Rep. Steve Samuelson

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution formally recognizes March 17, 2025, as "St. Patrick's Day" within the state. It acknowledges Irish Americans' military contributions during the Revolutionary War, citing historical records showing they comprised 40-50% of the Continental Army by 1778. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, celebrating cultural heritage. It directly affects Pennsylvanians of Irish descent (over 15% of the state's population) through this official recognition. The resolution does not alter any laws or provide funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically raises public attention to prostate cancer, highlighting statistics like an estimated 13,000 new cases and 1,500 deaths in Pennsylvania during 2025. The resolution also urges Congress to support federal legislation (H.R. 1300) that would require health insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings without cost-sharing for at-risk men. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to promote awareness and encourage preventive care.

Maddy summaryHB 887 prevents Pennsylvania counties and municipalities from regulating the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or components - except when on property they own, operate, or maintain (like buildings, parks, or vehicles). It repeals a current law (Title 53 § 2962(g)) that banned local governments from creating firearm regulations. The bill directly affects all local governments by limiting their authority to enact firearm-related ordinances. This change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 109) urges the U.S. Congress to establish "Patriots' Day" as a federal holiday. It specifically references the historical significance of the April 19, 1775, battles at Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy (now Arlington) as the start of the American Revolution. The resolution notes that several states (including Massachusetts since 1894, Maine since 1907, and Connecticut since 2018) already observe Patriots' Day on the third Monday in April. As a resolution, it does not create the holiday itself but formally requests Congress take action.

Maddy summaryHB 816 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's tax code, creating a new standard for homeowners to qualify for relief from real property taxes. It would allow the state legislature to establish income-based thresholds, exempting homeowners from paying the portion of their local property tax on their primary home that exceeds a certain percentage of their household income. This directly affects homeowners who pay local property taxes and meet income criteria set by the legislature. As a constitutional amendment, it requires approval by the General Assembly and then by voters in a statewide election. The bill does not specify income percentages or implementation details, only authorizing future legislation to create such standards.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 96) designates March 8, 2025, as "International Women's Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes women's contributions across all sectors of Pennsylvania society without creating new laws or policies. The resolution encourages residents to participate in events celebrating women's achievements and leadership, including noting the record number of women serving in the state legislature. It is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, not a legislative change affecting specific groups or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 739 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Professional Nursing Law to modernize terminology and clarify roles for advanced practice nurses. It replaces "certified registered nurse practitioner" with "APRN-CNP" throughout the law, defines "collaboration" requirements for new APRN-CNPs (requiring 3,600 practice hours before independent work), and updates definitions for "medical nutrition therapy" and "population focus areas." The bill explicitly removes the State Board of Nursing's authority to license APRN-CNPs, shifting that responsibility elsewhere. These changes directly affect registered nurses seeking advanced practice certification and the Board's regulatory role in nursing licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 688 imposes a 13-year freeze on new cyber charter school approvals in Pennsylvania, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2038. The bill prohibits the Pennsylvania Department of Education from reviewing or approving any new applications for cyber charter schools during this period, regardless of when the application was submitted. This directly affects organizations or entities seeking to establish new cyber charter schools in the state. The policy change specifically targets new school applications while leaving existing cyber charter schools unaffected.

Maddy summaryHB 619 requires Pennsylvania employers to provide employees with up to two hours of paid time off to vote in elections, affecting all public and private sector workers in the state. The bill mandates that employees give employers at least two working days' notice before an election and prohibits employers from asking about voting preferences or party affiliation. Employers must post a uniform notice about this policy (available from the Secretary of the Commonwealth) at least 10 days before an election and face fines of $100-$500 for violations. The law aims to ensure voting access without penalty, with employees required to verify voting attendance to retain paid time off.

Maddy summaryHB 674 establishes a new grant program to provide operating assistance for public transportation in Pennsylvania counties experiencing growth in either population or employment. Eligible applicants include public transit entities already receiving certain existing transportation grants (under Sections 1513 or 1516) that serve counties meeting specific growth criteria based on five-year data. Funding is split equally between counties growing in employment (using Labor Department data) and population (using Census Bureau data), with each county’s grant amount determined by its percentage growth over that period. This program operates in addition to existing transportation funding and cannot require a higher local match than current rules.