Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Maddy summaryHB 289 requires all Pennsylvania public, charter, and private schools to test for radon gas in existing buildings starting with the 2026-2027 school year. If radon levels reach 4 picocuries per liter or higher, schools must install mitigation systems and retest until levels fall below that threshold, with new schools required to use radon-resistant construction. Testing must be done by certified professionals using specific protocols, and results must be shared with school boards, parents, teachers, and health officials. Schools with low radon levels must retest every five years, while those needing mitigation must retest every two years. This law directly affects all Pennsylvania school entities and aims to reduce exposure to radon, a radioactive gas linked to lung cancer.

Maddy summaryHB 64 prohibits Pennsylvania employers from punishing employees (including firing, discipline, or threatening adverse actions) for refusing to attend or participate in employer-sponsored meetings about political matters (like elections or party support) or religious matters (like religious affiliation). Employers must post a notice of these rights within 30 days of the law taking effect, and employees can sue for violations like lost wages or retaliation within one year. The bill does not apply to required legal communications, job-related meetings, or voluntary participation in such matters. It allows employees to report violations without fear of retaliation and provides remedies like reinstatement, back pay, or attorney fees.

Maddy summaryHB 678 requires labor brokers who supply construction workers to employers in Pennsylvania to register with the Department of Labor and Industry. It mandates brokers to pay fees, maintain registration validity, verify worker placements, and report changes, with the Department establishing a dedicated registration account for these fees. The bill imposes penalties for operating without registration or violating its requirements, directly affecting labor brokers in the construction industry. Key provisions include a verification system for worker placements, annual renewal of registration, and specific definitions clarifying which entities qualify as labor brokers versus subcontractors. This legislation aims to increase oversight of labor brokers handling construction workers, with penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 501 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update definitions and clarify requirements for renewable energy compliance. It specifically adds "advanced reactor" (including small modular reactors) to eligible energy sources, refines criteria for low-impact hydropower, and updates definitions for biomass, biogas, and alternative energy credits. The bill affects electric utilities required to meet portfolio standards by specifying which energy sources count toward compliance and how credits are calculated. These changes aim to modernize the framework for renewable energy reporting and incentives without altering current percentage targets. The bill is currently in committee review (Environmental & Natural Resource Protection).

Maddy summaryHB 2175 requires businesses using AI chatbots to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with artificial intelligence, especially for mental health support (e.g., chatbots claiming to treat anxiety or depression). It prohibits deceptive advertising, mandates protection of personal data shared with these tools, and gives Pennsylvania’s Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection authority to enforce these rules and impose penalties. The law directly affects companies offering AI chatbots that provide health-related advice to Pennsylvania residents. It does not cover scripted tools (like guided meditation) or AI that simply connects users with human professionals.

Maddy summaryHB 1311 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code by revising the definition of "serious provocation" in cases involving danger to the person. The amendment explicitly states that this term does not include the discovery, knowledge, or potential disclosure of a victim's gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation, nor does it cover unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advances by the victim or a prior romantic relationship between the victim and defendant. This change affects criminal cases where defendants might otherwise claim "serious provocation" as a defense, particularly in incidents involving LGBTQ+ individuals or relationship dynamics. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 162) requires all state agencies in the Commonwealth to implement the use of diacritical marks (accents like é, ñ, or ç) on names in official documents by July 1, 2027. It directly affects individuals with names requiring these accents, such as Spanish-speaking residents or those with French/German names, ensuring their names appear correctly on government-issued documents. The resolution is currently pending in the State Government committee after being referred in April 2025 and reported committed in October 2025. It does not impose new taxes or alter existing laws but mandates a technical update to state systems.

Maddy summaryHB 554 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows social workers licensed in one member state to practice in others without additional exams. The bill provides Pennsylvania with the legal framework to adopt the compact's standard terms, directly affecting licensed social workers seeking to practice across state lines. Key provisions include aligning Pennsylvania's licensing requirements with the compact's uniform standards, simplifying the process for social workers to obtain reciprocal licenses in participating states. This change would streamline professional mobility for social workers while maintaining consistent regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 80 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. This compact allows licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses for each state. The bill directly affects these healthcare professionals and their patients, streamlining cross-state practice for providers. It creates a standardized process for reciprocity among member states, eliminating redundant licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would waive initial identification card fees for first-time voters in Pennsylvania who are 18 or older and do not already have a valid driver's license. The exemption applies to both the card cost and the required photograph fee, provided the individual submits a written statement confirming their eligibility. The Department of Transportation may request additional information to verify identity and voting eligibility before granting the waiver. The changes would become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.