Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryHB 994 bans the commercial trade of parts or products from specific endangered species (like elephants, rhinos, sharks, and pangolins) in Pennsylvania, affecting businesses and individuals involved in buying, selling, or possessing these items with intent to sell. Key exceptions include government law enforcement activities, antique items over 100 years old (under 200 grams), musical instruments (under 200 grams), and educational/scientific use with proper permits. Violations face civil fines up to $20,000 based on item value and repeat offenses, with seized items potentially used for education or destroyed. The law targets wildlife trafficking while allowing limited, regulated exceptions for cultural, historical, or research purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1610 amends Pennsylvania's corporate tax rules to change how businesses with multiple related entities (unitary businesses) calculate their state tax liability. Starting in 2026, these businesses will determine Pennsylvania tax based on their total sales within the state relative to their nationwide sales, using a new "water's-edge" apportionment method. The bill specifically revises definitions and tax calculation rules for corporations, including adjustments to how income from intercompany transactions is treated and how nonbusiness income is allocated. This primarily affects large corporations operating across state lines as unified business groups. The changes aim to align Pennsylvania's tax calculation with federal reporting requirements for such entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1670 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage, to provide hearing aid benefits. Specifically, it mandates that insurers offer at least $2,500 in coverage every three years for hearing aids sold under state registration rules, with benefits applicable to either hearing aid sellers or contracted fitters. This applies to most health insurance policies but excludes dental, vision, Medicare supplements, and other specified plans. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, impacting insurers and enrollees in covered health plans across the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges Congress to expand Medicare to cover hearing aids. Currently, Medicare does not cover hearing aids or their fittings - only limited diagnostic exams under Part B. It specifically targets the gap affecting over 48 million Americans with hearing loss who rely on Medicare. The resolution requests Congressional action to amend Medicare policy but has no legal force.

Maddy summaryHB 1647 makes it a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania to possess, traffic, or import a "child sex doll" - defined as an anatomically correct doll resembling a child under 12 years old and intended for sexual use. The bill creates specific offenses for possessing such dolls, trafficking them (including manufacturing or selling), and importing them into the state, with possession of two or more dolls creating a legal presumption of trafficking intent. It includes an exception for common carriers (like shipping companies) who lack knowledge of the dolls' contents. This law directly affects individuals involved in handling these dolls, imposing criminal penalties without changing existing statutes on child sexual abuse.

Maddy summaryHB 1654 requires Pennsylvania school districts to set identical starting salaries for teachers holding the same grade span State instructional certification and salary step, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. This applies uniformly across all districts, ensuring teachers with identical qualifications (certification type and experience level) receive the same initial pay regardless of where they are hired. The bill mandates this consistency in new-hire compensation without altering existing salary structures for current employees. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, with the first application for the 2026-2027 school term.

Maddy summaryHB 1653 creates competitive grants to help nonprofit early childhood organizations and public school districts establish or expand child-care centers in rural Pennsylvania counties with low population density (under 291 people per square mile). The grants fund facility costs like construction or renovation, and provide two years of salary supplements to ensure child-care staff earn comparable pay to public school teachers. Recipients must partner with local businesses to cover some child-care fees for employees, aiming to maintain staffing levels after the grant period ends. This bill directly supports rural communities facing childcare shortages by making it financially feasible to open or grow quality early childhood programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1216 amends Pennsylvania's 1968 Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to update definitions of prohibited business practices and clarify which acts are considered unlawful. It specifically adds new provisions targeting deceptive marketing tactics and strengthens exclusions for certain professional services. The bill directly affects businesses operating in Pennsylvania (particularly those in retail, finance, and professional services) and consumers who may encounter unfair practices. The legislation passed its final vote on June 23, 2025, and is now pending review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1282 requires cities and towns to notify property owners when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updates special flood hazard area maps. This directly affects homeowners and property owners in areas where flood risk maps change. Municipalities must send written notice to affected property owners within 30 days of a FEMA map update. The law aims to ensure residents understand potential changes to flood insurance requirements and property risk levels. It does not alter FEMA's map-making process or flood insurance mandates.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 modifies Pennsylvania court records to limit public access to eviction information in dockets and indices. It directly affects tenants, landlords, and court clerks by restricting how eviction history is shared while requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to process these records under the new rules. The key provision creates a "limited access" system for eviction data, meaning the public cannot freely view these records as they currently can. This change applies specifically to eviction-related court documents within the state's judicial system. The bill passed the House on June 23, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.