Rep. Tina Marie Davis

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of April 11 through 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about maternal health disparities affecting Black women. The resolution highlights statistics showing that Black women in the state face significantly higher pregnancy-related death rates compared to other groups, with many cases deemed preventable. It does not create new funding or policy requirements but serves as a symbolic gesture to focus public and legislative attention on the issue. The measure is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on Children and Youth for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a state-funded paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers needing time off for health issues, childbirth, or family care. It establishes a dedicated state fund to cover leave costs, creates an advisory board to guide implementation, and assigns oversight to the Department of Labor. The program would directly affect employees in the state who qualify for these leave types, requiring employers to provide the benefits. The bill also specifies penalties for businesses failing to comply with the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 requires commercial data centers in Pennsylvania to pay fees to the state. These fees fund a new Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund, which boosts assistance for low-income households struggling with energy costs. The bill also mandates that data centers meet specific renewable energy targets and allows them to recover certain operational costs through regulated rates. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Department of Human Services are tasked with implementing these requirements and managing the fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to change the deadline for receiving absentee and mail-in ballots from election day to the seventh day following the election. It allows voters who declare under penalty of perjury that their ballot was timely submitted to have their ballots counted even if they lack a postmark or have an unreadable one. The changes apply to both traditional absentee voters and new mail-in voters, ensuring ballots received by the extended deadline are processed and counted. The legislation would take effect 60 days after passage.

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 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 summaryHB 501 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update definitions and clarify requirements for renewable energy compliance. It specifically adds "advanced reactor" (including small modular reactors) to eligible energy sources, refines criteria for low-impact hydropower, and updates definitions for biomass, biogas, and alternative energy credits. The bill affects electric utilities required to meet portfolio standards by specifying which energy sources count toward compliance and how credits are calculated. These changes aim to modernize the framework for renewable energy reporting and incentives without altering current percentage targets. The bill is currently in committee review (Environmental & Natural Resource Protection).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to exempt individuals aged 65 or older from identification card renewal fees if they have surrendered their driver's license due to a diagnosed physical or mental condition. The exemption applies specifically to those who surrender their licenses based on a health care provider's diagnosis, and the department may request proof of this medical documentation. The change aims to reduce financial burdens on seniors who can no longer drive for health reasons. The legislation would become effective 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Pennsylvania to honor the state's LGBTQ+ history and community contributions. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations, but instead serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of Pride Month within the Commonwealth. Sponsored by multiple representatives, the resolution highlights Pennsylvania's historical role in LGBTQ+ civil rights, including early Pride demonstrations and legislative actions. This measure is a commemorative gesture that affirms support for LGBTQ+ inclusion without altering any existing policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 490 amends Pennsylvania law to protect confidential communications between journalists and their sources during legal proceedings. It specifically updates statutes related to depositions and witness testimony to prevent courts from forcing reporters to reveal confidential sources. This change directly affects journalists, news organizations, and individuals who share information with reporters. The bill aims to strengthen press freedom by clarifying that reporters can maintain source confidentiality in court, consistent with existing protections.