Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 1650 establishes Pennsylvania's Home Preservation Grant Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It provides grants to local governments (counties, cities, townships) to fund repairs and improvements on existing owner-occupied homes, targeting households earning 80-120% of the area median income. Grants can cover up to $50,000 per unit for habitability fixes, energy/water efficiency upgrades, or accessibility modifications, with local governments allowed to use up to 10% of funds for administration. Applications must demonstrate experience in housing rehabilitation and include plans for using funds per the bill's requirements, with priority given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.

Maddy summaryHB 640 creates new assessment fees for specific healthcare providers, including managed care organizations, intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities. These fees fund state oversight programs under the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The law amends the 1929 Administrative Code to establish these funding mechanisms and adjust related administrative duties. It directly affects healthcare providers that must pay these assessments and state agencies managing the funds. The bill became law on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 19, 2025, as "Aortic Disease Awareness Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure to raise public awareness about aortic diseases, directly affecting Pennsylvanians through state-level recognition of this health issue. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose obligations. It was referred to the Health committee but was later laid on the table (stalled) under House Rule 71.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a non-binding resolution urging Congress to establish a National Infrastructure Bank. It does not create new laws or funding but formally requests Congress take action to create this bank, which would provide financing for infrastructure projects. The resolution directly affects Congress itself, as it calls on the legislative body to initiate this specific action. This is a procedural measure with no immediate policy impact, as it only expresses a recommendation.

Maddy summaryHB 1564 amends the Human Services Code to change how copayments are calculated for subsidized child care programs. It directly affects low-income families who rely on state-funded child care assistance. The bill modifies the existing copayment structure but does not specify whether amounts increase, decrease, or change based on income tiers. This is a policy change to the public assistance system governing child care subsidies. (Note: The provided context does not detail the specific copayment changes, only the bill's purpose and referral history.)

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating June 2025 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It officially recognizes Pennsylvania's Italian-American community - home to approximately 1.4 million residents with Italian ancestry - and highlights their historical contributions to the state and nation. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally designates the month for commemoration, referencing cultural milestones like Filippo Mazzei's influence on the Declaration of Independence and Philadelphia's large Italian-American population. The measure was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on June 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 182 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June 2025 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" and June 29, 2025, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges scleroderma - a rare autoimmune disease affecting skin and internal organs - as part of a broader effort to raise public awareness. The resolution cites statistics about scleroderma's impact (e.g., affecting ~300,000 U.S. residents, with higher prevalence in women and African Americans) and highlights ongoing research in Pennsylvania. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct effect on healthcare access, funding, or legislation.

Maddy summaryHR 230 is a symbolic resolution designating September 15-21, 2025, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects low-income families, infants, toddlers, and incontinent adults who face challenges affording diapers, as highlighted by statistics showing 46% of affected families cut food or utility spending to cover costs. The resolution recognizes Pennsylvania’s 10 active diaper banks and the National Diaper Bank Network, while encouraging public support through community donations and diaper drives. It does not create new funding or regulations but aims to raise awareness about the lack of access to diapers, which impacts health, childcare participation, and economic stability.

Maddy summaryHB 1610 amends Pennsylvania's corporate tax rules to change how businesses with multiple related entities (unitary businesses) calculate their state tax liability. Starting in 2026, these businesses will determine Pennsylvania tax based on their total sales within the state relative to their nationwide sales, using a new "water's-edge" apportionment method. The bill specifically revises definitions and tax calculation rules for corporations, including adjustments to how income from intercompany transactions is treated and how nonbusiness income is allocated. This primarily affects large corporations operating across state lines as unified business groups. The changes aim to align Pennsylvania's tax calculation with federal reporting requirements for such entities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Pennsylvania school districts to consider later start times for secondary schools (high schools), citing studies showing teens need 8-10 hours of sleep but 98% of PA schools begin before 8:30 a.m. It references CDC and AAP research linking later start times to improved academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and better mental health outcomes. The bill encourages districts to collaborate with health professionals and educators to develop schedules that maintain educational activities while adopting later start times, and asks state agencies to provide resources and public education on adolescent sleep needs. As a non-binding resolution, it does not require policy changes but recommends action based on existing evidence.