Rep. Pat Gallagher

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes May 5, 2026, as "World Asthma Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages all Pennsylvanians to support asthma management efforts, referencing that approximately 1.3 million residents (1 million adults, 300,000 children) live with asthma in the state. The resolution aligns with global observances focused on raising awareness and improving daily asthma care through education and community engagement.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 408 designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Pennsylvania. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or requirements but encourages public awareness and education about financial literacy, aligning with national observances like President Biden's 2021 proclamation. It follows Pennsylvania's history of supporting financial education initiatives without imposing obligations on individuals or organizations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 25, 2026, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among people with diabetes. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of free and low-cost eye screening events organized by various medical institutions across the state. It highlights the importance of early detection for diabetic eye conditions, which often show no symptoms until vision damage becomes irreversible. The measure is sponsored by multiple state representatives and focuses on promoting public health awareness rather than implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 367 designates November 2025 as "Children's Grief Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This commemorative resolution encourages statewide awareness and community support for children experiencing grief, without creating new laws or funding. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by prompting local organizations, schools, and government entities to recognize and address children's grief through educational and support initiatives during that month. The bill is currently pending in the Children & Youth committee.

Maddy summaryHB 879 would change Pennsylvania law to allow both state and local prosecutors to pursue charges for riot, disorderly conduct, and related offenses that currently fall under state jurisdiction alone. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals charged with these specific offenses by expanding who can bring legal action. The key provision establishes "concurrent jurisdiction," meaning local district attorneys and the state attorney general could both prosecute the same case without requiring state involvement. The bill aims to streamline enforcement for these offenses but does not alter the penalties or definitions of the crimes themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Physical Therapy Practice Act to formally define "dry needling" and expand the scope of services available to licensed physical therapists. It mandates that only physical therapists who complete a board-approved certification program may perform dry needling, while explicitly excluding this practice from the duties of physical therapist assistants. The legislation also clarifies the definitions of physical therapy to include a broader range of interventions such as mechanical stimulation and wellness promotion. These changes aim to standardize training requirements and delineate the specific responsibilities of different therapy professionals within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of aggravated assault in Pennsylvania to include school staff members and crossing guards. Specifically, it adds teaching employees, school board members, licensed private school workers, parochial school employees, and school crossing guards to the list of individuals protected by aggravated assault laws. The change applies when these individuals are acting within the scope of their employment or due to their relationship with the school. If passed, the new provisions would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to allow individuals to switch insurance companies without being denied coverage or facing higher prices due to their health status or medical history. It specifically applies to people aged 65 or older who are already enrolled in Medicare and wish to change their current supplement plan within 60 days of their birthday while keeping the same type of coverage. Under the new rules, a new policy issued under these conditions must take effect on the first day of the month that is at least 30 days after the application is signed, and the changes will become effective on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania vehicle owners to choose a two-year registration option instead of renewing annually. Under the new provision, drivers can pay a fee equal to twice the standard annual rate, reduced by at least 10% of the total registration fee excluding local use charges. The option applies to most motor vehicles but excludes those registered under the International Registration Plan, seasonal registrations, and circus or carnival plates. The change would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates March 25, 2026, as Greek Independence Day within the state. The measure recognizes the historical ties between Greece and the United States, including the influence of ancient Greek democracy on American governance and the significant contributions of Greek Americans to Pennsylvania's economy and culture. It calls on residents to acknowledge the Greek struggle for freedom and the shared values of democracy and self-determination between the two nations. The resolution does not create legal obligations or change laws but serves as a symbolic recognition of the relationship between the states and the Greek community.