Rep. Pat Gallagher

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 19, 2026, as "Wear Purple Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in youth. It encourages residents, schools, and communities to wear purple in remembrance of children lost to cardiac events and in support of heart health initiatives like free screenings and AED access. The resolution has no binding policy changes - it is a symbolic observance honoring Peyton Walker's legacy and promoting prevention education.

Maddy summaryHR 392 is a ceremonial House Resolution designating the week of March 8-14, 2026, as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the issue and encourages Pennsylvanians to support efforts against multiple sclerosis. The resolution cites that over 24,000 people in Pennsylvania are affected by the disease and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct impact on funding, healthcare, or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from charging fees based on the full transaction amount that includes Pennsylvania's sales tax. It specifically bans interchange fees that calculate charges using the total amount (including tax) and prevents networks from raising fees to circumvent this rule. Merchants who accept credit/debit cards and payment networks are directly affected, as they can no longer impose these tax-inclusive fees. Violations of these provisions could result in penalties under the new law.

Maddy summaryHB 1759 establishes rules for disposing of waste tires, trash, and debris in Pennsylvania, directly affecting municipalities, businesses handling tires, and individuals who dump waste improperly. It allows local governments to impose fines up to $5,000 for "short dumping" (illegally emptying trash from vehicles) and $500 per tire for improper tire disposal, while requiring businesses to keep electronic records of tire disposals for five years and provide proof of proper recycling. Municipalities must use collected fines to fund recycling programs, clean up environmental damage from improper disposal, and enforce the law. The bill takes effect 120 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 expands workers' compensation for firefighters diagnosed with cancer by creating a new presumption that the cancer is work-related if the firefighter: (1) served at least four years continuously in firefighting, (2) provides proof of direct exposure to listed carcinogens (via Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System for volunteers), and (3) had no cancer at the time of a pre-employment physical exam. It extends the claim window from 300 to 600 weeks after last employment for cancer claims, though the presumption only applies within the first 300 weeks of that extended period. The bill directly affects career and volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania who develop cancer linked to their job. This change simplifies claims for firefighters with documented occupational exposure while requiring specific evidence to establish eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it is a ceremonial observance acknowledging the historical significance of the Holocaust and the UN-established date. The resolution cites the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and the UN's 2005 designation of this date for global remembrance. Pennsylvania's recognition aligns with the UN resolution's purpose of honoring Holocaust victims and promoting human rights education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, drawing attention to maternal mortality rates in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to increase public and professional awareness of maternal health issues, particularly highlighting disparities affecting Black women.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 would establish "6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day" as an official observance in Pennsylvania, recognizing the service of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - a unit of African American women in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. The bill amends Pennsylvania's statutes to include this day in the state's list of recognized holidays and observances. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by creating a designated day for educational and commemorative activities honoring this historic military unit. The measure is procedural, focusing solely on formal recognition without altering existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 328 is a procedural resolution designating October 5-11, 2025, as "Fire Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funds; it solely recognizes this week for public awareness about fire safety. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by highlighting fire prevention efforts during the designated dates. This is a symbolic gesture with no concrete policy changes, as confirmed by its referral to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2183 requires Pennsylvania utility companies (including electricity and natural gas providers) to notify customers when their fixed-rate billing period is ending. Specifically, providers must send two notices: one at least 60 days before the fixed rate ends, and a second at least 30 days before. If a customer continues service after the fixed rate period ends, the company must confirm this change with at least one monthly notice for the first three months. This applies directly to all Pennsylvania utility customers with fixed-rate plans, ensuring clearer communication about rate changes.