Rep. Jenn O'Mara

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges Congress to expand Medicare to cover hearing aids. Currently, Medicare does not cover hearing aids or their fittings - only limited diagnostic exams under Part B. It specifically targets the gap affecting over 48 million Americans with hearing loss who rely on Medicare. The resolution requests Congressional action to amend Medicare policy but has no legal force.

Maddy summaryHB 1647 makes it a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania to possess, traffic, or import a "child sex doll" - defined as an anatomically correct doll resembling a child under 12 years old and intended for sexual use. The bill creates specific offenses for possessing such dolls, trafficking them (including manufacturing or selling), and importing them into the state, with possession of two or more dolls creating a legal presumption of trafficking intent. It includes an exception for common carriers (like shipping companies) who lack knowledge of the dolls' contents. This law directly affects individuals involved in handling these dolls, imposing criminal penalties without changing existing statutes on child sexual abuse.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes July 25, 2025, as "World IVF Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture by the state legislature to acknowledge and raise awareness about in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reproductive health. The resolution does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect individuals or organizations. It serves as a commemorative statement without legal force or concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1216 amends Pennsylvania's 1968 Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to update definitions of prohibited business practices and clarify which acts are considered unlawful. It specifically adds new provisions targeting deceptive marketing tactics and strengthens exclusions for certain professional services. The bill directly affects businesses operating in Pennsylvania (particularly those in retail, finance, and professional services) and consumers who may encounter unfair practices. The legislation passed its final vote on June 23, 2025, and is now pending review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 23, 2025, as "Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy condition affecting approximately 20,000 people in the U.S., but does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies. The resolution serves only as a formal acknowledgment of the condition and its impact on affected individuals and families. It has no direct effect on healthcare access, treatment, or legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 1403 modifies Pennsylvania's teacher certification rules to make it easier for educators between jobs to maintain their licenses. It creates "inactive certification" for teachers not employed by a school district, allowing them to reactivate their license by either completing 30 hours of professional development within 18 months or securing a job offer that guarantees 30 hours of training during their first two years. The bill directly affects currently licensed teachers who are not actively teaching but wish to preserve their certification status. Key provisions include eliminating cost for inactive status and establishing two clear pathways to reactivation, with specific guidelines for schools to follow. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1404 amends Pennsylvania's teacher certification rules to create new pathways for career-changers and technical educators. It establishes a "Career and Technical Second Career Certificate" valid for up to five years while completing 18 semester hours in an approved program, and adds "Career and Technical Intern" and "Career and Technical Instructional" certificates for those with occupational experience. The bill replaces outdated regulations (22 Pa. Code Ch. 49) and requires postbaccalaureate programs to offer flexible training for candidates with bachelor's degrees in relevant fields. These changes directly affect individuals seeking teaching roles in career and technical education programs who lack traditional teaching credentials.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 modifies Pennsylvania court records to limit public access to eviction information in dockets and indices. It directly affects tenants, landlords, and court clerks by restricting how eviction history is shared while requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to process these records under the new rules. The key provision creates a "limited access" system for eviction data, meaning the public cannot freely view these records as they currently can. This change applies specifically to eviction-related court documents within the state's judicial system. The bill passed the House on June 23, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 811 would create civil liability for political candidates who make false statements about themselves or others during campaigns. It allows affected individuals or entities to sue for damages if a candidate knowingly makes a fraudulent misrepresentation. The bill directly affects candidates running for office and voters who may be misled by false claims. Key provisions establish a legal pathway for civil lawsuits rather than criminal penalties, requiring proof of intentional falsehoods. This bill is currently in the Communications & Technology committee after passing final passage.

Maddy summaryHR 199 is a ceremonial resolution designating October 2025 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" and October 17, 2025, as "National Mammography Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose requirements on any individuals or entities; it solely serves to recognize these observances. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection through mammography. As a procedural resolution, it affects no specific group or policy and has no binding effect. The bill was referred to the Health Committee but was later laid on the table (stalled) on June 23, 2025.