Rep. Gina Curry

Maddy summaryHB 1938 amends Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law to increase penalties for repeat offenses. It changes the grading of aggravated cruelty to animals: a first offense remains a third-degree felony, but a second or subsequent offense becomes a more serious second-degree felony. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of repeated animal cruelty under existing law. The change only modifies sentencing severity for repeat violations, with no new prohibitions or expanded scope of the offense. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 1, 2025, as "Tylenol Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the history of Tylenol (acetaminophen) in the state. It is a ceremonial resolution with no binding legal effect or policy changes. The bill was referred to the Health committee, reflecting its connection to pharmaceutical history but not impacting regulations or constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to create new pathways for veterans to become career and technical teachers in public schools. It allows veterans who served at least 8,000 hours (four years full-time) in an occupation they will teach to qualify for a Career and Technical Intern Certificate or Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate, bypassing some standard certification requirements. The bill specifically defines "veteran" as someone discharged under honorable conditions from U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or reserves. This directly affects veterans seeking teaching roles in career and technical education programs across Pennsylvania's public schools.

Maddy summaryHR 357 establishes a legislative Hunger Task Force to study hunger, food insecurity, and access to healthy food within the Commonwealth. The task force will analyze these issues and develop findings and recommendations for state policymakers. This resolution affects state-level planning and future policy decisions but does not create new laws or programs. It is a procedural step to guide potential future legislative action on food access.

Maddy summaryHB 1991 would amend Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a Bilingual Educators Advancement Grant Program. The program would provide state funding to public school districts to support professional development and resources for bilingual educators. This directly affects bilingual teachers and their school districts by creating a new funding stream for advancing their skills in bilingual education. The key mechanism is the allocation of state grants to districts meeting specific criteria, aiming to enhance bilingual education quality.

Maddy summaryHR 351 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study current electric bicycle regulations and develop recommendations for updating the state's legal and regulatory framework. It does not change existing laws but requires a formal study to identify necessary updates for e-bike rules. The Commission's report would propose specific changes to statutes and regulations governing e-bike operation, safety, and use. This resolution directly affects future regulatory decisions by state agencies and local governments managing e-bike policies.

Maddy summaryHR 344 is a resolution urging Congress to use its constitutional oversight powers to obtain and publicly release all records related to Jeffrey Epstein. It directly addresses the U.S. Congress, requesting action to make these records available to the public. The key mechanism is a formal call for Congress to exercise its authority to compel the release of such records, rather than creating new legal requirements. This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with binding effects.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's school health requirements to require automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in all public schools. It mandates CPR training for school staff and adds electrocardiogram (ECG) testing for student athletes before participating in interscholastic sports. The law directly affects public schools, staff, and student athletes by establishing new health safety protocols for sudden cardiac arrest prevention. Key provisions include equipping schools with AEDs, requiring staff CPR certification, and implementing ECG screenings for athletic eligibility. The bill was referred to the Education committee on October 16, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 145 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to clarify when workers lose eligibility for benefits. It directly affects claimants who voluntarily leave jobs, adding specific protections: workers cannot be disqualified for leaving due to disability if suitable work is available, for joining or staying in a union, or to accompany a military spouse relocating due to active duty orders. The bill defines "suitable employment" as work requiring similar skills and paying at least 80% of a worker's previous average weekly wage. These changes aim to prevent unfair disqualifications while maintaining the law's core purpose of providing benefits to eligible unemployed workers.

Maddy summaryHB 1701 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change how school districts handle facility projects. It requires school entities to hold voter referendums or public hearings before constructing new buildings or leasing space, directly affecting school districts and communities. The bill establishes a Public School Facility Advisory Committee to advise on facility planning and repeals outdated requirements for schools to conduct building condition assessments. It also imposes new duties on the Department of Education to oversee school facility planning and funding. (HB 1701, passed October 2025)