Rep. Gina Curry

Maddy summaryHB 1901 creates a new Office of Health Equity within the state Department of Health and establishes a Health Equity Advisory Committee. The bill requires the Department of Health to implement specific health equity initiatives and report on progress to the legislature. It directly affects the Department of Health, its staff, and public health programs by mandating new duties focused on reducing health disparities. The legislation aims to structure state efforts to address inequities in healthcare access and outcomes across the population.

Maddy summaryHB 363 designates Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha as official observances within the Commonwealth. The bill requires state agencies to recognize these dates annually for purposes of ceremonial observance, such as public acknowledgments or non-binding acknowledgments in government communications. It directly affects state government operations by mandating this recognition but does not create new legal holidays or alter work schedules. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing solely on formal acknowledgment of these religious observances.

Maddy summaryHB 1859 proposed changes to Pennsylvania's firearm laws, targeting individuals prohibited from possessing firearms (such as those under extreme risk protection orders) and establishing rules for safely surrendering firearms. It added provisions for "extreme risk protection orders" (court orders to temporarily remove firearms from high-risk individuals), clarified restrictions on firearm possession, and required the Attorney General to create a system for reporting firearm abandonment. The bill also updated procedures for community courts and imposed penalties for violations, but it was defeated in final passage on September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary grant program to fund public schools in Pennsylvania that prepare meals from scratch (rather than using pre-packaged or processed foods) for students. It directly affects public schools participating in the pilot, allowing them to apply for state grants to cover costs associated with preparing fresh meals. The key provision establishes the program under the Public School Code, requiring the state education department to administer the grants and evaluate the pilot's effectiveness. The goal is to test whether scratch-cooked meals improve student nutrition and school meal participation, with results informing potential future policy changes. (Note: Specific grant amounts, duration, and participating school criteria are not detailed in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryHB 1629 requires Pennsylvania public employers to create safety plans protecting outdoor public workers, including sanitation staff, crossing guards, utility workers, and park maintenance crews. It mandates risk assessments, quarterly incident reviews, and mandatory violence prevention training within 30 days of hire - covering de-escalation, reporting, and legal rights - refreshed every two years. Employers must establish confidential incident reporting systems, provide paid leave for recovery after violent incidents, and offer counseling or legal support. The bill also requires data collection on workplace violence and creates enforcement mechanisms, including fines for non-compliance and protections against retaliation for reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Pennsylvania's medical assistance rules for nursing home residents. It allows eligible individuals to keep more of their personal money by adjusting how personal needs costs (like toiletries or small purchases) are deducted from their benefits. The key provision modifies the deduction calculation so residents' own funds aren't reduced when covering these daily expenses. This directly affects nursing home residents qualifying for state medical assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1577 amends the Human Services Code to establish requirements for ensuring safe and humane practices in residential facilities caring for children and youth. It directly affects children in group homes, foster care settings, and similar institutions by mandating specific standards for their treatment and safety. The key provision requires these facilities to implement and maintain practices that prioritize child well-being and prevent harm. The bill passed the House on July 9, 2025, and is now referred to the Aging & Youth committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1000 amends the state's Professional Psychologists Practice Act to update rules for psychologists. It specifically allows licensed psychologists to obtain a prescription certificate for certain medications, including controlled substances, under defined conditions. The bill also revises procedures for the State Board of Psychology regarding license renewals, penalties for violations, and reporting requirements for multiple licenses. These changes directly affect licensed psychologists seeking prescribing authority and the board managing professional standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1754 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to update the definition of "compensation" for personal income tax purposes. It specifically clarifies that "compensation" includes salaries, wages, bonuses, and certain deferred income payments under federal law, while explicitly excluding government benefits like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), TANF, and retirement payments. The bill does not change tax rates or create new taxes but provides clearer rules for what counts as taxable income under the state's tax code. This technical update primarily affects how Pennsylvania employers and taxpayers report income for state tax filing.

Maddy summaryHB 564 updates Pennsylvania law to establish a new mental health crisis response system. It requires the Department of Human Services to create and operate this system, including training crisis responders and coordinating care. The bill directly affects individuals experiencing mental health crises and the state agencies responsible for emergency mental health services. Key provisions mandate specific duties for DHS to ensure timely, accessible crisis support statewide. The bill passed final passage on July 14, 2025, and is now under review by the Health & Human Services committee.