Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHB 578 sets a new maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per trillion for specific PFAS chemicals (including PFOA and PFOS) in public drinking water systems across Pennsylvania. This directly affects municipal water providers and the residents who rely on tap water, requiring them to meet this stricter standard. The bill establishes this limit unless federal or state agencies set a higher standard, in which case those standards would take precedence. Water systems must comply with this level, and the Department of Environmental Protection must publish any federal/state standards in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 574 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to update definitions and establish emergency water protections. It specifically adds PFAS chemicals (like PFOA and PFOS) to the definition of "hazardous substance" and creates a new designation for "special drinking water resource-impacted communities" when groundwater or surface water exceeds 10 parts per trillion of PFAS over a 12-month average or contains other pollutants threatening public water supplies. The bill grants the Governor authority to declare such communities and set immediate emergency water standards and cleanup requirements without waiting for full site remediation. This directly affects municipalities with contaminated water sources, particularly those dealing with PFAS contamination requiring urgent public health responses. The changes aim to streamline emergency actions for communities facing immediate drinking water risks from hazardous substances.

Maddy summaryHB 551, the "Support Through Loss Act," requires employers with five or more employees in Pennsylvania to provide 24 hours of paid leave annually for employees experiencing pregnancy loss or related reproductive health events. It covers specific situations like pregnancy loss, failed fertility treatments (including assisted reproductive technology), adoption issues, or fertility-related diagnoses, as well as leave to care for a spouse or domestic partner in these circumstances. Employers must post notices about the policy and are prohibited from retaliating against employees who use this leave or discriminating based on its use. The bill takes effect for all covered employers starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 556 bans Pennsylvania public officials and employees from accepting free transportation, lodging, hospitality, cash, or gifts from people or organizations with business ties to their government role - such as contractors, lobbyists, or regulated entities. It directly affects state legislators, agency staff, and other public officials whose duties could be influenced by such gifts. Key provisions require officials to report certain exceptions (like academic awards or light refreshments at group events) while prohibiting gifts that could create conflicts of interest. The bill aims to strengthen ethics rules by clarifying what constitutes a prohibited gift under Pennsylvania's financial disclosure laws.

Maddy summaryHB 537 amends Pennsylvania's Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to provide property tax relief for the primary residences of deceased public safety workers. It directs the state to pay local tax authorities the full property tax amount for the surviving spouse's or minor children's primary residence for five years after death (or until the home is sold), if no spouse or minor children survive, the benefit goes to parents. The bill requires surviving family members to provide the tax bill to the relevant department to trigger payments. This change directly affects families of covered personnel, including paid and volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders who died while on duty.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 65) establishes a task force to study social media platforms and websites that encourage suicide. The task force, chaired by the Attorney General and including health officials, legislative committee leaders, and appointed experts in psychology, cyberbullying, and suicide prevention, will examine how to address such content. It must issue a report within two years with recommendations for legislative or executive actions to prevent suicides linked to these online spaces. The resolution focuses on gathering evidence and advice to inform future policy, without creating new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 534 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to provide braille absentee ballots for voters who are blind, visually impaired, or disabled. It requires these voters to submit a written request to their county board of elections at least 45 days before an election, including specific details like their address and a request for braille format. The Department of State will handle ballot preparation, distribution, and create accessible voting guides in multiple formats. This change directly affects eligible voters with visual or mobility disabilities, ensuring they can independently access absentee ballots.

Maddy summaryHB 512 amends Pennsylvania law to set a clear maximum for veterans' temporary financial assistance. The bill specifies that payments cannot exceed $2,500 or the veteran's documented need, whichever is less. This change directly affects Pennsylvania veterans eligible for temporary financial aid under Title 51. The key provision simplifies the existing rule by removing outdated language and establishing a fixed cap, ensuring assistance aligns with actual documented need.

Maddy summaryHR 57 is a non-binding House Resolution designating June 2025 as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes gun violence as a public safety and health issue through symbolic acknowledgment. The resolution memorializes lives lost to gun violence in the Commonwealth, using statistics from the preamble to highlight the issue's severity. As a commemorative resolution, it has no enforcement mechanism or direct impact on residents, officials, or gun laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically aligns Pennsylvania with the United Nations' 2005 designation of January 27 as a day to honor Holocaust victims, educate about genocide prevention, and condemn hate based on ethnicity or religion. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a formal statement of recognition. It directly affects Pennsylvania by designating this date for state-level commemoration.