Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHB 458 amends Pennsylvania's judicial procedures to create a new pathway for veterans with mental health disabilities connected to military service to seek postconviction review of their convictions. It directly affects veterans who were convicted of crimes and have a service-connected mental health condition, allowing them to request a court review of their case based on that disability. The bill also modifies sentencing procedures for first-degree murder convictions, though specific changes to sentencing guidelines are not detailed in the provided context. This legislation aims to adjust post-trial processes for these specific groups while maintaining the existing judicial framework.

Maddy summaryHB 274 amends Pennsylvania's 1936 Unemployment Compensation Law to change eligibility rules for workers seeking benefits. It specifically expands eligibility for individuals fleeing domestic violence by removing barriers to claiming compensation in such cases. The bill also modifies how unemployment compensation rates and benefit amounts are calculated. These changes directly affect unemployed workers in Pennsylvania who qualify under the updated rules. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating November 16, 2025, as "Philadelphia Orchestra Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the orchestra's 125th anniversary and historical significance as a cultural institution, recognizing its contributions to music and community. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition with no direct impact on residents or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 382) urges Congress to extend expanded health insurance subsidies that currently help Pennsylvanians purchase coverage through Pennie, the state's health insurance marketplace. Without extension, these subsidies expire December 31, 2025, causing average premium increases of 102% for Pennie customers - projected to push 150,000 people to lose coverage. The resolution highlights that without the expanded credits, a couple earning $85,000 annually would pay $25,776 yearly for insurance (31% of their income), compared to lower costs under current subsidies. It cites Pennie's 2025 enrollment of nearly 500,000 customers and a 16% drop in new sign-ups since Open Enrollment 2026 as evidence of the need for continued support. The resolution has no legal force but requests congressional action to maintain affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to require developers to notify contiguous municipalities when proposing projects that could affect multiple communities (termed "developments of regional significance"). It establishes new review processes, including mandatory impact analyses and extended approval timelines (90-120 days) for such projects. The bill also modifies requirements for infrastructure completion before final land development approval, allowing financial guarantees instead of physical improvements in some cases. These changes primarily affect developers of large-scale projects and the municipalities they impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates September 2025 and September 2026 as "Hunger Action Month" in Pennsylvania. It serves as a commemorative designation to raise awareness about hunger issues but does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on any entities. The resolution was referred to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs committee and reported as amended on September 30, 2025. It directly affects Pennsylvania by providing a state-level framework for community and organizational efforts focused on hunger during those months.

Maddy summaryHR 323 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 and October 2026 as "National Animal Safety and Protection Month" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, impose requirements, or directly affect individuals or organizations. The resolution serves only to recognize and promote awareness of animal safety and protection efforts during those specific months. This is a ceremonial measure with no binding policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of October 5-11, 2025, as "Healthy Vision Week" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure to raise public awareness about eye health and vision care, without creating new laws or regulations. The bill does not directly affect individuals or organizations, as it serves only to recognize and promote vision health awareness during that specific week. It is a non-binding resolution, meaning it has no legal force or enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1450 establishes a Homebuyer Rebate Program to provide a financial rebate to eligible individuals purchasing a home in Pennsylvania. The bill creates a dedicated Homebuyer Rebate Program Fund, into which 10% of the state's realty transfer tax collected annually will be deposited, starting July 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, qualified homebuyers can apply to the Department of Revenue for a $2,500 rebate to help offset their realty transfer tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating September 18, 2025, as "U.S. Air Force Birthday" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents by formally recognizing this date for commemorative purposes through state legislative action. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the U.S. Air Force's anniversary. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing ones.