution 278 to move directly to the full House for debate and voting under Rule 53, bypassing the committee review process. The bill itself does not change policy but alters the legislative path for another resolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 25, 2025, as "Disabled American Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor veterans wounded in military service and recognize the advocacy and support provided by the Disabled American Veterans organization. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these contributions through a state-recognized observance. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by establishing a symbolic day of recognition for these veterans and the organization.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 28, 2025, as "Gold Star Mother's and Family Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes Pennsylvania families who have lost a member in military service, encouraging state-level acknowledgment of their sacrifice. The bill does not create new legal obligations or funding but establishes an annual observance to honor these families. As a ceremonial resolution, it directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating a specific day for commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 2066 repeals Pennsylvania's inheritance tax system by removing Article XXI ("Inheritance and Estate Tax Act") from the 1971 Tax Reform Code. This eliminates the state-level inheritance tax that would have applied to property transferred upon death. The bill directly affects individuals who would have owed this tax on estates or gifts, removing a layer of state taxation on inherited assets. The repeal is comprehensive, striking the entire framework of definitions, exemptions, and procedures related to inheritance tax from the tax code.

Maddy summaryHB 2032 amends Pennsylvania's retirement system rules for state employees and officers, affecting how they join, contribute to, and receive retirement benefits. It changes membership requirements (making some participation mandatory or optional), adjusts how years of service count toward benefits, and updates rules for ending retirement payments (annuities). The bill directly impacts current and future state workers by altering their retirement eligibility, contribution amounts, and benefit calculations under the state system. It does not change general public benefits but specifically targets state employee retirement program administration. The bill is currently under review by the State Government committee.

Maddy summaryHB 430 requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to block the construction or installation of wind turbines that interfere with military operations at nearby installations. This bill directly affects wind energy developers seeking permits near military bases and the DEP, which would enforce the prohibition. The key provision mandates the DEP to deny permits for turbines causing negative impacts - such as radar interference - without requiring new studies or cost-benefit analyses. It does not alter existing wind energy policies but adds a specific military safety requirement to DEP permitting decisions.