Rep. Carol Kazeem

Maddy summaryHB 1424 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to prohibit local governments from taxing admission fees at recreational campgrounds. It adds a new restriction (section 18) preventing municipalities from levying amusement taxes on guest charges for campground access. The bill also clarifies that camping property rentals aren't considered "places of amusement" for tax purposes. This change affects all local authorities covered by the original tax law, including cities, towns, and school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill converts an existing cosmetology training pilot program at career and technical centers (CTCs) into a permanent program under Pennsylvania's Public School Code. It requires participating CTCs and secondary schools to submit annual reports to the State Board of Cosmetology on training metrics. The legislation formalizes ongoing operations from the pilot phase, ensuring existing contracts, rules, and agreements remain valid without change. It directly affects career centers and schools offering cosmetology training within the state's public education system.

Maddy summaryHB 1728 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update provisions specifically for community colleges. It clarifies definitions and establishes mechanisms for financial programs and reimbursement of payments related to these institutions. The bill directly affects community colleges by modifying how they manage state funding and reimbursement processes. This summary focuses solely on the bill's stated purpose as described in its title and recent referral.

Maddy summaryHB 1729 would require online platforms in Pennsylvania to verify the age of users and set default privacy settings for children under 18, blocking strangers from messaging, viewing profiles, tagging, or transacting with them without parental approval. For children under 13, parents must approve all new connections and financial transactions, and can view their child's activity on the platform. The bill also prohibits platforms from using deceptive design features ("dark patterns") that undermine these protections and bans discrimination against minors in service quality or pricing. This applies to social media, gaming, and other platforms allowing public profiles and user interaction.

Maddy summaryHB 1412 amends Pennsylvania's child custody laws to clarify and streamline the process for modifying existing custody orders. It directly affects parents, guardians, or custodians seeking changes to court-ordered custody arrangements. The bill establishes specific criteria and procedures for when and how custody modifications can be requested, including requirements for demonstrating a significant change in circumstances. This creates a more structured framework for courts to evaluate modification requests while maintaining focus on the child's best interests.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include details about the specific changes made by HB 956 to Pennsylvania's aggravated assault laws. While the bill's title indicates it amends Title 18 regarding aggravated assault, the context lacks the concrete policy provisions, definitions, or affected groups necessary to describe what the bill actually does. Without this information, a factual summary of its mechanisms or direct impact cannot be provided. Legislative actions (like passage and referral) are noted but do not describe the bill's content.

Maddy summaryHB 1553 requires banks and credit unions in Pennsylvania to provide clear notices when charging overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, including details like transaction date, type, and balance impact. It caps overdraft fees at $15 (or the transaction cost, whichever is lower) and limits customers to no more than three such fees per calendar day. The law also prohibits additional charges beyond standard fees and bans fees for declined transactions. These protections apply directly to bank customers and credit union members, with rules taking effect 180 days after enactment. The bill mandates fee transparency by requiring institutions with websites to publicly list all fees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "International Underground Railroad Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a commemorative measure with no binding legal effect, intended to honor the historical significance of the Underground Railroad network. The resolution does not create new programs, alter laws, or directly affect any individuals or entities. It was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on July 7, 2025.

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 354 requires Pennsylvania school entities to implement "What Is Your Pennsylvania Story" guidelines, a program designed to collect and share student and community narratives about Pennsylvania's history and culture. The bill directly affects all public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, by mandating participation in this storytelling initiative. The Department of Education must develop and enforce these guidelines, including standards for content and submission processes. The bill became law on July 7, 2025, after receiving final approval from the governor.