Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHB 1917 would create a dedicated fishing license for Indigenous Americans in Pennsylvania, allowing them to fish under a specific license category without needing a standard license. It also adds fee exemptions for resident hunting and fur-trapping licenses, meaning eligible Pennsylvania residents could obtain these licenses without paying the standard fee. The bill amends Pennsylvania's fish and game laws (Titles 30 and 34) to implement these changes. This directly affects Indigenous communities and qualifying Pennsylvania residents who participate in fishing, hunting, or fur trapping.

Maddy summaryHB 997 updates Pennsylvania's data breach notification law, requiring businesses to notify affected individuals more clearly and promptly after a security breach involving personal information. It directly affects businesses that collect or store personal data, such as healthcare providers, retailers, and financial institutions. Key changes include modernizing definitions of personal information, clarifying when notification is required, adding new security protections, and repealing outdated civil relief provisions. The bill also removes certain exemptions that previously allowed businesses to delay or avoid notifying individuals about breaches.

Maddy summaryHB 1593 repeals specific provisions in Pennsylvania law regarding the sale or transfer of firearms under Title 18. This change directly affects firearm sellers, buyers, and dealers who previously operated under those repealed rules. The bill removes existing legal requirements or restrictions related to firearm transactions from the state statutes. It does not create new rules but eliminates the current legal framework governing these sales and transfers. The bill passed final passage on September 30, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 3, 2025, as "Kids Music Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the importance of music education for children through a symbolic gesture. The resolution does not create new laws, alter funding, or impose obligations on any individuals or entities. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania legislature.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "National Recovery Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on any entity. The bill serves as a symbolic recognition by the Pennsylvania legislature to highlight recovery efforts, likely related to health or community wellness. It directly affects Pennsylvania by formally designating the month for awareness purposes through the state government. This is a procedural resolution with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" and September 10, 2025, as "World Suicide Prevention Day" within Pennsylvania. It serves as a symbolic recognition by the state legislature to highlight suicide prevention efforts and raise public awareness during these designated periods. The resolution does not create new programs, funding, or legal requirements; it is a formal declaration to support existing community and organizational initiatives. Pennsylvania residents and local suicide prevention groups are the direct audience for this recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 880 amends Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking in most indoor public places. The bill updates existing definitions, signage requirements, and enforcement procedures for venues covered by the law (like restaurants and bars), while maintaining the core smoking prohibition. It makes technical adjustments to the law's structure and language but does not change the fundamental restrictions on smoking in public indoor spaces.

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 summaryHB 1885 requires Pennsylvania public schools to include swimming education programs in their curriculum. It creates a reimbursement system where the state funds school districts for program costs, including payments between districts. The bill also allocates a specific state appropriation to cover these expenses. This directly affects all public school districts in Pennsylvania by adding a new mandatory program and providing dedicated funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1888 establishes a Statewide Advisory Council on Playground Safety to develop safety guidelines and make recommendations for public playgrounds across Pennsylvania. The council will consist of appointed experts in child safety and recreation, with duties including annual reporting to the Governor and legislature on safety improvements. This bill directly affects state agencies responsible for playground oversight and public playground operators by creating a formal process for enhancing safety standards. It amends Pennsylvania’s Health and Safety statutes to implement this advisory structure, focusing on concrete policy changes without altering existing safety requirements.