Rep. Gina Curry

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that officially recognizes September 2026 as 'International Underground Railroad Month' within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or change how the state operates, but rather serves as a formal acknowledgment of the state's historical role in the Underground Railroad network. The resolution honors the individuals who helped enslaved people escape to freedom and highlights the significance of related historical sites across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates July 5, 2026, as "Venezuelan Independence Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the nation's 1811 declaration of independence from Spain. The text highlights historical connections between Philadelphia and the Venezuelan independence movement, noting that the city has long served as a hub for revolutionary ideas and hosts a statue gifted by Venezuela. Additionally, the resolution acknowledges the current Venezuelan community in the state, which numbers over 6,500 residents. As a symbolic measure, the bill does not alter laws or policies but serves to recognize historical ties and celebrate cultural heritage.

Maddy summaryHB 1505 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to clarify definitions related to early learning programs. The bill specifically updates terminology used in the existing law to better define what constitutes early learning programs within the state's educational framework. This change directly affects school districts, early learning providers, and state education agencies by providing clearer standards for program classification and reporting under the Public School Code. The bill focuses solely on refining definitions, not creating new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1442 amends Pennsylvania's coroner investigation procedures to specifically address sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) cases. It requires coroners to follow standardized protocols when investigating deaths where epilepsy is a known factor, ensuring consistent documentation and review. This bill directly affects county coroners and their offices by updating their investigative responsibilities under state law. The legislation aims to improve clarity and uniformity in handling these specific death investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals receiving state assistance to appear in court to establish paternity and secure child support payments when a responsible relative is absent or a potential father is involved. It creates an exception to this requirement for nonparent relatives, such as grandparents, who can choose not to cooperate if the child's parent has specific issues like addiction, incarceration, or death. The legislation defines these nonparent relatives as blood relatives within a certain degree of kinship and allows them to verify their situation through a self-attestation form. If a recipient fails to cooperate without valid reasons, the department may withhold assistance until they comply with the support enforcement process.

Maddy summaryHB 1961 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the PA Licensure Compact, a mutual recognition agreement with other states. This would allow licensed professionals (like nurses, teachers, and contractors) in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The bill establishes the legal framework for Pennsylvania’s participation and outlines responsibilities for the Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth. The bill passed the House on November 17, 2025, and is now under review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study suicide prevention and data collection efforts in Pennsylvania and provide recommendations for improvement. The study will specifically examine how well the state has met eight existing suicide prevention goals and analyze the Pennsylvania Violent Death Reporting System to identify barriers like lack of mandatory reporting and insufficient funding. The commission is tasked with proposing legislative actions to ensure medical examiners, coroners, and law enforcement agencies consistently report violent death data to the Department of Health.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill requires health insurance companies to cover fertility preservation services for individuals facing medically necessary cancer treatments that could cause infertility. The law mandates that insurers include at least three years of egg, sperm, or ovarian tissue storage at an in-network facility, with a minimum lifetime benefit of $100,000 per person. While the coverage must follow standard policy rules like deductibles and copayments, religious employers are allowed to request exemptions if the services conflict with their beliefs, provided they notify patients and allow them to buy separate supplemental insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania residents to voluntarily donate $5 when they renew their driver's licenses or vehicle registrations online. The funds collected will go exclusively to the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to help provide communication access services for those individuals. The donation is optional and will be added to the regular renewal fee, with annual reports required to track how much money is raised and how it is spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of September 14 through 20, 2026, as 'Diaper Need Awareness Week' in Pennsylvania to highlight the shortage of disposable diapers for children and incontinent adults. The resolution formally recognizes the efforts of the state's 10 diaper banks and community organizations that distribute millions of diapers annually to families in need. Additionally, the bill encourages Pennsylvania residents to support these local groups and participate in diaper donation drives to help expand access to this essential item.