Rep. Lisa Borowski

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 48) formally recognizes May 11-17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2025, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of existing national observances. The resolution cites historical context, including a 1962 congressional resolution designating May 15 as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the surrounding week as "Police Week." It serves only to express the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' symbolic support for honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryHB 1439 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. The bill requires that the pharmaceutical composition of crystalline polymorph psilocybin be scheduled in Pennsylvania to match federal law immediately upon its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Following federal rescheduling by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the state Secretary of Health must publish notice of this change. The state's rescheduling of this substance will then take effect 30 days after its publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This process directly affects the legal classification of this specific substance within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 167 recognizes May 9-18, 2025, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the economic and community benefits of public gardens, including supporting over 2,000 jobs, contributing more than $500 million to the state economy, and welcoming 4.2 million annual visitors. It emphasizes public gardens' roles in conservation, education, and promoting health through outdoor engagement. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or obligations but aims to raise awareness of these institutions' value.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses statute to increase the penalties for scattering rubbish. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of littering or illegal dumping by raising the potential fines. For a first offense, the maximum fine increases from $300 to $2,000. More serious and subsequent offenses will also see significantly higher maximum fines, ranging up to $20,000 for repeat severe violations. The bill maintains existing provisions for community service, such as picking up litter, and potential imprisonment.

Maddy summaryHB 1289 establishes a 2026 adjustment for retired municipal police officers and firefighters who retired before January 1, 2016, and have been retired for at least 10, 15, or 20 years as of January 1, 2026. Eligible retirees will receive monthly payments of $250, $375, or $500 based on their retirement duration, with reductions for prior benefits received and caps if multiple retirement systems apply. Municipalities must certify these payments and will receive full reimbursement from the Commonwealth for the 2026 costs. This extends a similar state reimbursement program previously used for 2002 adjustments.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1391 amends The Insurance Company Law of 1921 to mandate that individual and group health insurance policies provide coverage for various custom-fabricated, custom-fitted, orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic devices. This applies when these devices are prescribed by an authorized medical professional, directly affecting individuals who require such medical aids and the health insurance companies providing their coverage. The bill requires coverage for the fitting, repair, or replacement of these devices, including those used for recreational, organized, or adaptive sports, and allows insurers to require preauthorization while applying standard cost-sharing. Additionally, Medicaid and contracted insurers would reimburse for these devices at Federal Medicare rates.

Maddy summaryHB 1372 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update rules for charter and cyber charter schools. It prohibits public school entities from paying for or accepting sponsorship for public events (Section 134(a.1)), and adds definitions for terms like "family member," "school district of residence," and "emergency" to clarify enrollment and operational requirements. The bill revises charter school accountability standards, requiring them to participate in state assessments, maintain nonsectarian operations, and follow specific enrollment rules (Section 1715-A). These changes directly affect charter school operators, school districts, and students by setting clearer financial limits, enrollment criteria, and operational expectations.

Maddy summaryHB 1349 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation to establish a project labor agreement for highway construction projects (including federally funded ones) when it determines such agreements promote labor stability, cost efficiency, and quality. The bill mandates that contractors and subcontractors on these projects must agree to the agreement, which includes requirements for 10% of the workforce to come from local hiring halls, goals for apprenticeship hours (including underrepresented groups), and guarantees against strikes. It directly affects highway construction contractors, subcontractors, and labor organizations involved in state or federally funded projects. The department must publicly notify about the agreement during bidding and submit annual reports tracking project usage and workforce statistics.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 562 over Manatawny Creek in Amity Township, Berks County (Bridge Key 56130) as the "PFC Travis C. Zimmerman Memorial Bridge." It directs the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs naming the bridge for public visibility. The bill honors PFC Travis C. Zimmerman, a soldier killed in action in Iraq in 2006, who was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The designation takes effect 60 days after enactment.