Rep. Missy Cerrato

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 1, 2026, as "National Hotel Employee Day" within the state. The measure serves to formally acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of the approximately 62,435 hotel workers in the Commonwealth. It highlights the role these employees play in the hospitality industry and their impact on local communities and tourism.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution condemns the Russian Federation's actions in Ukraine, specifically the illegal abduction and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. The document states that these actions violate the Genocide Convention by attempting to erase Ukrainian identity and culture through forced adoption and re-education. It notes that while some children have been returned, hundreds of thousands remain at risk of exploitation and cultural assimilation in occupied territories. The resolution directs copies to the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and U.S. Congress members to formally register the state's opposition to these policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1102 amends Pennsylvania’s military law to clarify and expand eligibility for the Medical Officer or Health Officer Incentive Program. It updates definitions to explicitly include "behavioral health officers" (requiring specific licenses, insurance, and federal compliance) and clarifies qualifications for physicians, physician assistants, and public health/environmental science officers. The bill affects Pennsylvania National Guard members in military medical roles who qualify for program stipends and incentives. Key changes ensure precise eligibility criteria for financial support, including updated requirements for residency, licensure, and program participation.

Maddy summaryHB 1851 updates Pennsylvania's requirements for death and fetal death certificates under the 1953 Vital Statistics Law. It changes the specific information that must be recorded on these official documents, affecting hospitals, medical examiners, and vital records offices. The bill focuses on standardizing or adding details required for certification purposes. This procedural change aims to modernize record-keeping for public health data collection.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and related offenses. It revises definitions for DUI, modifies chemical testing procedures for drivers, and changes requirements for ignition interlock devices (which prevent a car from starting if alcohol is detected). The bill repeals outdated provisions about ignition interlock limited licenses, adds online services for managing interlock requirements, and specifies penalties for driving without an interlock device. This directly affects drivers convicted of DUI or driving under the influence of drugs, particularly those with prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1286 requires human trafficking awareness training for employees at hotels, motels, and similar public lodging establishments (defined as facilities offering >10 rooms for rent) and for workers contracted by third-party providers serving these locations. It also mandates similar training for short-term rental operators (like Airbnb hosts) and platforms listing such rentals. The training must cover identifying trafficking signs, legal definitions, reporting procedures, and differences between labor and sex trafficking in lodging contexts, with records maintained for two years. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will approve and list free training programs online to meet these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding advance health care directives to replace the outdated living will system with a more flexible framework that combines written instructions with the appointment of a trusted agent. It directly affects individuals who wish to plan for their future medical care, as well as healthcare providers who must follow these new rules. Key provisions include defining new terms like "cohabitant" and "end-stage medical condition," clarifying how to handle conflicting directives, and establishing specific guidelines for when a health care agent can make decisions. The legislation also addresses mental health care planning, outlines the duties of physicians, and sets standards for the validity and form of these legal documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 25, 2026, as "Chuseok Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the Korean harvest festival. The resolution acknowledges the cultural significance of Chuseok, which celebrates family, gratitude, and heritage, while recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the state. By officially recognizing this date, the measure aims to promote cultural diversity and civic engagement within the Commonwealth. This action serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing a new public holiday or altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1505 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to clarify definitions related to early learning programs. The bill specifically updates terminology used in the existing law to better define what constitutes early learning programs within the state's educational framework. This change directly affects school districts, early learning providers, and state education agencies by providing clearer standards for program classification and reporting under the Public School Code. The bill focuses solely on refining definitions, not creating new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1442 amends Pennsylvania's coroner investigation procedures to specifically address sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) cases. It requires coroners to follow standardized protocols when investigating deaths where epilepsy is a known factor, ensuring consistent documentation and review. This bill directly affects county coroners and their offices by updating their investigative responsibilities under state law. The legislation aims to improve clarity and uniformity in handling these specific death investigations.