Rep. Chris Pielli

Maddy summaryHB 1077 establishes the Commission on Children's Vision within Pennsylvania's Department of Education and Department of Health to address children's vision care needs. The commission will develop statewide plans and low-cost programs for vision screenings, follow-up exams, and glasses for students who need them, while coordinating with local vision care providers. It must issue annual reports by December 31 detailing program achievements, trends in unmet vision care needs, and recommendations for improving access. The commission, composed of state education/health officials and 12 vision care professionals, will not receive compensation but will receive administrative support from the departments. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania schoolchildren requiring vision care and the state departments responsible for health and education services.

Maddy summaryHB 1251 amends the existing Physical Therapy Practice Act (1975) to update definitions and clarify the scope of physical therapy practice. It directly affects licensed physical therapists and the state licensing board by modifying how practice standards are defined and applied. The bill focuses on revising specific terms and practice rules within the current legal framework, without specifying new restrictions or expansions. As a practice act amendment, it aims to ensure the law aligns with current professional standards and operational needs. (Note: Specific provisions are not detailed in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Second Class City Firemen Relief Law to update pension eligibility rules for surviving spouses of fire department members. It modifies membership requirements for married firefighters and adjusts how pensions are calculated and provided to surviving spouses after a member's death. The changes directly affect married firefighters employed in second-class cities and their spouses who may qualify for pension benefits under this law. The bill focuses on clarifying and adjusting existing pension provisions rather than creating new benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 259 is a Pennsylvania House resolution designating August 24, 2025, as "Ukrainian Independence Day" in the state. It commemorates Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union and acknowledges Pennsylvania's defense contributions, including munitions support for Ukraine. The resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to maintain support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or directly affect individuals.

Maddy summaryHR 350 is a resolution urging the President and Congress to maintain existing federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It directly affects low-income households that rely on LIHEAP to help pay for heating and cooling bills during cold and hot weather. The resolution does not create new programs or change funding levels but formally requests that current LIHEAP appropriations be preserved in future budget decisions. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect on funding but expresses congressional support for the program.

Maddy summaryHB 668 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, an existing agreement between states. This would let licensed counselors from other participating states practice in Pennsylvania more easily, and allow Pennsylvania counselors to practice in those states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill's key mechanism is adopting the standard compact form, creating a streamlined process for cross-state counseling licensure without changing existing state licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates May 4, 2026, as "Aerospace Day" to recognize the state's growing aerospace industry. The measure highlights Pennsylvania's skilled workforce, proximity to federal agencies, and educational institutions as key assets for the sector. It calls for public exhibitions and a legislative hearing in Harrisburg on that date to educate residents and lawmakers about the industry's economic potential. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness of aerospace opportunities within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally recognizes the month of May 2026 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" within the state. The measure encourages residents to learn about and celebrate the history and contributions of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. It serves as a symbolic designation rather than establishing new laws, funding, or regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study wild native terrestrial invertebrate management - including bees, butterflies, worms, and beetles - and issue a report. The study will evaluate existing state laws (like the Conservation and Natural Resources Act of 1995), compare other states' conservation approaches, and assess the ecological and economic value of these species (noting their $250+ million annual contribution to agriculture through pollination). It does not create new laws but aims to clarify agency responsibilities and identify gaps in conservation efforts. The report will inform future policy decisions affecting state agencies like DCNR, the Department of Agriculture, and wildlife commissions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public schools to adopt or update a bullying policy that includes clear disciplinary consequences for bullying incidents and designates a staff member to handle reports. Schools must notify parents within five days of a bullying or cyberbullying incident while following federal privacy laws. The policy may also include prevention and intervention programs, and the bill clarifies that bullying involves repeated, severe acts in a school setting that disrupt education or create a threatening environment. Cyberbullying is specifically defined as bullying occurring via electronic devices during school hours.