Rep. Nancy Guenst

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates March 25, 2026, as Greek Independence Day within the state. The measure recognizes the historical ties between Greece and the United States, including the influence of ancient Greek democracy on American governance and the significant contributions of Greek Americans to Pennsylvania's economy and culture. It calls on residents to acknowledge the Greek struggle for freedom and the shared values of democracy and self-determination between the two nations. The resolution does not create legal obligations or change laws but serves as a symbolic recognition of the relationship between the states and the Greek community.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 1, 2026, as "Canada Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's relationship with Canada. It encourages residents, businesses, and institutions to observe the day and directs a copy of the resolution to Canadian government partners. The measure is symbolic and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania's official migratory bird, recognizing the species' importance to the state's natural heritage and ecosystems. The legislation formally acknowledges that Pennsylvania supports 17% of the global Scarlet Tanager population during breeding season and provides critical habitat in mature oak forests across the Commonwealth. By establishing this official designation, the bill aims to promote awareness of the bird's habitat needs and underscore the state's commitment to conservation and forest management. The act takes effect immediately upon 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 summaryHouse Resolution 395 designates March 17, 2026, as "St. Patrick's Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally celebrates the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the founding of the United States, including their roles in the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to honor Irish American heritage and history.

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 summaryHB 1311 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code by revising the definition of "serious provocation" in cases involving danger to the person. The amendment explicitly states that this term does not include the discovery, knowledge, or potential disclosure of a victim's gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation, nor does it cover unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advances by the victim or a prior romantic relationship between the victim and defendant. This change affects criminal cases where defendants might otherwise claim "serious provocation" as a defense, particularly in incidents involving LGBTQ+ individuals or relationship dynamics. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 329 is a non-binding resolution designating October 2025 as "Arts and Culture Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or organizations. The resolution serves solely to recognize and promote arts and cultural activities during that month through official state acknowledgment. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond the symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 348 is a resolution designating November 2025 as "Native American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes and honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities within the state. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania legislature. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents through this official state-level observance.