Rep. Kerry Benninghoff

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates September 2026 as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month within the state. The bill does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing regulations; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of thyroid health. By recognizing this specific month, the resolution aims to encourage public awareness and education regarding thyroid conditions and cancer prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fee in Pennsylvania courts to help fund support services for children who are victims of specific sexual offenses and crimes against minors. When a person is convicted, pleads guilty, or enters a diversion program for these crimes, they must pay a fee ranging from $250 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the offense. The collected money goes into a state fund that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency uses to provide grants to children's advocacy centers. Courts are required to allow defendants who cannot afford the fee to pay it in installments, and the bill ensures that any restitution owed to victims is paid before this fee is collected.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to sell approximately 9 acres of state-owned land in Benner Township, Centre County, to Ferris Land Development, LP, for a price of $90,000. The sale requires approval from the Department of Corrections and the Governor and is subject to specific conditions, including a permanent ban on using the property for any licensed alcohol or similar facilities. The legislation also outlines that the buyer will be responsible for all transaction costs and that any unused authority to sell will expire two years after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that officially recognizes July 4, 2026, as Independence Day in Pennsylvania to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States. It highlights Pennsylvania's historical significance in the nation's founding, including its role in the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of these events rather than creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1941 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify that drivers must obey authorized personnel directing traffic, such as police officers or emergency responders. This directly affects all drivers operating vehicles in Pennsylvania when encountering such personnel. The key provision specifies that drivers must comply with directions given by these authorized individuals to ensure traffic safety during emergencies or traffic control. The bill aims to strengthen existing traffic laws by making the requirement for obedience explicit and enforceable.

Maddy summaryHB 2427 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to regulate how insurers cover drugs for stage four, advanced metastatic cancer. The bill prohibits insurance policies from requiring patients to fail a different medication or prove a history of failure before approving coverage for a new drug, provided the drug is FDA-approved and aligns with current clinical best practices. This legislation also repeals the previous Fair Access to Cancer Treatment Law while ensuring that all existing rules, contracts, and decisions made under that law remain in effect.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania legislative resolution designates April 2026 as Esophageal Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month to highlight the disease's severity and promote public health awareness. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by encouraging them to seek treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to reduce their risk of developing esophageal cancer. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal declaration to raise awareness about early detection and prevention strategies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" throughout Pennsylvania. It directly affects state residents and officials by encouraging them to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's environmental and economic significance. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates February 22, 2026, as "United States Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Champions Day" to honor the state's hockey teams' achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The resolution formally recognizes the athletes' gold medal victories and congratulates the teams on their performance, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, staff, and communities who contributed to their success. It is a commemorative measure intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the hockey teams rather than to change laws or policies.