Rep. Chris Pielli

Maddy summaryThis bill expands death benefit eligibility in Pennsylvania for firefighters who die from cancer linked to their work. To qualify, a firefighter must have served at least four years, had direct exposure to a carcinogen, and passed a pre-service physical exam showing no signs of cancer. The law presumes these deaths occurred while performing official duties, allowing their families to receive financial support under the existing Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania, including paramedics and nurses, to complete specific training on caring for individuals with dementia. The Department of Health must create a program covering how to communicate effectively with these patients, manage behavioral symptoms, and identify signs of abuse. New providers will need three hours of initial training, while all providers must complete one hour of continuing education annually. Those who already finished similar training within the last 18 months will be exempt from the initial requirement but must still take the annual course.

Maddy summaryHB 586 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act to update definitions, clarify department responsibilities, and revise permit requirements for waste management entities. It specifically adds new rules for handling food processing residuals (waste from food processing plants) and includes reporting obligations. The bill also establishes penalties for noncompliance with these updated provisions. These changes directly affect waste management companies, food processors, and local departments overseeing waste handling. The amendment focuses on modernizing regulatory processes rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 728 establishes Pennsylvania's Identification Upon Reentry Program, requiring prisons to provide newly released inmates with essential identification documents (like state ID cards) before their release. This directly affects individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community, who often face barriers to accessing services without valid ID. The key provision mandates that correctional facilities coordinate with state agencies to issue these documents during the reentry process, replacing the current inconsistent practice. This policy change aims to streamline access to housing, employment, and government services for returning citizens.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the Public School Code to strictly limit the use of artificial intelligence in charter and cyber charter schools. It defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that make predictions or decisions and prohibits these schools from using AI to replace human teachers for direct instruction. The law requires local school boards and the state Department of Education to reject applications from schools relying on such models and allows for the nonrenewal or immediate termination of charters that adopt them. Additionally, the bill clarifies the powers and duties of the State Board of Education regarding charter school oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement officers from detaining or arresting individuals for civil immigration violations on the property of houses of worship. The only exception allows for arrests if the officer is acting in an official capacity and holds a valid judicial warrant. Additionally, the legislation bars state and local agencies from using taxpayer funds to conduct immigration enforcement and imposes a $10,000 civil penalty for any violations of these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of April 11 through 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about maternal health disparities affecting Black women. The resolution highlights statistics showing that Black women in the state face significantly higher pregnancy-related death rates compared to other groups, with many cases deemed preventable. It does not create new funding or policy requirements but serves as a symbolic gesture to focus public and legislative attention on the issue. The measure is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on Children and Youth for consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 327 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study how to reduce food waste in the state using multiple strategies, considering existing infrastructure. It would evaluate practical approaches for decreasing food waste across the Commonwealth, focusing on what is currently feasible. The resolution itself does not change laws or funding but would produce a report to inform future policy decisions. This study would be conducted by the Commission, with findings potentially guiding future legislative action on food waste reduction.

Maddy summaryHB 562 amends Pennsylvania's 1883 law governing federal lands to explicitly include juvenile cases under the state's retained "concurrent jurisdiction." This means Pennsylvania courts will maintain authority over juvenile matters occurring on federal lands (like post offices) that were previously ceded to the U.S. government. The bill updates the 1883 statute to clarify that the state retains this specific jurisdiction, ensuring juvenile cases are handled under Pennsylvania law rather than solely federal authority. As a procedural amendment to existing law, it does not create new policy but formalizes current practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify funding rules for cyber charter schools. It mandates that these schools cannot charge tuition to students who live in or outside the state, with one specific exception. Under this exception, a local school district does not have to pay the tuition for its own students if those students attend an outside cyber charter school instead of the district's own online program. To qualify for this exemption, the district's online program must meet specific standards set by the state department, such as offering in-person orientation, verifying residency, tracking attendance, providing technical support, and assigning case managers for special education needs. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.