Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 10, 2025, as "National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan)" for observance within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania state legislature to recognize this date, directly affecting state government and public institutions in Pennsylvania. The bill has no binding legal effect but formally acknowledges the date through a state resolution. It was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on October 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1875 amends Pennsylvania's First Class Township Code to increase tax rate limits for general township taxes from three mills to ten mills and for emergency services taxes (ambulance/rescue) from half a mill to five mills. Township boards must now seek voter approval via referendum if either tax exceeds these new limits. The changes apply to all first-class townships, except those designated as "eligible" under the Fiscal Code. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1930 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to clarify and strengthen the offense of "aggravated cruelty to animal" within existing riot and disorderly conduct statutes. It directly affects law enforcement, prosecutors, and individuals who commit severe animal cruelty, by defining specific acts that constitute this offense. The key mechanism updates the legal definition within Title 18 to ensure consistent prosecution of cases involving extreme harm to animals, without changing penalty structures. This focuses on improving legal clarity for prosecuting severe animal cruelty incidents under broader criminal disorder provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1917 would create a dedicated fishing license for Indigenous Americans in Pennsylvania, allowing them to fish under a specific license category without needing a standard license. It also adds fee exemptions for resident hunting and fur-trapping licenses, meaning eligible Pennsylvania residents could obtain these licenses without paying the standard fee. The bill amends Pennsylvania's fish and game laws (Titles 30 and 34) to implement these changes. This directly affects Indigenous communities and qualifying Pennsylvania residents who participate in fishing, hunting, or fur trapping.

Maddy summaryHB 997 updates Pennsylvania's data breach notification law, requiring businesses to notify affected individuals more clearly and promptly after a security breach involving personal information. It directly affects businesses that collect or store personal data, such as healthcare providers, retailers, and financial institutions. Key changes include modernizing definitions of personal information, clarifying when notification is required, adding new security protections, and repealing outdated civil relief provisions. The bill also removes certain exemptions that previously allowed businesses to delay or avoid notifying individuals about breaches.

Maddy summaryHB 102 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to clarify and update the legal definition of harassment within the assault offense category under Title 18. It directly affects individuals accused of harassment by specifying how such conduct qualifies as a criminal assault. The bill's key provision changes how harassment is legally categorized and prosecuted under assault laws, providing clearer standards for law enforcement and courts. This amendment is currently pending final action after passing third consideration in the legislature. (Note: Specific policy details beyond the scope of the title are not provided in the context.)

Maddy summaryHB 1593 repeals specific provisions in Pennsylvania law regarding the sale or transfer of firearms under Title 18. This change directly affects firearm sellers, buyers, and dealers who previously operated under those repealed rules. The bill removes existing legal requirements or restrictions related to firearm transactions from the state statutes. It does not create new rules but eliminates the current legal framework governing these sales and transfers. The bill passed final passage on September 30, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1910 creates a state-funded grant program to provide school supplies directly to public school educators. It amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish the "School Supplies for Educators Grant Program," which will distribute state funds to cover essential classroom materials like paper, pens, and art supplies. The program specifically targets educators in public schools, ensuring they have access to necessary supplies for their classrooms. This policy change shifts funding responsibility from individual schools or teachers to a centralized state grant system.

Maddy summaryHB 1866 would have expanded Pennsylvania's definition of "prohibited offensive weapons" under criminal law to include specific items like modified firearms and certain knives, making it a crime to attempt to obtain or possess them. The bill aimed to clarify that inchoate offenses (such as attempted possession) involving these weapons would be punishable under existing statutes. It directly affected individuals facing charges related to preparing to obtain or carry these weapons. However, the bill was defeated during final passage on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 7-13, 2025, in Pennsylvania as "National Suicide Prevention Week." It is a commemorative measure with no binding legal effect, intended to raise public awareness about suicide prevention efforts. The bill directly affects Pennsylvanians by formally recognizing this observance period, encouraging community engagement with local mental health initiatives. It does not create new policies, funding, or obligations.