Rep. Pat Gallagher

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution recognizes May 2025 as "National Water Safety Month" to promote awareness of water safety education. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture highlighting efforts to prevent water-related injuries and drownings, referencing statistics on boating safety and drowning incidents. The resolution aims to support existing community education initiatives by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, American Red Cross, and other water safety organizations.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes March 29, 2025, as "National Vietnam War Veterans Day" within Pennsylvania, aligning with the existing federal observance established by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act (2017). The resolution honors veterans who served between 1955-1975, including Pennsylvania residents who died, were wounded, or are unaccounted for, but does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations. It serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1437 creates a temporary sales tax exemption in Pennsylvania for specific personal items during an annual window. It excludes clothing accessories, footwear, school supplies, computers/software, and certain bedding items from sales tax when purchased by individuals for nonbusiness use during the first Friday in August through the following Sunday. The Department of Revenue must post a list of qualifying items online by July 10 each year. This policy change directly affects individual consumers shopping for these items during the defined exclusion period.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1391 amends The Insurance Company Law of 1921 to mandate that individual and group health insurance policies provide coverage for various custom-fabricated, custom-fitted, orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic devices. This applies when these devices are prescribed by an authorized medical professional, directly affecting individuals who require such medical aids and the health insurance companies providing their coverage. The bill requires coverage for the fitting, repair, or replacement of these devices, including those used for recreational, organized, or adaptive sports, and allows insurers to require preauthorization while applying standard cost-sharing. Additionally, Medicaid and contracted insurers would reimburse for these devices at Federal Medicare rates.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 223 is a commemorative resolution that recognizes November 19, 2025, as "Roy Campanella Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors the life and legacy of Roy Campanella, a Philadelphia native who was a pioneering baseball player, civil rights advocate, and disability advocate.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 224 designates May 2025 as "Month of May (MOM) Mom Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to recognize the important role mothers play in society and encourages them to focus on their own health and well-being.

Maddy summaryHB 1328 creates a new program providing property tax and rent rebates to eligible Pennsylvania veterans. It directly affects veterans honorably discharged from U.S. armed forces (including National Guard) within the past three years who live in Pennsylvania. The bill establishes income-based rebates: $650 for households earning $0-$8,000, $500 for $8,001-$15,000, $300 for $15,001-$18,000, and $250 for $18,001-$35,000 annually. A new Veterans Property Tax Rebate Account will fund these rebates, which apply to real property taxes or rent payments exceeding 15% of household income.

Maddy summaryHB 1324 creates a new criminal offense for bullying in Pennsylvania, defined as committing specific crimes (like assault or property damage) with the intent to harass, intimidate, or cause fear. It directly affects individuals who commit these acts with bullying intent, classifying the offense as a misdemeanor (typically third-degree for minor crimes, or one degree higher for more serious offenses). Sentencing enhancements for severe cases are directed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing. The bill excludes labor disputes and constitutionally protected activities from coverage. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or penalties but formally recognizes and supports existing state and national efforts to reduce distracted driving. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to focus on driving safely and discuss distraction risks with others. It aligns with current awareness campaigns led by agencies like PennDOT and the State Police, which already provide safety resources. The designation applies broadly to all residents and drivers in the state.