Rep. Sean Dougherty

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally honors the memory of Berks County Police Officer Kristen M. Yeager, who died in the line of duty in May 2026. The bill outlines her personal background, educational achievements, and professional service to the Central Berks Police Department. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to her husband, Dustin Yeager, as a gesture of condolence from the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally designates September 2026 as "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" and September 10, 2026, as "World Suicide Prevention Day." The bill cites national statistics regarding suicide rates and attempts to highlight the ongoing public health challenge. It does not mandate specific actions or funding but instead encourages residents of the Commonwealth to provide support for individuals in need.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2744 amends state sentencing laws to limit the length of jail time for individuals who violate probation rules without committing a new crime. The bill requires courts to consider a defendant's employment status before imposing total confinement for these technical violations. It establishes specific caps on jail sentences, limiting them to 14 days for a first violation and 30 days for a second violation. For third or subsequent technical violations, the law allows judges to use any sentencing alternatives that were available when the person was originally sentenced.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2734 requires health insurance companies to cover FDA-approved diagnostic tests and treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The mandate applies to insurers offering individual or group health policies in the state, with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2028, unless federal law preempts the requirement. The bill explicitly prohibits insurers from using step therapy for these specific treatments, meaning patients cannot be forced to try other medications first before receiving coverage for approved Alzheimer's therapies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally honors the memory of Andrew James Carn, a former state representative from Philadelphia County who passed away in July 2026. The text details his legislative service from 1982 to 2000, highlighting his work on neighborhood revitalization, youth development, and economic opportunities for African-American entrepreneurs. It also recognizes his post-legislative roles as a videographer and community leader. The resolution directs that a copy of the document be sent to Mr. Carn's family as a gesture of condolence and appreciation for his public service.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 594 directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on Pennsylvania's parole system and submit a report with reform recommendations within 18 months. The study is required to examine several specific areas, including the consistency of parole board decisions across different demographic groups and the current rules for recommitting individuals who commit technical violations rather than new crimes. Additionally, the commission must evaluate the feasibility of creating "geriatric parole" options for inmates over age 55 and streamlined administrative parole for low-risk offenders convicted of minor offenses. The resolution also calls for an assessment of how well current reentry planning programs work to help released individuals reintegrate into society and a review of policies used by other states to balance public safety with successful reintegration.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2730 amends state law to strengthen address confidentiality for victims of domestic and sexual violence who participate in the state's Address Confidentiality Program. The bill requires private entities, such as banks and real estate companies, to accept a designated substitute address instead of the participant's actual home or work location, with specific exceptions for certain registered offenders. It also allows program participants to request that their real property records be shielded from public inspection when they buy land or a house, ensuring their true address remains hidden in county deed records. Finally, the legislation establishes a detailed process for government agencies and private entities to request access to a participant's actual address, requiring them to prove a specific need and implement safeguards to protect that information once disclosed.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates June 12, 2026, as "Women Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of female military service members. The measure does not create new laws or change any government policies; instead, it serves to formally acknowledge the state's approximately 70,000 women veterans and highlight their growing presence in the armed forces. The text includes background information on the history of women in the military and notes specific challenges they face, such as higher rates of military sexual trauma and lower utilization of veteran benefits. Ultimately, the resolution aims to raise awareness about these issues rather than implementing concrete programs or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's 1803 laws to regulate commercial pilots operating in the Delaware Bay and River. It requires individuals wishing to work as pilots to apply for a license from the Navigation Commission, which will evaluate their skills and issue permits based on the size of vessels they can safely navigate. The legislation establishes a six-tiered licensing system where each class corresponds to a specific maximum draft of vessels, ranging from deep-draft ships to smaller boats. Anyone attempting to pilot a vessel larger than one hundred tons without a valid license faces civil penalties and potential jail time. These rules will become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and related offenses. It revises definitions for DUI, modifies chemical testing procedures for drivers, and changes requirements for ignition interlock devices (which prevent a car from starting if alcohol is detected). The bill repeals outdated provisions about ignition interlock limited licenses, adds online services for managing interlock requirements, and specifies penalties for driving without an interlock device. This directly affects drivers convicted of DUI or driving under the influence of drugs, particularly those with prior offenses.