Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to restrict how juvenile suspects are held in police lockups and defines where they can be detained before a court hearing. It generally prohibits keeping children in adult police facilities, allowing it only for short periods under six hours for tasks like identification or processing, provided the child is separated from adults and under constant supervision. For longer-term detention, the law requires judges to confirm that no less restrictive option exists and mandates that children be placed in approved juvenile facilities rather than adult prisons. Additionally, the bill clarifies that children facing serious charges are entitled to an immediate bail hearing if they are held before trial.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal right for buyers of used cars in Pennsylvania to return their vehicle to the dealer within 10 days of purchase or lease. Under the new rules, dealers must accept the return and issue a full refund minus a small fee for the car's use, which is capped at either 10 cents per mile driven or 10% of the vehicle's price, whichever is lower. The law also requires dealers to provide customers with a notice explaining these rights at the time of sale and mandates that refunds be processed within 30 days of the buyer's request.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 prevents Pennsylvania counties, municipalities, and townships from passing local laws that restrict the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms and ammunition, as long as those items are not already banned by state or federal law. The bill also stops local governments from suing gun manufacturers or dealers for damages related to how firearms are designed, manufactured, or sold to the public. Additionally, it removes the specific authority for municipalities to regulate firearms entirely, ensuring that gun policy remains a state-level responsibility rather than a local one.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Second Class County Code to prohibit these counties from passing laws or taking actions that regulate firearms. Specifically, it removes the existing provision that allowed second-class counties to create ordinances regarding the transfer, ownership, transportation, or possession of guns. The change directly affects local governments in second-class counties by restricting their ability to implement their own gun control measures. The legislation becomes effective 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's child protective services laws to clarify which specific sexual offenses involving children must be reported and to strengthen reporting protocols for staff at schools and medical facilities. It explicitly requires mandated reporters to file a report if they suspect a child is involved in the creation, display, or possession of child sexual abuse material or artificially generated images of children, regardless of whether the minor created the content. Additionally, the legislation mandates that institution staff notify their supervisor immediately after making a report and ensures that institutions cooperate fully with subsequent investigations. The changes will not take effect until one year after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to clarify how the General Assembly conducts its annual sessions. It mandates that the legislature must meet at noon on the first Tuesday of January each year and requires the Governor to call a special session if a general appropriation bill is not passed by the end of the fiscal year. The measure also outlines the specific steps needed to put this change on the ballot for voter approval after it passes both houses of the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to establish a specific rule for enacting the state budget. It directly affects the General Assembly and the Commonwealth's fiscal operations by requiring lawmakers to remain in session on weekdays until a general appropriation bill is passed if one is not completed by the end of the current fiscal year. The key provision mandates continuous legislative activity to prevent a lapse in funding for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that state operations can continue without interruption. This change formalizes the process for budget enactment to address potential delays in passing necessary financial legislation.

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 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 195 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the month for raising awareness about child abuse prevention efforts across the state. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents and organizations focused on child welfare by encouraging community observances and educational activities during April 2025. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and serves solely as a formal acknowledgment.