Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Maddy summaryHB 1822 would protect personal data (like home addresses and phone numbers) of Pennsylvania public servants - such as police officers, teachers, and government workers - from being sold or misused by data brokers. It requires data brokers to delete this information upon request and follow new rules when collecting or sharing it. The bill also creates a civil enforcement mechanism, allowing affected individuals to sue companies that violate these protections. Currently, the bill is stalled in the House after being amended and reported by the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1933 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to require certain professionals (like animal control officers or veterinarians) to report suspected severe animal abuse as part of their existing duties. The bill specifically adds "aggravated cruelty to animals" to the list of offenses that must be reported, similar to how other serious crimes are handled. This change directly affects those who work with animals and have legal obligations to report abuse, making the reporting requirement more explicit for this specific violation. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1996) amends Pennsylvania's 1968 Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, but the provided context does not include the specific provisions, definitions, or changes to unlawful acts being proposed. Without details on the actual text of the amendment, it is not possible to describe what the bill does, who it affects, or its key mechanisms. The bill has been referred to the Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committee for further review. To provide an accurate summary, the full text of the bill or its specific amendments would be required.

Maddy summaryThe bill title contains a factual inconsistency: Pennsylvania's criminal code (Title 18) does not govern animal welfare practices like declawing. Declawing prohibitions are typically addressed in animal welfare statutes (e.g., Title 34), not criminal offenses. The title incorrectly lists "prohibition on declawing cats" under a criminal code amendment, which would be legally inaccurate. Therefore, a meaningful summary of the bill's actual provisions cannot be provided based on this erroneous title description.

Maddy summaryHB 1976 updates Pennsylvania's estate law to streamline how certain assets are distributed after someone dies. It allows families to access specific assets (like a home or vehicle) without needing court-appointed probate (dispositions independent of letters), adjusts the amount families can keep without probate (family exemption), and clarifies payment rules for funeral directors from the estate. This directly affects executors, family members handling estates, and funeral service providers. The bill aims to reduce court involvement and costs for smaller estates by changing specific procedural steps in the probate process.

Maddy summaryHB 1954 temporarily halts the privatization of public water and wastewater systems owned by municipalities. It creates a Water Utility Reform Working Group to develop long-term solutions for public water management. The bill also repeals a specific rule about valuing water systems acquired by public entities. This directly affects cities and towns operating public water services, preventing private companies from taking over these systems while the working group develops reforms.

Maddy summaryHB 145 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to clarify when workers lose eligibility for benefits. It directly affects claimants who voluntarily leave jobs, adding specific protections: workers cannot be disqualified for leaving due to disability if suitable work is available, for joining or staying in a union, or to accompany a military spouse relocating due to active duty orders. The bill defines "suitable employment" as work requiring similar skills and paying at least 80% of a worker's previous average weekly wage. These changes aim to prevent unfair disqualifications while maintaining the law's core purpose of providing benefits to eligible unemployed workers.

Maddy summaryHB 441 amends Pennsylvania's Wild Resource Conservation Act to explicitly include wild native terrestrial invertebrates (such as insects and spiders) in conservation management. It adds definitions for these species and establishes a policy framework for their protection within the existing legal structure. The bill directly affects wildlife management practices by requiring state agencies to consider invertebrate conservation in planning. This update fills a gap in the 1982 law, which previously did not specifically address invertebrate species. The bill passed final passage on October 7, 2025, and was referred to the Environmental Resources & Energy committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1875 amends Pennsylvania's First Class Township Code to increase tax rate limits for general township taxes from three mills to ten mills and for emergency services taxes (ambulance/rescue) from half a mill to five mills. Township boards must now seek voter approval via referendum if either tax exceeds these new limits. The changes apply to all first-class townships, except those designated as "eligible" under the Fiscal Code. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 288 is a symbolic resolution adopted by Pennsylvania's legislature to designate October 13, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Navy" within the state. This resolution serves as a ceremonial recognition of the Navy's anniversary, with no legal effect or policy changes. It does not impose obligations, allocate funds, or affect any specific group or policy. The bill was formally adopted on October 8, 2025, following committee review.