Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Second Class County Code to prohibit these counties from passing laws or taking actions that regulate firearms. Specifically, it removes the existing provision that allowed second-class counties to create ordinances regarding the transfer, ownership, transportation, or possession of guns. The change directly affects local governments in second-class counties by restricting their ability to implement their own gun control measures. The legislation becomes effective 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's child protective services laws to clarify which specific sexual offenses involving children must be reported and to strengthen reporting protocols for staff at schools and medical facilities. It explicitly requires mandated reporters to file a report if they suspect a child is involved in the creation, display, or possession of child sexual abuse material or artificially generated images of children, regardless of whether the minor created the content. Additionally, the legislation mandates that institution staff notify their supervisor immediately after making a report and ensures that institutions cooperate fully with subsequent investigations. The changes will not take effect until one year after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 558 caps residential rental application fees at $20 per applicant and restricts landlords from charging more for background checks that must include criminal history and credit score checks. It directly affects residential landlords and tenants in Pennsylvania by limiting fee amounts and specifying how fees may be used. The bill exempts commercial or nonresidential properties from these fee limits. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 13, 2026, as "Gold Shield Family Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. The resolution directly affects the relatives of fallen police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, corrections officers, and other public safety personnel. It serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these families, aligning with a similar federal designation from the previous year. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead establishes an official date for recognition and remembrance within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes April 2026 as "National Poetry Month" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official statement of support for poetry and the literary arts. The resolution acknowledges the cultural and educational value of poetry, noting its role in education and community engagement. Sponsored by multiple legislators, it aims to honor the tradition of celebrating poetry during this designated month.

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 summaryHR 259 is a Pennsylvania House resolution designating August 24, 2025, as "Ukrainian Independence Day" in the state. It commemorates Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union and acknowledges Pennsylvania's defense contributions, including munitions support for Ukraine. The resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to maintain support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or directly affect individuals.

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 summaryHR 350 is a resolution urging the President and Congress to maintain existing federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It directly affects low-income households that rely on LIHEAP to help pay for heating and cooling bills during cold and hot weather. The resolution does not create new programs or change funding levels but formally requests that current LIHEAP appropriations be preserved in future budget decisions. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect on funding but expresses congressional support for the program.

Maddy summaryHB 668 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, an existing agreement between states. This would let licensed counselors from other participating states practice in Pennsylvania more easily, and allow Pennsylvania counselors to practice in those states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill's key mechanism is adopting the standard compact form, creating a streamlined process for cross-state counseling licensure without changing existing state licensing requirements.