Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 1, 2026, as "Canada Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's relationship with Canada. It encourages residents, businesses, and institutions to observe the day and directs a copy of the resolution to Canadian government partners. The measure is symbolic and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution designating March 17, 2026, as "Bayard Rustin Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Bayard Rustin, a key civil rights leader who organized the 1963 March on Washington and advocated for racial equality, labor rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it solely serves to commemorate Rustin's legacy through a designated day. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected by this designation, as it is purely symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require that every school building attended by students be assigned at least one school nurse, reducing the maximum number of students per nurse from 1,500 to 750. It also adjusts state reimbursement rates for school health services, increasing the per-student funding amount for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health use up to $3 million in grants to provide feminine hygiene products to students at no cost to school entities, with grant amounts proportional to student enrollment. These changes directly affect school districts, the Department of Health, and students across Pennsylvania's public school system.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "Rosie the Riveter Day" to honor women who worked in factories during World War II, particularly those in Pennsylvania. It specifically recognizes the contributions of women who filled critical manufacturing roles - like building ships, aircraft, and weapons - as Pennsylvania became known as "The Arsenal of America." The resolution coincides with the 100th birthday of Mae Krier, a WWII worker and advocate for the Congressional Gold Medal honoring all "Rosie the Riveters." As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly acknowledge this historical workforce.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2026 as "National Social Work Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of social workers who support vulnerable populations, address mental health needs, and advocate for policies like minimum wage and poverty reduction. The resolution has no binding effect - it encourages Pennsylvanians to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating the profession during that month. It does not create new policies, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 300 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to add explicit protections for religious exercise alongside existing anti-discrimination rules. It directly affects employers, housing providers, and businesses offering public accommodations by prohibiting discrimination based on religion in employment, housing, and public services. The bill updates the law to include religious freedom as a protected category under anti-discrimination provisions. It also clarifies the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's authority to enforce these protections. The amendment does not create new enforcement mechanisms but integrates religious exercise protections into the existing framework of the 1955 Act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the lives of three Pennsylvania law enforcement officers - Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker - who died in the line of duty on September 17, 2025. The bill formally extends condolences to their families and recognizes their individual contributions to public service, including Becker's heroism in saving a family from a house fire, Emenheiser's leadership and lifesaving awards, and Baker's pioneering work in forensic investigations. As a noncontroversial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a legislative acknowledgment of their sacrifice and dedication to their communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2161 requires public utilities in Pennsylvania to offer municipalities a written agreement before removing trees owned by cities or townships for service needs. If accepted, the utility must plant replacement trees within two years, using a specific method: measuring the removed tree’s size at breast height, halving that value, and planting that many two-inch replacement trees. Municipalities can also choose to accept a fee equal to the tree’s assessed value from a certified arborist instead of requiring new planting. This bill directly affects public utilities (like power or gas companies) and local governments that own trees along utility infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 395 designates March 17, 2026, as "St. Patrick's Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally celebrates the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the founding of the United States, including their roles in the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to honor Irish American heritage and history.

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.