Rep. Steve Samuelson

Maddy summaryHB 1768 establishes four new grant programs to support Pennsylvania's local food system. It provides incentives for schools and institutions to purchase local food (Local Food Purchasing Incentive Grant), offers financial assistance to farmers for production improvements (Keystone Producer Grant), supports food distribution networks (Keystone Assistance Grant), and funds school meal programs sourcing from local farms (Keystone Fresh Farm to School Account). The Department of Agriculture and Department of Education would administer these programs and manage the grant allocations. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania farmers, schools, food distributors, and local food businesses by creating new funding mechanisms to strengthen regional food systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1881 updates Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to modernize requirements for pharmacy technicians and trainees, including new registration qualifications and supervision rules by licensed pharmacists. It adds specific protocols for pharmacies administering injectable medications, biologicals (like vaccines), and immunizations, while requiring detailed reports on vaccine administration. The bill also establishes new standards for clinical laboratory certificates and repeals outdated sections of the original 1961 law. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, trainees, and pharmacists who oversee vaccine and medication administration.

Maddy summaryHB 1663 establishes Pennsylvania's Statewide Imagination Library Program under the Public School Code of 1949, creating a dedicated funding account managed by the Department of Education. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania children, particularly those from birth through age five, by providing free books through the program. Key provisions require the Department of Education to administer the program and manage the Imagination Library of Pennsylvania Restricted Account for funding. The bill is currently under review in the Children & Youth committee after being removed from the legislative table in November 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1425 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to update taxes on tobacco products and establish a new online directory for electronic nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes). It directly affects tobacco manufacturers, dealers, and e-liquid producers by changing tax rates and requiring manufacturers to submit product information to the new directory. The bill's key provisions include adjusting tax incidence and rates for traditional tobacco products while creating a mandatory, publicly accessible registry for e-liquid products. These changes aim to modernize tax collection and improve product transparency for regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1530, the Genetic Information Privacy Act, requires direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies operating in Pennsylvania to protect residents' genetic data. Companies must obtain clear, separate consent for data collection, use, sharing, and retention; implement security measures; and provide consumers with access to or deletion of their data. The bill specifically prohibits sharing genetic data with insurers, employers, or third parties without explicit written consent. Violations could result in $2,500 civil penalties per incident, enforced by the Attorney General’s office. The law applies to Pennsylvania residents and covers genetic data like DNA test results, but excludes research data collected under federal health privacy rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating November 16, 2025, as "Philadelphia Orchestra Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the orchestra's 125th anniversary and historical significance as a cultural institution, recognizing its contributions to music and community. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition with no direct impact on residents or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 382) urges Congress to extend expanded health insurance subsidies that currently help Pennsylvanians purchase coverage through Pennie, the state's health insurance marketplace. Without extension, these subsidies expire December 31, 2025, causing average premium increases of 102% for Pennie customers - projected to push 150,000 people to lose coverage. The resolution highlights that without the expanded credits, a couple earning $85,000 annually would pay $25,776 yearly for insurance (31% of their income), compared to lower costs under current subsidies. It cites Pennie's 2025 enrollment of nearly 500,000 customers and a 16% drop in new sign-ups since Open Enrollment 2026 as evidence of the need for continued support. The resolution has no legal force but requests congressional action to maintain affordability.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or obligations but formally recognizes the month for public awareness efforts related to prostate cancer. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents and organizations focused on prostate cancer education and support. It serves as a symbolic measure to encourage community engagement during that month.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates September 2025 and September 2026 as "Hunger Action Month" in Pennsylvania. It serves as a commemorative designation to raise awareness about hunger issues but does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on any entities. The resolution was referred to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs committee and reported as amended on September 30, 2025. It directly affects Pennsylvania by providing a state-level framework for community and organizational efforts focused on hunger during those months.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 28, 2025, as "Gold Star Mother's and Family Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes Pennsylvania families who have lost a member in military service, encouraging state-level acknowledgment of their sacrifice. The bill does not create new legal obligations or funding but establishes an annual observance to honor these families. As a ceremonial resolution, it directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating a specific day for commemoration.