Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHR 211 is a resolution designating the week of October 5-11, 2025, as "National Midwifery Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes midwifery as a healthcare profession. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvanians by raising awareness of midwifery services, though it has no binding effect on state action or funding. This procedural bill aims to honor midwives' contributions to maternal and infant health through official acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 17-21, 2025, as "Pennsylvania Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week" and November 21, 2025, as "Red Shirt Day" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure to raise awareness about educational support for homeless students, with no direct policy changes or funding mechanisms. The bill was referred to the Children & Youth committee and reported as committed on October 29, 2025. As a commemorative resolution, it does not impose legal obligations or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1676 establishes Pennsylvania's Nursing Shortage Assistance Program, which provides state grants to "qualified nursing servicers" to help nursing students repay loans after graduation. The program requires partner hospitals to match state funds 1:1 for loan repayment and commit to hiring graduates, with grants only covering tuition expenses (not administrative costs). Nursing students working at participating hospitals may receive up to $10,000 annually or $30,000 total in loan repayment assistance. The Department of Labor and Industry administers the program, sets application rules, and reports annually on its effectiveness to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns any threats of political violence against elected officials, specifically referencing recent public statements interpreted as threatening lawmakers who uphold constitutional duties. It reaffirms that military personnel must refuse unlawful orders under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), citing Articles 90-92 and the Nuremberg Principles. The resolution has no legal effect but symbolically urges compliance with the UCMJ and rejects intimidation tactics targeting representatives. It directs copies to the President, Defense Secretary, and Pennsylvania's congressional delegation. As a symbolic statement, it does not alter laws or directly affect any group beyond expressing legislative concern.

Maddy summaryHB 1176 amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession laws (when someone dies without a will) to adjust how assets are distributed to non-spouse relatives, such as children or parents. It specifically modifies the shares allocated to these individuals beyond the surviving spouse's portion. The bill also updates procedures for payments to family members and funeral directors during estate administration. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents who die without a will and their non-spouse heirs. The law became effective upon the Governor's approval on November 24, 2025 (Act No. 50 of 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 1664 establishes a state grant program and a dedicated fund to provide financial assistance for renovating or redeveloping older buildings. The Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program would offer grants to property owners and developers to update aging commercial or residential structures, with funding sourced from the newly created Older Building Redevelopment Fund. This bill directly affects owners of older buildings seeking to redevelop properties that may lack modern infrastructure. The program aims to support local revitalization efforts through state-funded grants, though the bill remains pending after being laid on the table.

Maddy summaryHB 2044 requires gun owners in Pennsylvania to report the theft or loss of a firearm to law enforcement within 48 hours. It directly affects individuals who legally own firearms by imposing a new reporting obligation. The bill specifies that failure to report within the required timeframe would be considered a misdemeanor offense, subjecting violators to penalties. This amendment modifies existing firearm laws under Title 18 to strengthen accountability for lost or stolen weapons.

Maddy summaryHB 1908 amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to strengthen enforcement of protection orders in abuse cases. The bill requires law enforcement to make an arrest when someone violates a protection order, rather than allowing discretion. It also specifies that violating a protection order or a related agreement (like a custody agreement) can be treated as contempt of court. This directly affects victims of domestic abuse, law enforcement officers, and individuals subject to protection orders by changing how violations are handled under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 2034 creates the Mushroom Farming and Composting Fund within Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture to support mushroom farmers and composting businesses. The bill requires the Department to manage the fund, which will provide financial assistance for mushroom farming operations and composting initiatives. It directly affects mushroom growers and composting businesses by establishing a dedicated funding source for their industry. The key policy change is the creation of this new fund, replacing any existing mechanisms for supporting these specific agricultural activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2031 amends the Human Services Code to update rules for subsidized child care programs under public assistance. It directly affects low-income families receiving public assistance who use state-subsidized child care and the agencies managing these programs. The bill establishes new notification requirements, mandating that agencies inform recipients about their eligibility, available services, and any changes to their child care benefits. These changes aim to improve clarity and accessibility for families navigating the child care subsidy system.