Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHR 101 designates the week of May 11-17, 2025, as "National Hospital Week" in Pennsylvania through a symbolic resolution. It honors hospitals and health care workers for providing critical services (including 56 trauma centers and 120,000+ births annually), supporting over 273,000 direct jobs, and contributing $186.5 billion to Pennsylvania's economy. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - only a formal recognition and call for public appreciation. It highlights hospitals' role in community health without specifying policy changes or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 526 protects mothers' right to breastfeed their children in any public or private location where they are otherwise permitted to be, without being considered indecent exposure, a nuisance, or obscenity. It defines "breastfeeding" to include both direct feeding and expressing milk for bottle-feeding, and creates a private right to sue for violations, allowing recovery of $1,000 per incident plus attorney fees. The law applies broadly across Pennsylvania, ensuring mothers can feed their children without legal interference while maintaining existing protections from the repealed 2007 Freedom to Breastfeed Act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes May 17, 2025, as "World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but aligns with the global observance led by the Children's Tumor Foundation. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about neurofibromatosis - a rare genetic condition causing nerve tumors and potential complications like blindness or learning disabilities - impacting approximately 1 in 2,000 births. It directly affects Pennsylvanians living with neurofibromatosis, their families, and healthcare providers by promoting education and support efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 amends Pennsylvania’s criminal code to explicitly include "3-D printed firearms" in key definitions across multiple sections. It defines "3-D printed firearm" as a digital file intended to create a gun via 3-D printer, and clarifies that "firearm" encompasses any weapon - whether traditional or 3-D printed - that expels projectiles using explosives. The bill updates prohibitions on possessing, selling, or transferring firearms (including 3-D printed versions) and requires licensing for dealers and registration of firearms. This affects all Pennsylvanians who manufacture, sell, or possess firearms, including those using 3-D printing technology.

Maddy summaryHB 813 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to exempt certain student loan discharges and employer educational assistance from personal income tax. Specifically, it excludes from taxation: (1) the discharge of eligible student loans under qualified federal forgiveness programs, and (2) employer-paid educational assistance that meets federal exclusion rules under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania taxpayers who qualify for these specific student loan forgiveness or employer education benefits under federal programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 48) formally recognizes May 11-17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2025, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of existing national observances. The resolution cites historical context, including a 1962 congressional resolution designating May 15 as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the surrounding week as "Police Week." It serves only to express the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' symbolic support for honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes March 29, 2025, as "National Vietnam War Veterans Day" within Pennsylvania, aligning with the existing federal observance established by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act (2017). The resolution honors veterans who served between 1955-1975, including Pennsylvania residents who died, were wounded, or are unaccounted for, but does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations. It serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of March 17-21, 2025, as "Flood Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about flood risks and safety practices. The resolution references Pennsylvania’s history of flooding, the role of climate factors like increased rainfall, and safety tips from the National Weather Service. It specifically urges residents to practice flood safety procedures during this designated week. The resolution is symbolic and does not implement policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1437 creates a temporary sales tax exemption in Pennsylvania for specific personal items during an annual window. It excludes clothing accessories, footwear, school supplies, computers/software, and certain bedding items from sales tax when purchased by individuals for nonbusiness use during the first Friday in August through the following Sunday. The Department of Revenue must post a list of qualifying items online by July 10 each year. This policy change directly affects individual consumers shopping for these items during the defined exclusion period.

Maddy summaryHB 81 prohibits businesses from charging consumers extra fees for paying by mail or choosing paper billing statements. It directly affects consumers who use these payment methods and businesses that currently impose such fees. The law bans additional charges or rate differentials for mail or paper billing but allows businesses to offer incentives (like discounts) for electronic payment or billing options. This amendment to Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law takes effect in 60 days.