Rep. Milou Mackenzie

Maddy summaryHB 1563 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to update the process for filing state income tax returns. It directly affects taxpayers who submit annual income tax filings to the state. The bill specifies new procedures for tax return submission, though the exact details of the procedural changes are not provided in the available context. The bill was referred to the Finance committee on June 5, 2025, for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 74 is a non-binding resolution designating November 2025 as "National Epilepsy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes epilepsy awareness efforts within the state but does not create new policies, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or groups. The bill was referred to the Health Committee, reported as committed, and later laid on the table (stalled) under House Rule 71, meaning it is inactive and will not become law. This resolution serves only as a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1531 creates a new first-degree felony offense called "child torture" under Pennsylvania law. It defines this as intentionally or knowingly engaging in a course of conduct involving more than one of the following against a child under 18: torture, physical assault, unreasonable confinement, forced positioning, or failure to provide care. The law removes requirements to prove mental anguish, pain, or specific harm for conviction and explicitly states that reasonable parental discipline (like punishment for misbehavior) is not covered, as long as it doesn’t cause serious harm or extreme distress. This bill directly affects children under 18 and caregivers whose actions meet the defined criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 1483 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to clarify employment rules for minors in alcohol distribution. It prohibits distributors and importing distributors from employing anyone under 18, with specific provisions: 16- to 17-year-olds may work on licensed premises but cannot sell malt or brewed beverages, while 18-year-olds and older may sell and deliver these products. The bill directly affects alcohol distributors, importers, and their hiring practices under the Liquor Code. This change updates Section 493(27) of the Liquor Code, overriding prior provisions in the Child Labor Act regarding minor employment in alcohol sales. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1489 establishes the Lifeline Scholarship Program, enabling eligible Pennsylvania students to receive financial assistance for tuition and fees at participating nonpublic schools. To qualify, students must be Pennsylvania residents, not have a high school diploma, and meet income criteria (household income below 350% of the federal poverty level) or reside within a low-achieving school's attendance boundary. The State Treasury administers the Lifeline Scholarship Fund, allowing parents to apply for funds covering tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at qualifying nonprofit nonpublic schools. This program amends the Public School Code of 1949 to create a new funding mechanism for student enrollment in nonpublic schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health commissioner to continually assess and revise emergency medical services (EMS) agency functions to improve service quality, adapt to community needs, and boost recruitment/retention of EMS providers. It establishes a State EMS Advisory Board to advise on system improvements and updates definitions for key EMS roles and entities. The bill directly affects EMS agencies, providers, and the Department of Health by mandating ongoing system reviews and creating a formal advisory structure. Key provisions include requiring the commissioner to address recruitment challenges and ensure EMS systems meet evolving community demands.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating May 20, 2025, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the late actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and had a significant film career including roles in *It's a Wonderful Life* and *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*. The resolution highlights his birthplace, career achievements, and honorary awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it simply recognizes Stewart's legacy through a designated day.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 12, 2025, as "Volunteer Firefighter Day" in Pennsylvania to honor volunteer firefighters who protect communities without pay. It recognizes their service through a ceremonial designation only, with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical ties to volunteer firefighting, including Benjamin Franklin's 1736 fire company and the state's current volunteer force of 36,000-38,000 members. It does not affect any individuals or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1461 establishes the Career and Technical Education Investment Incentive Program within the Public School Code of 1949. This program allows business firms to make contributions - including cash, property, or services - to support career and technical education. These contributions can go to non-profit partnership organizations or directly to participating public and charter schools. Funds are intended to cover program-related costs or expand enrollment for eligible students in these programs, particularly those focused on high-priority occupations.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 amends the Public School Code to establish a financial transparency data and reporting system, to be developed by the Department of Education. This system will collect and analyze at least ten years of basic education funding, revenue, and expenditure data, broken down by individual school entities. It will provide data visualization dashboards for state agencies and the General Assembly to simulate funding formula changes, and offer public-facing dashboards with aggregate financial information. The bill aims to provide greater transparency and analytical tools for understanding public school funding for the general public, state agencies, and various school entities.