Rep. Kristin Marcell

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability for various organizations in Pennsylvania, such as colleges, sports leagues, restaurants, and law enforcement agencies, to legally obtain and use epinephrine auto-injectors for people experiencing severe allergic reactions. It allows health care providers to prescribe these devices to these entities and designates specific staff members who have completed required training to store and administer them. The legislation also provides legal protection from liability for these organizations and trained individuals who use the devices in good faith, while clarifying that administering the medication does not constitute the practice of medicine. Additionally, the bill mandates that day-care facilities provide informational materials to parents about allergy symptoms and the new rules regarding auto-injectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Education to create guidelines for schools on teaching social studies through the lens of "What Is Your Pennsylvania Story," focusing on religious freedom and diverse cultural experiences. The guidelines must include specific content about the state's religious heritage, the history of the United States since 1776, and opportunities for students to share their personal and family backgrounds. School districts and other educational entities will use these materials during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years to help students understand their unique contributions to the nation. The legislation also requires schools to notify parents about the chance to contribute to the development of these guidelines before they are implemented. The law is set to expire at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates 2024 as the "Year of the Franklin Institute" in Pennsylvania to honor the institution's 200th anniversary. The measure recognizes the museum's role as a top tourist destination and a leading science center that promotes learning about science and technology. It specifically highlights the institute's prestigious awards program and its outreach efforts to underserved youth. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal commendation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's stalking laws by clarifying the specific actions that constitute the crime of stalking under Title 18. It directly affects individuals who engage in repeated courses of conduct or communications toward another person, such as following someone without authority. The key provision defines stalking as knowingly or recklessly placing another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or causing them substantial emotional distress. The bill also removes previous language regarding the intent behind these actions, focusing instead on the actual fear or distress caused. If passed, these changes would take effect 60 days after the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination against Jewish individuals based on religious creed. It achieves this by incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism and its contemporary examples into state law. The legislation also clarifies that criticism of Israel comparable to that directed at other nations should not be considered discriminatory. These changes expand the legal protections available under the state's existing anti-discrimination framework.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution celebrates the 388th anniversary of the United States National Guard, which traces its origins to a militia organized in Boston in 1636. The document highlights the historical evolution of the National Guard, noting its dual role in serving both state and federal needs for disaster relief and defense. It specifically acknowledges the Pennsylvania National Guard's long history, dating back to 1747, and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to the unit.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to extend the time limit for holding impounded vehicles from 60 days to 11 months. The change applies to law enforcement agencies responsible for seizing vehicles and directly impacts drivers who have had their cars taken due to traffic violations. By updating this specific timeframe in the rules of the road, the legislation alters the duration before an impounded vehicle can be released or disposed of.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's stalking laws by clarifying how the offense is graded based on the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. Under the new provisions, a first stalking offense remains a misdemeanor, but it becomes a felony if the person has a prior history of violence against the same victim or family member. The legislation also establishes stricter penalties when an adult stalks a minor, elevating the crime to a felony depending on the age gap between them. These changes directly affect individuals charged with stalking and aim to provide clearer sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders and cases involving minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new nonpublic database registry within the Pennsylvania State Police to track individuals convicted of specific domestic violence offenses. The registry will be accessible only to law enforcement agencies and victim advocates, containing electronic records of offenders who have been convicted of crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, stalking, or strangulation committed against family or household members. Those required to register must remain on the list for varying durations depending on the severity of the crime, ranging from five years for lesser offenses to life for murder convictions. The legislation also outlines how the database will be implemented, administered, and allowed to communicate with similar registries in other jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Pennsylvania's stalking laws by imposing stricter penalties for repeat offenders or those with a history of violence against the same victim. It mandates a minimum prison sentence of five years for second or subsequent stalking convictions, with the maximum sentence capped at double that minimum. The law also removes the possibility of probation or suspended sentences for these specific cases and requires courts to verify prior convictions before applying the enhanced penalties. These changes aim to ensure more severe consequences for individuals who continue to harass or threaten victims after previous offenses or related criminal history.