Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Maddy summaryHB 879 would change Pennsylvania law to allow both state and local prosecutors to pursue charges for riot, disorderly conduct, and related offenses that currently fall under state jurisdiction alone. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals charged with these specific offenses by expanding who can bring legal action. The key provision establishes "concurrent jurisdiction," meaning local district attorneys and the state attorney general could both prosecute the same case without requiring state involvement. The bill aims to streamline enforcement for these offenses but does not alter the penalties or definitions of the crimes themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania health care facilities, including emergency departments and urgent care centers, to adopt standardized protocols for identifying and assisting patients who may be victims of human trafficking. The Department of Health is tasked with creating these guidelines within 180 days, which will include trauma-informed screening questions, private interview procedures, and specific steps for referring individuals to support services even if they do not wish to involve law enforcement. To ensure staff are prepared, the law mandates that all clinical and patient-facing employees complete initial training upon hiring and undergo continuing education every two years. Additionally, facilities must annually report de-identified data on screenings and referrals to the Department of Health, which will then submit a summary report to the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 1800 would repeal the current legal provisions in Pennsylvania that recognize marriage between people of the same sex by removing specific sections from the domestic relations code. The bill directly affects same-sex couples currently married in Pennsylvania, as it would eliminate the statutory basis for their marriages. Key provisions include amending definitions in the preliminary sections of the code and striking down existing language that addresses same-sex marriage. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a state-funded paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers needing time off for health issues, childbirth, or family care. It establishes a dedicated state fund to cover leave costs, creates an advisory board to guide implementation, and assigns oversight to the Department of Labor. The program would directly affect employees in the state who qualify for these leave types, requiring employers to provide the benefits. The bill also specifies penalties for businesses failing to comply with the new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of aggravated assault in Pennsylvania to include school staff members and crossing guards. Specifically, it adds teaching employees, school board members, licensed private school workers, parochial school employees, and school crossing guards to the list of individuals protected by aggravated assault laws. The change applies when these individuals are acting within the scope of their employment or due to their relationship with the school. If passed, the new provisions would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 requires commercial data centers in Pennsylvania to pay fees to the state. These fees fund a new Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund, which boosts assistance for low-income households struggling with energy costs. The bill also mandates that data centers meet specific renewable energy targets and allows them to recover certain operational costs through regulated rates. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Department of Human Services are tasked with implementing these requirements and managing the fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to change the deadline for receiving absentee and mail-in ballots from election day to the seventh day following the election. It allows voters who declare under penalty of perjury that their ballot was timely submitted to have their ballots counted even if they lack a postmark or have an unreadable one. The changes apply to both traditional absentee voters and new mail-in voters, ensuring ballots received by the extended deadline are processed and counted. The legislation would take effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to update the legal definitions and scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). It allows CRNAs to perform anesthesia services under the overall direction of a physician, podiatrist, or dentist who is present and available onsite during the procedure. The legislation grants CRNAs expanded authority to prescribe and administer certain medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and manage patient care throughout the anesthesia process, including preoperative preparation, induction, maintenance, and post-anesthesia care. These changes formalize the professional responsibilities of CRNAs within the state's nursing regulatory framework without altering the requirement for collaborative oversight by licensed medical professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania educators who purchase instructional materials or supplies for classroom use. Professional employees in public, charter, cyber, and nonpublic schools can claim a credit equal to the amount they spent on qualifying expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per year. The Department of Revenue will establish rules to determine which expenses qualify and must publish guidelines online while submitting annual reports on program usage. The credit applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and cannot be carried forward, carried back, sold, or assigned.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that designates May 8, 2026, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in Pennsylvania to honor the work of child care providers. The resolution does not create new laws or change any policies; it is a symbolic gesture to recognize and thank caregivers, teachers, nannies, and daycare workers who support children and families. The bill is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on Children and Youth for consideration. It aligns with a national tradition of celebrating child care workers annually in May.