Rep. Ben Sanchez

Maddy summaryHB 2120 amends Pennsylvania's Loan Interest and Protection Law by adding two definitions: "residential mortgage" and "shared appreciation agreement." It defines a residential mortgage as a loan secured by a lien on property with two or fewer residential units (or for construction) with an original principal amount at or below a specific base figure. A shared appreciation agreement is defined as a transaction where an individual receives money in exchange for an interest in residential property secured by a lien, excluding government-backed home loans. This bill directly affects lenders, borrowers, and legal interpretations of mortgage agreements by clarifying the law's scope without changing existing interest rate rules or protections.

Maddy summaryHB 306 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act to require public utilities to share specific emergency response plans and safety records with state or federal agencies (including the National Transportation Safety Board) when a safety risk is suspected, such as potential harm to people or mass destruction. This exception overrides standard confidentiality protections, meaning agencies receiving the information are not bound by usual rules, and disclosures do not make the information public under the Right-to-Know Law. The bill directly affects public utilities and government agencies by streamlining safety-related information sharing during emergencies. It creates a clear process for mandatory disclosure in safety-critical situations while preserving confidentiality safeguards for other uses.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 requires Pennsylvania school nurses and other school staff with direct student contact to complete Department of Health-approved training on seizure recognition and first aid starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with training required every two years thereafter. The bill mandates specific content about identifying seizures, using seizure action plans, and providing basic first aid. It also clarifies that school staff providing seizure-related care are protected from civil liability under existing Good Samaritan laws (42 Pa.C.S. §§ 8332 and 8337.1). This bill directly affects all public school staff in Pennsylvania who work with students and aims to improve emergency response for students with seizure disorders.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Public Utility Credit Act, requires public utilities in Pennsylvania to report credit information related to customer accounts. It defines "public utility" broadly to include providers of electricity, gas, water, transportation, and telecommunications, while excluding specific entities like nonprofit cooperatives and private generators. The legislation imposes duties on these utilities to maintain and share credit data, aiming to create a standardized system for tracking customer payment history. By establishing clear reporting requirements, the bill seeks to improve how financial responsibility is managed and shared across the utility sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to clarify lease rules and introduce a rent reporting system. It maintains the existing requirement that leases longer than three years must be in writing while confirming that shorter leases can be oral or written. Additionally, the bill establishes a program allowing landlords to report on-time rent payments to consumer reporting agencies, which tenants must opt into. Landlords participating in this program must provide written notice and a signed receipt to tenants at the start of the lease to ensure they are aware of the reporting option.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new process for Pennsylvania safety agencies and roadway authorities to be reimbursed for towing and recovery costs when clearing vehicles from roads. The Department of Transportation would manage this program, which allows reimbursement only when the vehicle owner or their insurance cannot pay, and requires proof that the services were necessary to restore safety or traffic flow. The Department must review each reimbursement claim within 45 days and submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the number and value of approved claims. The legislation clarifies that the Department can pursue cost recovery from at-fault parties and sets up rules for handling complex incidents, while explicitly stating it does not change existing towing laws or regulate pricing.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that officially designates June 2, 2026, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's high cancer rates. It highlights statistics on cancer diagnoses and deaths in the Commonwealth while noting disparities in access to care for various communities. The resolution urges lawmakers to support future legislation aimed at improving cancer prevention, detection, and treatment services. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to honor those affected by cancer and advocate for improved health outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to recognize March 2, 2026, as "Adwa Victory Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the 1896 Ethiopian victory over Italian colonial forces. The resolution commemorates the historical battle where Ethiopia successfully defended its independence and sovereignty against European colonization. It aims to acknowledge the heritage of the Ethiopian community in Pennsylvania and the broader African diaspora's struggle against colonialism. This is a symbolic measure that does not change laws or allocate funding, but rather establishes an official date of recognition within the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates June 2026 as Scleroderma Awareness Month and June 29, 2026, as World Scleroderma Day within the state. The measure aims to increase public understanding of scleroderma, a rare autoimmune condition that causes skin hardening and can affect internal organs, by promoting awareness rather than implementing new policies or funding. The resolution does not change laws or allocate money but serves to highlight the disease and support ongoing research efforts at Pennsylvania universities.