Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Maddy summaryHB 1902 updates Pennsylvania law to specifically address hate-based harassment by adding "ethnic intimidation" as a distinct criminal offense under assault laws. It expands civil rights protections for victims of hate crimes by clarifying violations related to bias against race, ethnicity, or national origin. The bill requires municipal employees to complete annual training on recognizing and responding to hate-based intimidation. These changes directly affect law enforcement, municipal staff, and individuals experiencing bias-motivated violence or discrimination in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 916 amends Pennsylvania's Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to update requirements for lead screening and testing of children under 72 months and pregnant women. It defines key terms like "blood lead level" (measured in micrograms per deciliter) and establishes that lead poisoning is confirmed at 20 µg/dL or two tests showing 15 µg/dL over 90 days. The bill repeals older testing protocols and mandates healthcare providers to test children by age 2, follow up on elevated results within 12 weeks, and assess lead exposure risks for pregnant women. It clarifies that "screening" identifies risk in asymptomatic patients, while "diagnostic" testing confirms poisoning. The changes directly affect pediatric and prenatal care providers, insurers, and families in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish stricter attendance and safety rules specifically for cyber charter schools. It requires these schools to define clear policies for counting student presence during live online classes and completing weekly assignments for independent study, with penalties including funding withholding or charter revocation for non-compliance. Additionally, the legislation mandates that cyber charter schools implement wellness checks and create child protection plans to ensure student safety. The state education department will also develop standardized forms to help schools submit and approve these new attendance policies by a set deadline.

Maddy summaryHB 453 clarifies definitions in Pennsylvania law related to emergency services. It adds a specific definition for "telecommunicator" (including 911 dispatchers and call takers) and expands the definition of "emergency responder" to explicitly include telecommunicators, medical personnel, and other emergency workers in multiple sections of law. This bill directly affects emergency service workers like dispatchers, firefighters, and medical personnel by formally including them under defined terms for mental wellness programs and mutual aid protocols. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment and does not create new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1113 proposes creating a new state office dedicated to supporting immigrants and newcomers in Pennsylvania, along with a dedicated funding account to support its work. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to guide the office's efforts, specifying its membership and responsibilities. This office would directly assist new residents, including immigrants, by providing resources and coordination. Key provisions include defining the office's duties, managing the restricted funding account, and outlining the committee's role in advising state officials. The bill aims to create a centralized state resource for newcomers but remains in early committee stages with no voting action taken.

Maddy summaryHB 1963 amends Pennsylvania's driver licensing rules to clarify the role of the Medical Advisory Board in reviewing medical conditions that may affect driving safety. It directly affects drivers with health conditions requiring medical evaluation and the Board itself, requiring the Board to provide specific guidance for license decisions. The bill establishes a formal process where the Board reviews medical documentation and advises the state on fitness-to-drive determinations. This changes current procedures by making the Board's input a mandatory step in certain licensing cases under Title 75.

Maddy summaryHB 1600 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish specific requirements for the Keystone STARS Program, a quality rating system for child-care facilities. The bill requires participating child-care centers and family child-care homes to display their STAR-level rating on their public website and provide it to parents at enrollment. It also mandates that the state department issue visible placards with facilities' ratings and develop a rubric outlining how providers can improve their rating through staff training, program quality, family partnerships, and leadership. This directly affects licensed child-care providers and parents seeking early childhood education services.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces two main changes to Pennsylvania law: it exempts gun safes and gun locks from sales and use tax, and it creates a new criminal offense for failing to securely store firearms. Under the new provisions, firearm owners must keep their weapons locked in a designated safe or with a locking device when not in use, with stricter penalties if a minor or unauthorized person is likely to be present. The legislation also establishes civil liability for owners whose unsecured firearms cause injury or property damage and requires retailers to post notices about secure storage laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies that gun cabinets do not qualify as gun safes and defines specific terms like "securely store" and "unauthorized user" to guide enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes June 2026 as "National Immigrant Heritage Month" within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state government and its residents by officially designating the month to honor the contributions of immigrants and their descendants to Pennsylvania's economy, culture, and society. The resolution cites various statistics regarding immigrant participation in the workforce, healthcare, and business ownership to justify the recognition. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of immigrants in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. It does not change laws or allocate funding, but instead encourages government agencies, schools, businesses, and residents to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness. The resolution calls for communities to promote accessible mental health services and reduce stigma around mental health conditions. It is a symbolic measure intended to highlight the importance of mental health without implementing new policy requirements.