Rep. Donna Scheuren

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's state constitution that explicitly prohibits denying or limiting rights based on sex. It would directly affect all Pennsylvanians by requiring the state to guarantee equal rights regardless of gender, strengthening legal protections against sex-based discrimination. The key mechanism is amending the constitution to include this explicit guarantee, making such discrimination unconstitutional. Currently, the bill has been referred to the Judiciary committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 1725 amends Pennsylvania's Liquid Fuels Tax Municipal Allocation Law to expand eligibility for road maintenance funds. It specifically allows municipalities to receive allocations for using recycled asphalt in "mixed use design" projects, meaning roads or streets that combine recycled asphalt with other materials during maintenance. This directly affects local governments managing public roadways who currently use or plan to use recycled asphalt in their maintenance work. The bill changes the funding criteria to include these mixed-use asphalt applications, providing clearer access to tax-generated road maintenance funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1695 amends Pennsylvania's 2019 law abolishing state authorities by changing the composition of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and transferring related duties. It also addresses the Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council Compact and cancels an executive order related to this council. The bill focuses on structural adjustments to existing state bodies rather than creating new policies. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 1-2 sentence limit.)

Maddy summaryHB 865 amends Pennsylvania's military education benefit programs to clarify definitions, eligibility rules, and procedures for recovering funds. It directly affects Pennsylvania military service members and their families who use the Educational Assistance Program and Military Family Education Program for education expenses. Key changes include updating eligibility criteria and establishing clearer processes for recouping grant payments if recipients no longer meet requirements. The bill, now Act No. 32 of 2025, was signed into law on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the specific provisions or content of HB 1693. While the bill's title mentions amending Title 29 regarding "immigration compliance and public safety," no details about its concrete mechanisms, affected groups, or policy changes are included in the given information. Without the bill's text or explanatory summary, a factual description of its provisions cannot be provided. The only verifiable detail is that it was referred to the Judiciary committee on July 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1687 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to change how the maximum number of weeks an unemployed worker can receive benefits is calculated. It bases the maximum weeks (ranging from 12 to 20) on the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate from the six months preceding the claim application date, using the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers filing for unemployment benefits on or after the effective date, as their benefit duration will now adjust based on current statewide unemployment rates. The bill specifies that total benefits in a single year cannot exceed the weekly benefit amount multiplied by the weeks determined under this new formula. The change takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1689 creates a "Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program" within Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. It allows businesses or developers seeking permits to pay for expedited reviews by qualified professionals (e.g., engineers, geologists) who meet specific experience and ethics requirements. The program mandates a 10-business-day priority review timeline for eligible permits, with the qualified professional conducting an initial review and the permitting entity completing a final review within established deadlines. This change directly affects applicants for permits under the PA EDGE tax credit program by providing a faster, structured process for permit approvals.

Maddy summaryHB 1684 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to shorten deadlines for inheritance tax appraisals and deductions. It changes Section 2137 to require the Department of Revenue to complete property appraisals within 60 days (instead of six months) after a tax return is filed. Similarly, Section 2138 shortens the timeframe for determining allowable deductions to 60 days, and adds that deductions over $100 require Commonwealth representation or 30 days' notice at audit. This bill directly affects taxpayers, executors, and fiduciaries handling inheritance tax returns in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 355 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to strengthen protections for minors by updating the offenses of "corruption of minors" and "unlawful contact with minor." The bill specifically targets adults who exploit or sexually exploit minors through interactions like grooming or inappropriate contact, making these acts clearer and more severe under state law. It directly affects minors (ages 12-17) and adults who engage in prohibited conduct with them, including online interactions. The law increases penalties for these offenses by clarifying prohibited behaviors and strengthening sentencing guidelines, now effective as Act No. 5 of 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 240 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to update the qualifications required for obtaining a school bus driver endorsement. It directly affects school bus drivers and school districts by changing the specific criteria for securing this endorsement, such as background checks or training requirements. The bill revises Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to clarify and strengthen these qualification standards. As Act No. 4 of 2025, it became law after approval by the governor on June 27, 2025. The change focuses solely on the licensing process, not operational rules for school buses.