Rep. Lisa Borowski

Maddy summaryHB 568 establishes county-level "gun violence task forces" in Pennsylvania communities with high and increasing gun violence rates. These task forces, created upon a district attorney's written request to the Attorney General, investigate violations of firearm laws (sections 6105 and 6111 of Title 18) and recommend prosecutions. The task forces include local law enforcement, community stakeholders, faith leaders, and neighborhood representatives, operating under the Attorney General’s authority. The Attorney General gains authority to prosecute certain firearm offenses in these counties, considering factors like the severity of the offense and the offender’s criminal history, while local prosecutors may request prosecution for specific cases involving murder or violent crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds music therapy to Pennsylvania's existing licensing framework for mental health professionals. It creates a new "licensed professional music therapist" category and defines "practice of music therapy" to include clinically proven techniques like music improvisation, songwriting, and music-based assessments. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Professional Music Therapists will regulate this new license. It directly affects individuals who provide music therapy services independently, requiring them to hold this specific license while clarifying that existing healthcare providers (like hospitals or schools) aren't required to obtain it for their employment.

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 536 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify how adoptees can access noncertified copies of their original birth records. The bill defines a "noncertified copy" as a summary photocopy containing only basic birth details (parent names, birth date/location, and child's birth name) with a disclaimer that it is not certified. Adoptees aged 18 or older, or descendants of deceased adoptees, can request this copy from the Department of Health within 45 days. Additionally, birth parents can now submit a notarized redaction request form to have their name removed from the adoptee's record, with the option to later reverse this decision, and the Department must post clear guidelines about this process online.

Maddy summaryHB 527 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Department of Human Services to share information about abuse allegations involving adults or older adults with the appropriate local agencies. Specifically, if abuse is reported in a facility (like nursing homes or assisted living), the receiving department must refer the case to local aging agencies for older adults (60+) or adult protective services for adults (18-59), while sharing all relevant details to aid investigations. The bill establishes ongoing communication between the departments to streamline this process but does not change existing mandatory reporting laws. It directly affects state agencies, local protective services providers, and residents in long-term care facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 528 modifies Pennsylvania's driver license application process by removing the requirement for applicants to provide personal medical information, next of kin details, or emergency contact information on their forms. It also establishes a new process allowing coroners to access, at no cost, three specific records from the Pennsylvania Justice Network: emergency contact details (if voluntarily provided), organ donor status, and a color photograph from the license. These changes apply to all individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or learner's permit in Pennsylvania. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 12 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the month through the House of Representatives. The resolution highlights the historical origins of Black History Month, including Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson's founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and notes the 2025 theme focused on African Americans and labor. This resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating the month for commemoration, without altering any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 499 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to streamline absentee and mail-in voting processes. It creates an "annual disabled absentee ballot list" for voters with permanent disabilities, eliminating the need for yearly physician certifications. The bill also establishes an electronic system for applying for absentee ballots (with digital signatures) and adjusts application deadlines (e.g., applications accepted up to 50 days before elections). These changes directly affect all absentee and mail-in voters, particularly those with disabilities, by simplifying registration and expanding access to electronic submission.

Maddy summaryHB 459 designates a 2.5-mile segment of Pennsylvania Route 352 (Middletown Road) between Gradyville Road in Edgmont Township and North Pennell Road in Middletown Township, Delaware County, as the "Chief Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr. Memorial Highway." The bill commemorates Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr., a local firefighter, paramedic, community leader, and business owner who died in 2023. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs along the designated highway. This is a ceremonial naming bill with no policy or funding changes, solely honoring Montgomery's community service.

Maddy summaryHB 473 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to regulate how absentee and mail-in ballot applications are distributed. It prohibits private organizations or individuals from sending these applications to voters, requiring the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide free, accessible physical and electronic forms at public locations without personal requests. The bill also establishes a "permanent mail-in ballot list," allowing eligible voters to opt in for annual applications mailed by February 1st (or within 48 hours of voter registration), covering all elections until the following February. This directly affects Pennsylvania voters who use absentee or mail-in ballots, ensuring applications come only from official state channels.