Rep. Carol Kazeem

Maddy summaryHB 1453 establishes a program to create "food desert opportunity zones" in low-income areas with limited access to supermarkets or large grocery stores. Political subdivisions can apply to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to designate up to 12 such zones statewide. Qualified healthy food retail outlets operating within these designated zones may receive food desert opportunity tax credits for up to five years, starting January 1, 2026. The bill outlines the criteria for zone designation and for businesses to qualify for these tax credits.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania would officially recognize the first day of the Islamic lunar month of Shawwal as Eid al-Fitr Day annually. This designation applies to all Pennsylvanians celebrating the holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan and includes prayer, charity, and community gatherings. The bill clarifies that this recognition does not require employers to grant paid leave or treat the day as a legal holiday. It takes effect immediately upon enactment, focusing on symbolic acknowledgment without imposing new obligations on businesses or government.

Maddy summaryHR 225 is a resolution that officially designates May 13, 2025, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about the impact of cancer on Pennsylvanians and encourages the advancement of legislation supporting cancer prevention, detection, and treatment across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryHB 1200 establishes a comprehensive framework for the regulation and treatment of cannabis in Pennsylvania. It creates state-run Pennsylvania Cannabis Stores for sales and a licensing system for private cannabis businesses, including cultivators, processors, and transporters. The bill also provides for the expungement of certain past cannabis convictions and includes provisions for social and economic equity initiatives. It establishes a cannabis excise tax, dedicating revenue to funds for community reinvestment and substance use disorder prevention, and assigns oversight duties to state agencies like the Liquor Control Board.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Menstrual Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the importance of menstrual health, highlighting issues like limited access to education and hygiene products, stigma, and health disparities affecting women and girls. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or requirements; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to raise awareness about these issues. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by designating a month for community education and discussion around menstrual health.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 48) formally recognizes May 11-17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2025, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of existing national observances. The resolution cites historical context, including a 1962 congressional resolution designating May 15 as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the surrounding week as "Police Week." It serves only to express the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' symbolic support for honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 187) is a ceremonial recognition, not a policy change. It formally designates May 10, 2025, as "National Train Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the historical significance of rail travel. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania residents to learn about train history and the benefits of rail transportation, such as reducing road congestion and supporting environmental goals. It does not create new laws, impose requirements, or directly affect specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects all Pennsylvania residents by promoting public awareness of the Sikh faith, recognizing the community's contributions to the state, and aiming to combat anti-Sikh bigotry. The key mechanism is the official symbolic recognition through a state resolution, which does not create new laws or allocate funds. It follows Pennsylvania's tradition of honoring cultural and religious diversity, referencing the Sikh community's historical presence and ongoing positive impacts in areas like agriculture, technology, and community service. The resolution emphasizes education to address discrimination, including statistics on anti-Sikh bias and school bullying faced by Sikh youth.

Maddy summaryHB 87 amends Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to adjust eligibility requirements for cosmetology licenses and apprenticeships. It increases the required experience for salon owners or teachers training apprentices from five to ten years and mandates that each apprentice must be supervised by at least two licensed cosmetologists (beyond the instructor) in salons with no more than two apprentices. Apprentices must complete 2,000 hours of training in a licensed salon and may apply for a temporary permit to practice after finishing their apprenticeship. The bill directly affects aspiring cosmetologists and salon owners seeking to train apprentices in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 921 establishes Pennsylvania's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help residents with overdue water or wastewater bills after the federal program ends. It requires the Department of Human Services to create the program by July 1, 2026, with eligibility based on income, owning/renting a home in PA, and having overdue bills (including termination notices). Water or wastewater utility companies can apply for grants on behalf of eligible customers to prevent service termination, pay past-due bills, or restore services. The program mandates annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees detailing grant recipients, amounts, and expenditures. This policy directly affects low-income households facing water service disruptions and utility providers serving them.