Rep. Sean Dougherty

Maddy summaryHB 1866 would have expanded Pennsylvania's definition of "prohibited offensive weapons" under criminal law to include specific items like modified firearms and certain knives, making it a crime to attempt to obtain or possess them. The bill aimed to clarify that inchoate offenses (such as attempted possession) involving these weapons would be punishable under existing statutes. It directly affected individuals facing charges related to preparing to obtain or carry these weapons. However, the bill was defeated during final passage on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 880 amends Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking in most indoor public places. The bill updates existing definitions, signage requirements, and enforcement procedures for venues covered by the law (like restaurants and bars), while maintaining the core smoking prohibition. It makes technical adjustments to the law's structure and language but does not change the fundamental restrictions on smoking in public indoor spaces.

Maddy summaryHB 1892 amends Pennsylvania's 1968 Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to update definitions, clarify unlawful acts or practices, and adjust exclusions. It directly affects businesses operating in Pennsylvania and consumers who may encounter unfair trade practices. The bill focuses on refining the legal framework for consumer protection without specifying new penalties or enforcement mechanisms. The bill was recently referred to the Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committee for review. (Note: Specific new provisions are not detailed in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary grant program to fund public schools in Pennsylvania that prepare meals from scratch (rather than using pre-packaged or processed foods) for students. It directly affects public schools participating in the pilot, allowing them to apply for state grants to cover costs associated with preparing fresh meals. The key provision establishes the program under the Public School Code, requiring the state education department to administer the grants and evaluate the pilot's effectiveness. The goal is to test whether scratch-cooked meals improve student nutrition and school meal participation, with results informing potential future policy changes. (Note: Specific grant amounts, duration, and participating school criteria are not detailed in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryHB 1145 creates a new Public Transit Security Grant Program in Pennsylvania, providing funding to public transit agencies for security improvements like cameras, patrols, or emergency response systems. The bill establishes a dedicated fund to finance these grants and requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to manage the program, including setting eligibility rules and distributing funds. It directly affects public transit operators across the state by offering financial support for safety upgrades. The legislation amends transportation laws to formalize this funding mechanism, ensuring transit security needs are addressed through state resources.

Maddy summaryHB 1416 would create a new criminal offense for interfering with the operation or movement of public transit vehicles, such as buses or trains. It directly affects individuals who physically block doors, assault drivers or passengers, or otherwise disrupt transit service. The bill establishes specific penalties for these actions under Pennsylvania's vehicle laws, treating interference as a criminal violation. This change aims to clarify legal consequences for behaviors that endanger transit operations and passenger safety. The bill is currently stalled, having been "laid on the table" in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1629 requires Pennsylvania public employers to create safety plans protecting outdoor public workers, including sanitation staff, crossing guards, utility workers, and park maintenance crews. It mandates risk assessments, quarterly incident reviews, and mandatory violence prevention training within 30 days of hire - covering de-escalation, reporting, and legal rights - refreshed every two years. Employers must establish confidential incident reporting systems, provide paid leave for recovery after violent incidents, and offer counseling or legal support. The bill also requires data collection on workplace violence and creates enforcement mechanisms, including fines for non-compliance and protections against retaliation for reporting.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 8, 2025, as "Brain Aneurysm Awareness Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure to recognize and promote awareness of brain aneurysms, primarily targeting public health education efforts in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding; it serves as a formal observance. It was referred to the Health committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to create a new tax credit for teachers. The bill directly affects eligible K-12 teachers by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability. Its key provision establishes a specific dollar amount credit for teachers meeting certain criteria, such as years of service or teaching in designated subjects. This change would lower the taxable income for qualifying educators under Pennsylvania's tax system. The bill is currently in the Finance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 1816 regulates pet shops and kennels that handle dogs, cats, and rabbits. It prohibits specific practices like selling animals without health records and requires shops to maintain clean facilities, provide adequate food/water, and display clear pricing. The Department of Agriculture must enforce these rules, conduct inspections, and impose fines for violations. This bill directly affects businesses operating pet shops and kennels in the state, mandating new operational standards and penalties for noncompliance.