Rep. Nancy Guenst

Maddy summaryHB 526 protects mothers' right to breastfeed their children in any public or private location where they are otherwise permitted to be, without being considered indecent exposure, a nuisance, or obscenity. It defines "breastfeeding" to include both direct feeding and expressing milk for bottle-feeding, and creates a private right to sue for violations, allowing recovery of $1,000 per incident plus attorney fees. The law applies broadly across Pennsylvania, ensuring mothers can feed their children without legal interference while maintaining existing protections from the repealed 2007 Freedom to Breastfeed Act.

Maddy summaryHB 1449 amends Pennsylvania law regarding the expenses paid by the Office of the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania (OCAP). It increases the annual registration fee OCAP pays to the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania from $200 to $400 for each magisterial district judge and Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge position. The bill clarifies that OCAP directly funds a monthly journal for legal updates, while other expenses, such as the registration fee, are covered by the annual appropriation for magisterial district judges.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "Public Works Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors public works professionals - including engineers, contractors, and municipal staff - who maintain essential infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services, recognizing their role in community safety and quality of life. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 280 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify primary voting rules for unaffiliated voters. It defines "unenrolled electors" as voters who registered without party affiliation (selecting "none," "no affiliation," or "other" with a clear independent preference). The bill allows these voters to participate in primary elections for candidate nominations by following specific procedures, while maintaining that only enrolled party members can vote in party primaries or hold party office. It also repeals provisions about voters accidentally casting ballots for the wrong party at primary elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 amends Pennsylvania’s criminal code to explicitly include "3-D printed firearms" in key definitions across multiple sections. It defines "3-D printed firearm" as a digital file intended to create a gun via 3-D printer, and clarifies that "firearm" encompasses any weapon - whether traditional or 3-D printed - that expels projectiles using explosives. The bill updates prohibitions on possessing, selling, or transferring firearms (including 3-D printed versions) and requires licensing for dealers and registration of firearms. This affects all Pennsylvanians who manufacture, sell, or possess firearms, including those using 3-D printing technology.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes March 29, 2025, as "National Vietnam War Veterans Day" within Pennsylvania, aligning with the existing federal observance established by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act (2017). The resolution honors veterans who served between 1955-1975, including Pennsylvania residents who died, were wounded, or are unaccounted for, but does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations. It serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1438 designates a specific segment of State Route 2051 in Osceola Mills Borough, Clearfield County, as the "IC3 James S. Dunlap Memorial Highway." The bill names the portion from Elizabeth Street (segment 0020/offset 1600) to the Decatur Township Line (segment 0030/offset 0000) to honor Petty Officer Third Class James S. Dunlap, a U.S. Navy Interior Communications Electrician (IC3) who died on the USS Stark in 1987. The Department of Transportation will install and maintain directional signs along this highway segment. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 265 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to change eligibility rules for workers at educational institutions, such as teachers or staff employed on a term-by-term basis. It removes a prior requirement that these workers must prove they would not return to the same institution for the next academic term to receive benefits during breaks between terms. This change applies to service performed after the bill's effective date and aligns with federal guidelines (26 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(6)). The bill directly affects temporary and part-time employees in schools and colleges who experience academic breaks.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 directs the Department of Human Services to seek federal approval to allow payments for specific personal care services. These services would be provided by legally responsible relatives to individuals who receive Medical Assistance. The bill specifies that these payments can only be implemented if the federal government grants a waiver. Additionally, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee is required to study the costs of implementing any approved waiver and report its findings within three years.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.