Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Maddy summaryHB 1305 establishes an independent Office of Child Advocate within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to champion children's interests across state care systems. The bill sets qualifications for the Child Advocate (requiring six years in child advocacy/social work, a bachelor's degree, and no conflicts of interest), mandates a four-year term with reappointment options, and requires staff training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and mandated reporter protocols. This office directly affects children in foster care, juvenile justice, early intervention programs, and residential facilities by independently monitoring their welfare and advocating for systemic improvements. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Human Services Code to formalize this oversight role, ensuring accountability without direct program changes to existing services.

Maddy summaryHB 269 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to improve access to overdose response information. It requires the Department of Health to develop free online training materials, posters, and pamphlets about recognizing opioid overdoses and using reversal medications (like naloxone), with the materials available in multiple languages upon request. Specific public entities - including Commonwealth agencies, transit authorities, municipalities, and local transportation organizations - must display the poster in conspicuous public locations, such as bathrooms or lobbies. The Department covers all printing and distribution costs, and entities already displaying equivalent materials may substitute them with prior notice. This bill focuses on education and resource accessibility, not changing drug laws or medication access.

Maddy summaryHB 273 allows Pennsylvania counties to adopt a property maintenance code (either by referencing a nationally recognized standard or creating their own) to address neighborhood blight. It requires counties to follow specific notice and publication procedures for adopting the code and permits them to appoint inspectors who can collect fees for enforcement. Counties may only enforce their code in areas where municipalities lack their own property maintenance ordinance, and must have a formal agreement with a municipality to enforce it within that municipality. The bill also establishes a Municipal Codes Enforcement Grant Program and a municipal neighborhood mitigation fund to support blight-reduction efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 543 modifies Pennsylvania's electric utility regulations to strengthen energy efficiency program oversight. It requires the Public Utility Commission to review utility efficiency plans within 120 days, provide detailed reasons for disapproval, and allow utilities 60 days to revise plans addressing commission concerns. The bill specifically protects cost-effective mechanical insulation (used in heating/cooling systems) from disapproval solely based on its inclusion, requiring the commission to use a total resource cost test. This directly affects electric distribution companies and the commission, with the changes taking effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 110) formally recognizes April 2025 as "National Poetry Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a non-binding ceremonial resolution, not a law, and does not create new policies or affect any specific group. The resolution acknowledges the Academy of American Poets' established observance of National Poetry Month and highlights poetry's role in education and community culture, as noted in the resolution's preamble. It has no funding, regulatory, or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or penalties but formally recognizes and supports existing state and national efforts to reduce distracted driving. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to focus on driving safely and discuss distraction risks with others. It aligns with current awareness campaigns led by agencies like PennDOT and the State Police, which already provide safety resources. The designation applies broadly to all residents and drivers in the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize community colleges' role in the state's education and economy. It highlights that community colleges serve over 240,000 students - many from low-income or minority backgrounds - provide affordable pathways to degrees, and partner with over 2,000 employers to train workers for high-demand jobs like nursing and truck driving. The designation is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1293 amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law (1937) to update the policy declaration section (Section 2), reaffirming that unsafe housing conditions harm public health, safety, and the economy, and that housing authorities are necessary to provide safe housing for low and moderate income residents. The bill does not change operational procedures for housing authorities, such as tenant selection, rental rates, or property management, but revises the foundational policy statement justifying their existence. This update directly affects housing authorities by modernizing the legal basis for their work under state law. The bill focuses on clarifying legislative intent without altering existing mechanisms for housing projects or tenant eligibility.

Maddy summaryHR 34 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month." It encourages excavators and homeowners to call 8-1-1 (or 1-800-242-1776) before digging to locate underground utility lines, as required by Pennsylvania's One Call Act. The resolution highlights the Pennsylvania One Call System's role in preventing injuries, environmental damage, and utility disruptions, noting it handles over 1 million annual requests. It does not create new laws or funding but promotes existing safety practices through public awareness.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates May 2025 as "Nurses Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of nurses across the state. It highlights nurses' critical roles during the pandemic, their daily patient care responsibilities, and their impact on community health without creating new legal requirements or funding. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the nursing profession, which includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other specialized roles.