Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryHB 1234 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require public assistance programs to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for eligible recipients. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in state public assistance programs who need blood pressure monitoring for health management. The bill adds blood pressure monitors to the list of covered medical equipment under the public assistance program, ensuring these devices are provided without cost to recipients. It does not change eligibility requirements but expands existing coverage to include this specific monitoring tool. The bill passed final passage on July 1, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's child custody law by requiring all custody orders to include notice of relocation obligations (replacing the repealed Section 5337). It repeals detailed existing relocation rules, including the 60-day notice requirement, specific information that must be included in relocation notices, and the 30-day objection window for non-relocating parents. The change directly affects parents or custodians seeking to relocate with children under existing custody arrangements. It simplifies the process by embedding relocation notice requirements into custody orders rather than maintaining separate procedural rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1696 updates Pennsylvania's Housing Finance Agency Law to create a new program enabling low-to-moderate income renters to purchase homes through a lease-with-guaranteed-purchase-option model. The program allows tenants to lease a home for a set period, after which they have the right to buy it at a predetermined price. A dedicated "Pennsylvania Lease with Guaranteed Purchase Option Home Ownership Program Fund" will provide financial support to facilitate this initiative. This bill directly affects eligible renters seeking homeownership opportunities and aims to expand access to affordable housing through this specific lease-to-own mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 865 amends Pennsylvania's military education benefit programs to clarify definitions, eligibility rules, and procedures for recovering funds. It directly affects Pennsylvania military service members and their families who use the Educational Assistance Program and Military Family Education Program for education expenses. Key changes include updating eligibility criteria and establishing clearer processes for recouping grant payments if recipients no longer meet requirements. The bill, now Act No. 32 of 2025, was signed into law on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 prohibits Pennsylvania government entities from taking action against parents, legal custodians, or guardians who provide minors with medically accurate and medically appropriate information or evidence-based medical services. It specifically protects these adults from being deemed to have committed child abuse when acting in this manner. The bill defines key terms like "medically accurate" (supported by peer-reviewed research or major medical organizations) and "evidence-based" (using current best medical practices). This law applies broadly to all minors' healthcare decisions, not limited to specific identities, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1100 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to allow public assistance recipients to use their benefits to purchase diapers and menstrual hygiene products through a new waiver program. This directly affects low-income individuals and families enrolled in public assistance programs who currently cannot use their benefits for these essential items. The key provision adds diapers and menstrual hygiene products to the list of eligible purchases under an administrative waiver, changing the existing code to expand access to basic necessities. The bill does not change benefit amounts or eligibility criteria but creates a new pathway for purchasing specific hygiene products. It passed the legislature in June 2025 and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 378 amends Pennsylvania's child custody laws by adding new factors judges must consider when determining custody arrangements. The bill explicitly requires courts to weigh specific elements, such as the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, alongside existing considerations. This change directly affects judges presiding over custody cases and parents involved in those proceedings. The law became effective immediately upon the governor's approval on June 30, 2025 (Act No. 11 of 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 240 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to update the qualifications required for obtaining a school bus driver endorsement. It directly affects school bus drivers and school districts by changing the specific criteria for securing this endorsement, such as background checks or training requirements. The bill revises Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to clarify and strengthen these qualification standards. As Act No. 4 of 2025, it became law after approval by the governor on June 27, 2025. The change focuses solely on the licensing process, not operational rules for school buses.

Maddy summaryHB 1564 amends the Human Services Code to change how copayments are calculated for subsidized child care programs. It directly affects low-income families who rely on state-funded child care assistance. The bill modifies the existing copayment structure but does not specify whether amounts increase, decrease, or change based on income tiers. This is a policy change to the public assistance system governing child care subsidies. (Note: The provided context does not detail the specific copayment changes, only the bill's purpose and referral history.)

Maddy summaryHB 1658 amends Pennsylvania's Recorder of Deeds Fee Law to change how counties charge for recording property documents like deeds and mortgages. It repeals the current fee schedule and establishes new fee structures for recording documents, while updating definitions related to these fees. The bill also modifies provisions for the County Records Improvement Fund and the county demolition fund, specifying how these funds are managed. This directly affects county offices that handle property records and individuals/businesses submitting documents for recording.