Rep. Sean Dougherty

Maddy summaryHB 1511 creates the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Program within Pennsylvania's Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill requires the Commission to establish this program, which provides funding and guidance for law enforcement agencies to use technology like digital forensics and data analysis to solve violent crimes more effectively. It directly affects Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies handling violent incidents by mandating new reporting requirements and resource allocation for technology-driven investigations. The program aims to improve clearance rates for violent crimes through standardized, tech-enhanced investigative methods.

Maddy summaryHB 704 creates a new Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program and a dedicated funding mechanism within the Department of Health to support research on conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The bill directs the Department of Health to manage the program and administer the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program Fund, which will provide grants for scientific studies. This legislation directly affects researchers, medical institutions, and patients seeking treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by establishing a formal structure for funding and coordinating research efforts. The bill passed the legislature in June 2025 and is now pending final action by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1364 reorganizes Pennsylvania's transportation funding by reallocating money from the Public Transportation Trust Fund to support road and bridge projects. It creates two new funds (the Road and Bridge Project Fund and its Sinking Fund), allows a state agency to issue bonds for infrastructure work, and establishes a Transportation Funding Advisory Commission to guide spending. The bill directly affects how the state finances road repairs and bridge maintenance, adjusting fund distributions and adding oversight. Key changes include authorizing bond sales for projects and requiring the Department of Transportation to follow new allocation rules. These provisions aim to streamline and increase funding for transportation infrastructure without specifying particular projects or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1618 would update the Liquor Code to create a new permit type for restaurant satellite locations. This allows restaurants to operate multiple physical locations (like separate dining rooms or adjacent buildings) under a single liquor license, rather than requiring separate permits for each site. The bill directly affects restaurants seeking to expand their physical footprint without duplicating liquor licensing processes. It would streamline operations for restaurant chains and multi-location establishments by providing a standardized permit pathway.

Maddy summaryHB 1602 amends Pennsylvania's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act to update the program's short title, definitions, and administrative structure. It clarifies operational details without changing the core screening services provided to patients. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Program, healthcare providers offering screenings, and patients seeking preventive care. The bill was referred to the Insurance committee on June 16, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryHR 245 is a ceremonial resolution designating June 9-13, 2025, as "Union Organizing Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors workers who have fought for the right to organize unions and bargain collectively at their workplaces. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic recognition of union efforts to improve workplace safety, fair wages, and worker rights. The bill was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on June 11, 2025, to acknowledge the contributions of organized labor to the state's economy and communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1589 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update provisions regarding school library collections, specifically addressing books, furniture, and supplies. It directly affects public school libraries by establishing new requirements or standards for their collections under the existing code framework. The bill focuses on procedural changes to library resource management within the school system. As a referral to the Education committee (June 11, 2025), it has not yet advanced further. Specific policy details beyond the title are not provided in the available context.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 14, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Army" within Pennsylvania. It commemorates the founding of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and recognizes Pennsylvania's historical role in the Army's formation, including its "Pennsylvania Line" units. The resolution also acknowledges Pennsylvania's large veteran population (nearly 700,000) and honors current and past Army service members. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to recognize this historical milestone.

Maddy summaryHB 1561 offers a tax credit to owners of residential high-rise buildings for installing automatic fire sprinkler systems and related monitoring or detection devices. The bill directly affects property owners or managers of qualifying high-rise residential structures who undertake these retrofits. It provides a financial incentive by allowing eligible taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability based on the cost of the qualifying fire safety equipment. The credit aims to encourage improved fire safety in multi-story residential buildings through direct cost savings for property owners.

Maddy summaryHB 180 replaces Pennsylvania’s existing school lunch and breakfast reimbursement system with a new Universal School Meal Program, ensuring all public school students in the state can receive free meals regardless of family income or unpaid meal debt. The bill requires school districts to provide meals to any student who requests one (unless parents specifically withhold consent in writing) and prohibits schools from stigmatizing students with meal debt through wristbands, public identification, or denying activities like sports or graduation. It bans collecting fees, interest, or using collections agencies for unpaid meal costs, and mandates schools help families apply for assistance instead of pursuing debt. This directly affects over 1.5 million Pennsylvania public school students and their school districts, shifting from a means-tested system to universal access.