Rep. Sean Dougherty

Maddy summaryHB 80 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. This compact allows licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses for each state. The bill directly affects these healthcare professionals and their patients, streamlining cross-state practice for providers. It creates a standardized process for reciprocity among member states, eliminating redundant licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly honors 911 dispatchers and public safety telecommunicators who coordinate emergency responses for medical, fire, and police services. The resolution acknowledges the critical role these professionals play as the first point of contact for residents during emergencies. This is a commemorative measure that recognizes the diligence and professionalism of these workers without changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2026, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the service and sacrifice of police officers who have died in the line of duty and aligns Pennsylvania with the federal observance dates established by Congress. It does not create new laws, funding, or operational requirements but serves as a symbolic recognition of law enforcement contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires juvenile probation officers in Pennsylvania to administer a trauma-informed screening to children involved in delinquency cases to check for human trafficking victimization. The screening is designed to identify whether a child is currently being exploited or is at risk of becoming a victim of sexual servitude. If the screening indicates trafficking involvement or risk, the officer must connect the child with specialized support services for sexually exploited minors. The Department of Human Services and the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission will work together to develop and implement this screening process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania county agencies to implement trauma-informed screening for children in their care to identify those who may be victims or at risk of human trafficking involving sexual exploitation. The screening process must be developed by the state department in consultation with county agencies and applied to all children with whom the agencies have contact. If a child is identified as a victim or at risk, the agency must connect them with specialized services designed for sexually exploited children. The law takes effect 90 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2255 amends Pennsylvania's Telemarketer Registration Act to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in telemarketing. The bill defines key terms like "artificial intelligence" and "synthetic content," then prohibits telemarketers from using AI to make calls, mimic human voices, select phone numbers, disguise call origins, or interact with consumers during calls. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $100,000 per offense, with escalating fines for repeat violations. Individuals who receive a prohibited call may also sue the telemarketer in court. This bill directly affects telemarketing companies operating in Pennsylvania that use AI for solicitation calls.

Maddy summaryHB 2253 requires Pennsylvania public high schools to hire school life support coaches to provide daily nonclinical emotional support to students. High-need schools (defined by factors like poverty rates, attendance issues, or dropout risk) must employ one coach for every 300 students, while other schools must have one for every 500 students. Coaches must hold specific educational qualifications (e.g., bachelor's degree with two years of experience), complete training in trauma-informed care and crisis response, and focus on mentorship and resource connection without providing therapy or diagnosis. The Department of Education will guide districts on equitable compensation, and coaches must refer students needing clinical services to licensed staff.

Maddy summaryHB 660 establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for specific products sold in Pennsylvania, directly affecting businesses that sell or install these items. The bill covers commercial equipment like dishwashers, fryers, and ovens, as well as residential products including faucets, showerheads, and water coolers. It requires these products to meet defined efficiency levels to reduce energy/water waste, save consumers money, and lower environmental impact, with fines for non-compliance. The law updates existing rules but excludes products sold outside Pennsylvania, used items, and certain installations like mobile homes.

Maddy summaryHB 144 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to adjust the process for "informal adjustment" in court cases involving minors. It directly affects youth and families involved in juvenile court by changing how cases can be resolved without formal court proceedings. The bill modifies specific provisions related to informal adjustment procedures within juvenile matters, while also making minor editorial corrections to the statute. This is a procedural change focused on streamlining court handling of certain juvenile cases, not a major policy shift.

Maddy summaryHB 1936 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to change procedures for handling cases involving minors. It specifies when courts must hold hearings before releasing or committing a juvenile, alters where juveniles can be placed for treatment or supervision, and adds requirements for reviewing dispositions (how cases are resolved) after commitment. The bill directly affects juveniles charged with offenses, their families, and juvenile court judges and probation officers who manage these cases. Key changes include setting clearer timelines for hearings, limiting where juveniles can be committed (e.g., away from home), and mandating periodic reviews of their case plans. These provisions aim to standardize court processes while prioritizing youth safety and appropriate supervision.