Rep. Kristin Marcell

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 1601 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to update procedures for reviewing state agency regulations. It requires a concurrent resolution (approval from both legislative chambers) for regulations deemed economically significant and establishes clear processes for reviewing disapproved regulations or those considered "withdrawn." The bill also clarifies definitions and procedures for handling proposed, final, and omitted regulations during the review process. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and the legislature responsible for oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a refundable tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn overtime wages. It allows eligible workers to reduce their state income tax bill by 100% of taxes paid on overtime wages, calculated using employer-provided documentation (as required by 34 Pa. Code § 231.36). The credit applies to tax returns filed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and will be integrated into the standard PA 40 tax form. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers receiving overtime pay under the Minimum Wage Act of 1968.

Maddy summaryHR 227 is a ceremonial resolution designating August 17-23, 2025, as "Little League World Series Week" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the Little League World Series, held annually in South Williamsport, as a celebration of youth sports, community volunteers, and Pennsylvania’s historical role as the founding home of Little League (1939). The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to observe the week by attending events, honoring volunteers, and supporting local youth sports. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the event’s cultural and economic significance to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1072 modifies two existing laws: it updates the Taxpayer Relief Act to clarify eligibility and application processes for senior citizens' property tax and rent rebate programs, directly affecting seniors who qualify for these benefits. It also amends the State Lottery Law to specify how lottery revenue funds are allocated and managed. The bill makes concrete changes to how rebate claims are filed and paid under the senior assistance program, while adjusting the disposition of lottery funds. These amendments aim to streamline administration without creating new programs or altering benefit amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1579 is a comprehensive bill that updates Pennsylvania's laws governing constables, townships, police officers, and related roles. It replaces outdated rules with new requirements for constable uniforms, bonds, debt collection, and conflict-of-interest restrictions, while repealing obsolete provisions like those for forest law arrests and impounding fees. The bill directly affects local law enforcement officials, townships, and bail bond agents by restructuring their legal duties and compensation rules. It also creates county constabulary review boards and assigns oversight duties to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 1554 designates *Hynerpeton bassetti*, an extinct early four-limbed vertebrate discovered in Pennsylvania’s Red Hill fossil site, as the official State fossil. The bill replaces Pennsylvania’s previous official fossil (designated in 1988) and aims to promote fossil education and appreciation within the state. It repeals the 1988 law establishing the prior fossil and takes effect immediately. This is a symbolic, non-regulatory change affecting Pennsylvania’s official state identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 49) is a symbolic resolution designating October 13, 2025, as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs; it solely aims to raise public awareness about metastatic breast cancer. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents and state officials by encouraging recognition of this health issue on that specific date. As a ceremonial measure, it has no binding policy impact beyond the designated awareness day.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 23, 2025, as "Widows' and Widowers' Day" in Pennsylvania to honor bereaved spouses. It is a symbolic, commemorative measure with no policy changes, funding, or direct impact on laws or regulations. The bill was referred to the Health Committee, reported as committed, and later laid on the table (not advanced) by the House on June 4, 2025. It does not affect any specific individuals or groups beyond recognizing the day for awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 1544 amends Pennsylvania's state employee retirement system rules, primarily affecting new House of Representatives members starting after December 1, 2026. It requires these new representatives to choose within 30 days of taking office whether to join the retirement system (as a member) or participate solely in the retirement plan (as a "plan participant"). If they fail to make this election, their service as a representative will not count toward future retirement benefits. The bill also clarifies that certain state employees (classified under subsections (a)(12)-(15)) cannot elect system membership.