Rep. Carol Kazeem

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes May 9, 2026, as "National Train Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution acknowledges the historical significance of rail travel in Pennsylvania and the nation, referencing the 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad. It encourages Pennsylvanians to learn about rail history and its benefits but creates no new requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes April 11-17, 2026, as "Week of the Young Child" in Pennsylvania, aligning with a national observance organized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is a formal acknowledgment to support awareness of early childhood education. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to recognize the importance of early learning opportunities for children birth through age eight. It does not create new policies or directly affect any individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 2025 as "Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Month" in Pennsylvania through a symbolic resolution. It does not create new laws or alter existing programs but formally recognizes efforts to support child nutrition. The designation directly affects Pennsylvania residents and organizations focused on child hunger initiatives. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy changes or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 513 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study how outdated hospital regulations, which have not been updated in nearly 40 years, financially affect hospitals across Pennsylvania. The study will examine the number of overlapping rules, the administrative costs hospitals incur to comply, and the resources required to manage complex oversight structures. To assist with this review, the committee will form an advisory group that includes representatives from state agencies and hospitals of various types, including rural, urban, and suburban facilities. The committee is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations within 12 months to relevant legislative leaders.

Maddy summaryHB 2218 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require all school entities (including districts, charter schools, cyber charters, and career schools) to develop and implement a written comprehensive school counseling plan. The bill mandates that each plan, created by certified school counselors, must include annual reviews, K-12 systemic alignment, grade-level and building-specific strategies, and integration with existing student services plans. Key provisions define "direct services" (like individual counseling and classroom instruction) and "indirect services" (such as parent consultations), requiring plans to guide students in academic, career, and social-emotional development. The law establishes specific components for the plan - foundation, management, delivery, and accountability - without specifying funding or new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2210 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to allow electronic registration cards displayed on personal devices like phones or tablets. It defines key terms like "electronic registration card" (a digital version viewable on devices) and "electronic product device" (phones/tablets used to display it). The bill requires vehicle owners to sign physical cards or display digital versions when asked by police, but prohibits police from demanding device surrender and protects against liability for accidental damage or viewing unrelated phone data. It also prevents unrelated digital information viewed during a traffic stop from being used as evidence in court. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2246 would require large data centers in Pennsylvania to report water usage and undergo environmental reviews before construction. It mandates pre-application notification to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), including detailed water use estimates, source assessments, and proof that withdrawals won’t harm other water users or water quality. The bill adds new permit conditions under the Clean Streams Law, requiring data centers to implement water conservation measures like closed-loop systems and water recycling. These provisions apply specifically to "covered data centers" (large facilities with significant water needs) and aim to protect local water resources while enabling data center development.

Maddy summaryHB 2176 would require Pennsylvania public and nonpublic schools to integrate social media literacy into their curriculum. The bill mandates that state academic standards include specific lessons on social media's mental, psychological, and physical impacts on students, its effects on learning, safe online behavior (including identifying cyberbullying and predatory activity), and personal device security. The Department of Education must develop educational materials and provide professional development for teachers on these topics. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania schools, including public school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools, by adding concrete requirements to student learning standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public schools to adopt or update a bullying policy that includes clear disciplinary consequences for bullying incidents and designates a staff member to handle reports. Schools must notify parents within five days of a bullying or cyberbullying incident while following federal privacy laws. The policy may also include prevention and intervention programs, and the bill clarifies that bullying involves repeated, severe acts in a school setting that disrupt education or create a threatening environment. Cyberbullying is specifically defined as bullying occurring via electronic devices during school hours.

Maddy summaryHB 72 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to create new protections for tenants facing domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking. It defines "eligible tenants" as those who are victims themselves or have an immediate family/household member (living with them or within 1,000 feet) who is a victim of these specific violent acts. The bill requires landlords to provide safety options like changing locks or relocating tenants without penalty upon verification from an "attesting third party" (such as a police officer or victim advocate). This directly affects renters in these situations by ensuring they aren't unfairly evicted or penalized for seeking safety due to violence.