Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryHB 1425 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to update taxes on tobacco products and establish a new online directory for electronic nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes). It directly affects tobacco manufacturers, dealers, and e-liquid producers by changing tax rates and requiring manufacturers to submit product information to the new directory. The bill's key provisions include adjusting tax incidence and rates for traditional tobacco products while creating a mandatory, publicly accessible registry for e-liquid products. These changes aim to modernize tax collection and improve product transparency for regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 274 amends Pennsylvania's 1936 Unemployment Compensation Law to change eligibility rules for workers seeking benefits. It specifically expands eligibility for individuals fleeing domestic violence by removing barriers to claiming compensation in such cases. The bill also modifies how unemployment compensation rates and benefit amounts are calculated. These changes directly affect unemployed workers in Pennsylvania who qualify under the updated rules. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating November 16, 2025, as "Philadelphia Orchestra Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the orchestra's 125th anniversary and historical significance as a cultural institution, recognizing its contributions to music and community. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition with no direct impact on residents or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 323 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 and October 2026 as "National Animal Safety and Protection Month" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, impose requirements, or directly affect individuals or organizations. The resolution serves only to recognize and promote awareness of animal safety and protection efforts during those specific months. This is a ceremonial measure with no binding policy impact.

Maddy summaryHR 282 designates September 2025 as "Perimenopause Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about perimenopause - a natural phase in women's health - and encourages community education efforts during that month. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations, but serves as a symbolic recognition to highlight health issues affecting women. The bill was referred to the Health committee and reported as committed in September 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 370) formally recognizes November 29, 2025, as the "50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs, as it is a symbolic commemorative measure. The bill was referred to the Education committee on November 17, 2025, for further consideration. It serves solely to acknowledge the anniversary of the federal IDEA law through a state-level observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 17-21, 2025, as "Pennsylvania Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week" and November 21, 2025, as "Red Shirt Day" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure to raise awareness about educational support for homeless students, with no direct policy changes or funding mechanisms. The bill was referred to the Children & Youth committee and reported as committed on October 29, 2025. As a commemorative resolution, it does not impose legal obligations or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2065 amends Pennsylvania's pesticide law to prohibit the use of paraquat (identified by CAS number 4685-14-7 and related chemicals like methyl viologen) for any agricultural or pest control purposes within the state. This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pesticide applicators who currently use paraquat-based products. The bill explicitly bans its application, defines paraquat through specific chemical identifiers, and states that all conflicting regulations are superseded. The prohibition takes effect one year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2077 limits parking enforcement in Pennsylvania by prohibiting municipalities, parking authorities, or the Commonwealth from issuing more than one parking ticket per vehicle per day. It also requires a 14-day grace period before fines can be applied for overdue tickets and mandates municipal approval for changes to parking rates or enforcement hours. The bill bans performance-based pay raises, bonuses, or financial incentives for employees tied to the number of tickets issued. These provisions directly affect drivers receiving parking citations, local governments managing parking, and contracted parking enforcement companies. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2079 establishes a program to reimburse eligible entities - such as school districts, counties, human services providers, Pre-K programs, and Head Start providers - for documented financing costs or lost interest income caused by delays in passing the state budget (defined as the period from July 1, 2025, until the 2025-2026 budget takes effect). The program is funded primarily by "impasse-generated interest" (interest earned from delayed state spending during the budget impasse), with the legislature providing additional funds if needed. The Office of the Budget will administer the program, including processing applications and reporting annually on reimbursements, funding sources, and recipient details.