Rep. Lisa Borowski

Maddy summaryHB 479 allows Pennsylvania voters to register to vote on election day at their polling place by presenting valid ID and submitting a registration form. It requires voters to show a government-issued ID (like a driver's license, passport, or military ID) and provides a temporary ballot that won't be counted until the state approves the registration within 10 days. The bill mandates that all polling places receive same-day registration forms and instructions for voters. This directly affects qualified Pennsylvania voters who maintain residence in an election district and need to register on election day.

Maddy summaryHB 477 requires candidates for school district office in Pennsylvania to undergo background checks before appearing on ballots. Specifically, candidates must submit Pennsylvania criminal history reports (limited to certain offenses), Department of Human Services certification regarding child abuse investigations, and federal criminal history records with fingerprints. Candidates are deemed ineligible if they have recent convictions for violent crimes (like assault or kidnapping), sex offenses (including rape or child sexual abuse), felony drug offenses, or appear on sex offender registries. This bill directly affects individuals running for school board positions in Pennsylvania, applying to all such elections held 180 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 485 creates a new Office of Information Technology within Pennsylvania's state government to establish and enforce digital accessibility standards. It requires all public entities (like counties, cities, and state agencies) to make their online services accessible to people with disabilities by developing implementation plans by July 2026 and fully complying by July 2028. Key provisions include adopting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), mandating procurement standards for adaptive technologies, and requiring compatibility with accessibility tools. The law aligns with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and applies to digital content, websites, and information systems used by the public.

Maddy summaryHB 471 allocates $1,000,000 from the General Fund to fund veterans' service officer programs in Pennsylvania. This bill directly affects veterans' service organizations that assist military veterans in accessing benefits and services. The key provision transfers the specified funds to the relevant department to support these programs under Title 51 of Pennsylvania law. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 291, also known as "Susan's and Emily's Law," updates Pennsylvania's parking rules to better protect pedestrians and cyclists. It requires vehicles parked next to pedestrian plazas or bike lanes to position their wheels within 12 inches of the buffer zone between the lane and curb, aligned with traffic flow. The bill also clarifies disability parking rules, allowing local governments to restrict access to specific vehicles or license plates and charge reasonable fees while complying with federal disability law. Violations of the new pedestrian/bike lane parking rules carry a $15 fine, while disability parking violations can result in fines of $50-$300.

Maddy summaryHB 443 modifies Pennsylvania's sentencing for second-degree murder convictions, including murder of an unborn child or a law enforcement officer. It reduces maximum sentences: for adults, from life imprisonment to 50 years; for offenders under 18, it sets a maximum of 40 years for those 15+ at the time of crime and 30 years for those under 15. The bill also establishes new parole timelines - 25 years for standard life sentences under this section, 20 years for those under 18 aged 15+, and 15 years for those under 15 - requiring the parole board to prioritize public safety, victim safety, and consider the offender's culpability before granting parole. Additionally, it mandates that victims be notified and given a chance to be heard before parole decisions for these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 431 creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for sharing AI-generated images or voice recordings that impersonate real people without their consent. It specifically targets artificially generated content (like deepfakes) that mimics an individual's appearance or voice, defining it as a crime distinct from other impersonation methods. The offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree, or a felony if committed to defraud or harm someone. This law directly affects anyone who shares such AI-generated impersonations within Pennsylvania, protecting individuals from non-consensual misuse of their likeness. The bill provides clear definitions for "artificial intelligence" and "artificially generated impersonation" to ensure the law applies only to AI-created content, not human mimicry.

Maddy summaryHB 432 establishes Pennsylvania's Maternal Care Access Program under the Department of Health to address gaps in maternal healthcare. The bill identifies counties as "maternal care access zones" using the Maternal Vulnerability Index (based on social factors like poverty, education, and healthcare access) and the Social Vulnerability Index. It requires the Department to develop regulations for improving access to obstetric care, birth centers, and providers in areas classified as "maternity care deserts" (regions lacking hospitals, birth centers, or specialized providers within 25 miles). The program directly affects underserved communities and the Department of Health, focusing on concrete policy changes to expand maternal health resources.

Maddy summaryHB 382 amends Pennsylvania's tax code to create new requirements for employers seeking tax credits related to hiring disabled individuals. It defines a "hiring program for disabled individuals" as a program requiring employers to set a minimum 5% hiring goal for people with disabilities, invite employee self-identification with disabilities, reference an employment framework, and conduct annual progress reviews. Employers must implement this program to qualify for tax credits under the existing tax code, with the Department of Revenue consulting vocational rehabilitation and human services agencies to assess compliance. The bill excludes educational tax credits under the Public School Code from these requirements and would take effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 371 amends Pennsylvania's Keystone Opportunity Zone Act to add new requirements for businesses seeking tax exemptions, deductions, or credits. It directly affects businesses operating within designated Keystone zones that make capital investments exceeding $25,000 for construction, reconstruction, or facility repairs. The key provision mandates that 70% of workers on such projects must be "skilled craft laborers" (defined as those with relevant training or apprenticeship completion), and all workers must receive the state-mandated prevailing wage rate. Businesses must verify these requirements annually through the Department of Labor and Industry, enforcing existing Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act standards for qualifying projects.