Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHB 428 establishes the Pennsylvania Artist Fellowship Grant Program, providing $100,000 annual grants to up to 25 eligible artists in the state. The program directly affects Pennsylvania residents aged 18+ who are visual, media, film, or performing artists with regular creative practice, not enrolled in school, and who produce community-accessible work. Key provisions include the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts administering applications, disbursement, and record-keeping, with grants permitted for project costs (materials, travel, housing) but prohibited for political activities or lobbying. The bill appropriates $2.5 million for grants and $250,000 for administration from the General Fund, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 406 adds a new offense to Pennsylvania law for "kidnapping of animals" under Title 18. It specifically targets two actions: (1) intentionally taking dogs, cats, equines, swine, or cattle for resale, laboratory use, or animal fighting (a felony of the third degree), and (2) taking dogs, cats, or equines without permission for temporary use (a misdemeanor of the third degree). The bill directly affects individuals involved in animal trafficking, commercial handling, or unauthorized temporary possession of these animals. Penalties increase for repeat offenses under both categories.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to recognize women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, highlighting Pennsylvania's maternal mortality rate of 82 deaths per 100,000 live births and the significantly higher rate (163 per 100,000) for Black women. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but seeks to increase public and healthcare awareness about maternal health risks. It references existing efforts like the Maternal Mortality Review Committee established under Act 24 of 2018.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 43) symbolically recognizes April 2025 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania, marking the 24th anniversary of the observance in the Commonwealth. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages communities to support survivors, promote prevention education, and foster safer environments online and offline. The resolution emphasizes collective action to address sexual violence, referencing national awareness efforts and Pennsylvania's historical context. It has no direct impact on specific individuals or groups, as it is a ceremonial recognition by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 376 makes it a crime to transport dogs on external vehicle parts like hoods, roofs, or truck beds on Pennsylvania roads. It directly affects drivers who carry dogs this way, imposing escalating fines: $50-$150 for a first offense, $150-$300 for a second, and up to $500 or 90 days in jail for third or subsequent violations. The law includes an exception for dogs in secured, insulated cages designed to prevent exposure to weather or falls. This bill creates a new summary offense under Pennsylvania’s criminal code with specific penalties for unsafe dog transportation practices.

Maddy summaryHB 386, the "Repairability Index Act," requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) selling digital electronic equipment in Pennsylvania to provide a public repairability score (1-10, with 10 being most repairable) based on criteria like parts availability, ease of disassembly, technical documentation, and repair costs. This score must appear on product packaging or via QR codes linking to detailed information on the Attorney General’s website, including model numbers, pricing, and software update policies. The bill directly affects OEMs (e.g., smartphone or laptop manufacturers) selling such products in Pennsylvania, mandating they report scores 90 days before sale. Enforcement is handled by the Attorney General under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices law, with penalties for false reporting.

Maddy summaryHR 41 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study emergency child care needs and develop recommendations. The study will examine current availability (including Pennsylvania's 12 crisis nurseries), staffing challenges (like low wages averaging $12.43/hour), funding sources (including federal programs), and how other states license facilities. It requires the Commission to form an advisory committee with child care providers, parents, health/human services officials, and county representatives. The Commission must submit its report to the House within 18 months. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 335, the Child Day-Care Center Protection Act, requires new child day-care centers in Pennsylvania to obtain two certifications before licensure: an indoor contamination assessment (if the building was previously a high-hazard business like a dry cleaner or nail salon) and an environmental quality certification confirming remediation. It directly affects new day-care centers seeking licensure, particularly those operating in older buildings or sites previously used for industrial or high-hazard purposes. The bill establishes a grant program funded by the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund to help offset certification costs and imposes fines up to $50,000 for false statements or failure to comply. Existing licensed centers are exempt from these new certification requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 342 would require all Pennsylvania public schools (including charter and cyber schools) and qualifying nonpublic schools to provide 15 minutes daily of mindfulness instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The bill mandates that schools adopt policies for this instruction, defines "mindfulness" as present-moment awareness of body, mind, and feelings, and explicitly prohibits religious content. The Pennsylvania Department of Education must develop and distribute model policies, curricula, and best-practice guidelines for schools to use. This bill directly affects all K-12 students and school entities across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 343 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to strengthen tenant protections in tenement and multiple-dwelling rental properties. It defines "abandoned" property (when landlords fail to make timely repairs, respond to tenant concerns, or fix code violations) and requires lenders to notify tenants and verify property habitability before approving home equity loans. Tenants can petition municipalities to investigate abandonment, which may lead to civil penalties covering rehabilitation costs. If a property enters receivership, a court-appointed receiver must maintain habitability and notify local authorities, who can impose penalties for noncompliance. These changes directly affect landlords, tenants, lenders, and municipalities managing residential rental properties.