Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 332 requires Pennsylvania public schools (K-12) to incorporate media literacy education into their curriculum starting the school year after the law takes effect. The state Department of Education must develop an age-appropriate model curriculum within six months, covering skills like identifying bias, recognizing misinformation, understanding media influence, and evaluating messages. School districts must adopt this curriculum, and the state will provide free resources and teacher training through public websites. This law directly affects all Pennsylvania public school students and educators by mandating concrete media literacy instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 299 designates March 4 as Charter Day, June 14 as Flag Day, and September 17 as Constitution Day for annual observance in Pennsylvania. The bill explains these dates commemorate historical events: William Penn's 1681 charter, the 1777 adoption of the U.S. flag, and the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. Crucially, the bill clarifies that these designations do not require employers to treat the days as official holidays or provide paid leave. This is a commemorative measure with no new legal obligations for businesses or government entities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 17) designates March 15, 2026, as "Legislative Branch Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates the historical significance of Pennsylvania's General Assembly, including its founding in 1682 and role in shaping U.S. governance. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as a symbolic observance to honor the legislature's legacy. It does not affect any individuals, organizations, or existing laws.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 24 designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to honor women who have died from pregnancy or childbirth complications. The resolution aims to raise public and healthcare awareness about maternal mortality, particularly highlighting racial disparities where Black women in Pennsylvania face a maternal mortality rate of 163 deaths per 100,000 live births - over twice the rate of other groups. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages community and healthcare engagement through designated awareness activities. This symbolic gesture aligns with Pennsylvania’s existing Maternal Mortality Review Committee efforts established under Act 24 of 2018.

Maddy summaryHB 303 amends Pennsylvania's sales tax code to exclude construction materials and services purchased by contractors for affordable housing projects from state sales tax. It directly affects construction contractors working on housing defined as "affordable" under existing law (section 1902-A), covering projects involving construction, remodeling, repair, or maintenance. The bill adds a new tax exclusion (section 204(77)) to the 1971 Tax Reform Code, removing sales tax liability for these specific materials and services. This policy change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the importance of career and technical education (CTE) programs through a state-wide observance. The resolution highlights CTE's role in providing students with skills, credentials, and pathways to stable careers, noting that approximately 68,576 students (12% of high school grades) participated in CTE programs in 2024. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by raising public awareness of CTE's value to students, businesses, and the state's economy.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 19) commemorates Jim Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Nation member and Olympic champion, by designating May 28, 2025, as "Jim Thorpe Day" within the state. The resolution details Thorpe's legacy as a 1912 Olympic pentathlon and decathlon gold medalist (later reinstated), his foundational role in professional football, and his induction into the Football Hall of Fame. It has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or groups, as it is a symbolic designation. The resolution serves solely to honor Thorpe's historical contributions and cultural significance.

Maddy summaryHB 290 prohibits food establishments in Pennsylvania from dispensing prepared food in polystyrene containers (like foam cups, bowls, and plates) or selling polystyrene utensils starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and other food service businesses, while allowing retailers to still sell polystyrene meat trays, egg cartons, and packing materials. Violations carry civil penalties of $500 for a first offense, increasing to $2,000 for subsequent violations. The bill aims to reduce environmental harm from single-use polystyrene and preempts conflicting local ordinances.

Maddy summaryHB 233 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change rules for charter school board membership. It prohibits local school board members from serving on charter school boards in their district (Section 1716-A(b)) and bars individuals receiving compensation from local school boards from serving on charter school boards if they were involved in the charter's approval (Section 1716-A(b.1)). The bill also requires local school boards to appoint a member to each charter school board (Section 1716-A(b.4)). These changes directly affect charter school boards, local school board members, and employees involved in charter school oversight. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 226, the Protection of Patients and Medical Personnel from Health Care Facility Retaliation Act, prohibits healthcare facilities from retaliating against patients or medical personnel who file complaints, report issues, or participate in investigations. It creates rebuttable presumptions that negative actions (like discharge or demotion) taken within 120 days of a complaint by medical staff or 180 days for patients are retaliatory unless proven otherwise. Violators face civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, potential license suspension, and criminal misdemeanor charges for willful violations, with remedies including reinstatement, lost wages, and legal costs for affected individuals. The law directly affects patients, healthcare workers, and facilities operating under Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act.