Maddy summaryHB 1902 updates Pennsylvania law to specifically address hate-based harassment by adding "ethnic intimidation" as a distinct criminal offense under assault laws. It expands civil rights protections for victims of hate crimes by clarifying violations related to bias against race, ethnicity, or national origin. The bill requires municipal employees to complete annual training on recognizing and responding to hate-based intimidation. These changes directly affect law enforcement, municipal staff, and individuals experiencing bias-motivated violence or discrimination in Pennsylvania.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2109 prohibits Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, towns, and counties) from setting household size limits based on familial relationships (such as parents with children or roommates). It allows occupancy limits only for verified health/safety standards (like building codes) or to comply with federal/state affordable housing program rules. The bill directly affects renters, homeowners, and local officials who previously enforced such restrictions. Key definitions clarify that "familial relationship" includes blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care ties, and "local government unit" covers all Pennsylvania municipalities. This bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryHB 2554 establishes formal executive leadership roles for both the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission by creating positions for an executive director and a director, respectively. The bill mandates that these leaders be appointed with the Senate's approval and requires a competitive national search process, including a detailed job description and public notice, whenever a vacancy occurs. Additionally, the legislation sets specific qualifications for these roles, such as executive experience and knowledge in areas like budgeting and conservation, while also defining procedures for temporary acting appointments.
Maddy summaryThis bill introduces two main changes to Pennsylvania law: it exempts gun safes and gun locks from sales and use tax, and it creates a new criminal offense for failing to securely store firearms. Under the new provisions, firearm owners must keep their weapons locked in a designated safe or with a locking device when not in use, with stricter penalties if a minor or unauthorized person is likely to be present. The legislation also establishes civil liability for owners whose unsecured firearms cause injury or property damage and requires retailers to post notices about secure storage laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies that gun cabinets do not qualify as gun safes and defines specific terms like "securely store" and "unauthorized user" to guide enforcement.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude gun safes and gun locks from sales and use taxes. It directly affects retailers selling these security devices and consumers purchasing them for firearm storage. The legislation defines a gun safe as a self-contained enclosure with locking mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access, while explicitly excluding gun cabinets from the tax exemption. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates July 4, 2026, as "Valley Forge National Historical Park Day" to celebrate the park's 50th anniversary. The bill directly affects the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Valley Forge National Historical Park by officially recognizing the date for commemorative purposes. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic designation to honor the site's historical significance during its half-century milestone.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to explicitly prohibit the state from interfering with the use or provision of medically appropriate contraception and fertility treatments. It defines fertility treatment broadly to include services such as egg and sperm preservation, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo genetic testing, and related medications. By codifying this protection in the state's criminal code, the legislation ensures that government entities cannot restrict access to these reproductive health services. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
Maddy summaryHB 2254 adds Chapter 14 to Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act, allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana within specific care facilities (like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living residences) under strict conditions. Facilities must create written guidelines within 180 days covering safe storage, patient safety, allowed forms of marijuana, and documentation. The bill imposes a $500 daily civil penalty for noncompliance, with penalties deposited into the Medical Marijuana Program Fund. It does not require facilities to provide certifications, administer marijuana, or permit use in emergency departments. This directly affects terminally ill patients seeking access in regulated care settings and facilities operating under the existing medical marijuana program.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow students with asthma or severe allergies to possess and self-administer their prescribed asthma medications (including inhalers) and epinephrine auto-injectors at school. Schools must create written policies requiring students to demonstrate self-administration capability and notify the school nurse after use, while ensuring medications are stored safely and accessible only to authorized students. The bill also permits trained school staff, including bus drivers and crossing guards, to administer epinephrine auto-injectors in emergencies for students experiencing allergic reactions or asthma attacks. These changes aim to improve student safety by ensuring timely access to life-saving medications during school hours.
Maddy summaryHB 1106 establishes a certification program for chiropractic assistants in Pennsylvania. To become certified, individuals must be at least 18, have a high school diploma, complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet background requirements. Certified assistants can only perform tasks delegated by a licensed chiropractor under direct on-premises supervision and must complete 16 hours of continuing education (including 8 in-person hours) every two years to maintain certification. The bill also makes minor editorial changes to the existing Chiropractic Practice Act.