Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Maddy summaryHB 811 would create civil liability for political candidates who make false statements about themselves or others during campaigns. It allows affected individuals or entities to sue for damages if a candidate knowingly makes a fraudulent misrepresentation. The bill directly affects candidates running for office and voters who may be misled by false claims. Key provisions establish a legal pathway for civil lawsuits rather than criminal penalties, requiring proof of intentional falsehoods. This bill is currently in the Communications & Technology committee after passing final passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1642 amends Pennsylvania's judicial statutes to prohibit state courts, law enforcement, and officials from assisting with legal actions involving "reproductive health care services" that are lawful in Pennsylvania. Specifically, it blocks Pennsylvania courts from ordering service of documents or issuing subpoenas for cases outside the state related to such services (including abortion care), prevents officers from arresting individuals for out-of-state offenses involving these services, and requires governors to withhold extradition for such cases. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" broadly to cover medical, surgical, or counseling services related to pregnancy, contraception, or abortion that are legal in Pennsylvania. These changes apply only to cases involving services permitted under Pennsylvania law, not to all out-of-state legal matters. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1644 creates Pennsylvania's Reproductive Health Services Address Confidentiality Program, allowing reproductive health service providers and patients who fear violence to use a confidential substitute address (like a PO box) instead of their actual home or work address. Participants apply through the Department of Health, providing their actual address and details about pending legal cases; the program issues a substitute address and forwards their first-class mail at no cost. The program keeps participants' actual addresses confidential, sharing them only with law enforcement in emergencies or for prosecution under penalties, and restricts access to program records under the Right-to-Know Law. This applies to individuals seeking services related to pregnancy, contraception, or termination of pregnancy, with certifications valid for three years.

Maddy summaryHB 1638 requires pharmacies and dispensers to display a provider's healthcare practice name instead of their personal name on prescription labels for mifepristone, misoprostol, or their generic alternatives. This applies to any licensed provider (including physicians or prescribers) who requests this change for reproductive medication prescriptions. The law mandates that dispensers comply with such requests, effectively shielding the provider's identity on the label. It takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1645 protects licensed healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania from losing their licenses or facing disciplinary action for providing reproductive health care services, including abortion. The bill prohibits licensing boards from disciplining individuals who assist in such services, even if they were sanctioned in another state for the same work when it would have been legal in Pennsylvania. It defines "reproductive health care services" to include medical care related to pregnancy, contraception, and termination of pregnancy. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 194 is a symbolic resolution designating August 2025 as "National Wellness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups; it serves only to recognize wellness awareness during that month. The resolution was referred to the Health Committee and later laid on the table, indicating it did not advance further in the legislative process. This type of resolution is purely commemorative with no policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 30 updates the certification requirements for real estate appraisers under Pennsylvania's 1990 law. It specifically revises the application process and qualifications needed for individuals seeking or renewing their appraiser licenses. The bill directly affects real estate appraisers and the licensing board responsible for overseeing certification. This amendment aims to modernize the certification framework without specifying new education or exam details in the provided context.

Maddy summaryHB 1511 creates the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Program within Pennsylvania's Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill requires the Commission to establish this program, which provides funding and guidance for law enforcement agencies to use technology like digital forensics and data analysis to solve violent crimes more effectively. It directly affects Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies handling violent incidents by mandating new reporting requirements and resource allocation for technology-driven investigations. The program aims to improve clearance rates for violent crimes through standardized, tech-enhanced investigative methods.

Maddy summaryHB 704 creates a new Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program and a dedicated funding mechanism within the Department of Health to support research on conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The bill directs the Department of Health to manage the program and administer the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program Fund, which will provide grants for scientific studies. This legislation directly affects researchers, medical institutions, and patients seeking treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by establishing a formal structure for funding and coordinating research efforts. The bill passed the legislature in June 2025 and is now pending final action by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1088 amends Pennsylvania's 1921 Insurance Company Law to require casualty insurance policies to cover blood pressure monitors. This directly affects policyholders who rely on these devices for managing health conditions like hypertension, ensuring they are not excluded from standard coverage. The bill adds a specific provision mandating insurers to include blood pressure monitors as covered items under casualty insurance policies. It changes insurer obligations without altering broader policy terms, focusing on making a common medical device accessible through existing insurance frameworks.