Rep. José Giral

Maddy summaryHB 1678 adds a 45-mill tax plus a 5-mill surtax on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users within Pennsylvania. It directly affects digital advertising providers (e.g., companies running banner or search ads) but exempts broadcast and news media entities. The tax applies to revenue from ads shown on digital interfaces (websites, apps) where users are located in Pennsylvania, excluding sales of internet access, telecom hardware, and resale services. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 amends the state's Workers' Compensation Act to change how benefits for injured workers are calculated. The bill specifically addresses the computation of benefits and liability, directly affecting workers who suffer job-related injuries and their employers. Key provisions would adjust the formulas or methods used to determine compensation amounts. The bill was referred to the Labor & Industry committee on November 18, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates October 24, 2026, as "Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day" throughout Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, change regulations, or alter funding, and it has no direct impact on healthcare providers or residents. The measure simply acknowledges the historical use of these medical practices and encourages the public to learn more about them.

Maddy summaryHB 1731, the Consumer Debt Collection Fairness Act, requires debt collectors and debt buyers to provide detailed documentation before suing consumers for unpaid debt. It mandates that lawsuits include the original creditor’s name, a clear debt breakdown (including fees and payments), proof of debt ownership, and the original contract. The bill also sets a 3-year statute of limitations for debt collection lawsuits and prohibits default judgments without verified documentation or proper consumer notice. This directly affects consumers facing debt lawsuits and debt collectors in Pennsylvania, aiming to prevent abusive practices by ensuring transparency and fair legal process.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.

Maddy summaryHB 916 amends Pennsylvania's Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to update requirements for lead screening and testing of children under 72 months and pregnant women. It defines key terms like "blood lead level" (measured in micrograms per deciliter) and establishes that lead poisoning is confirmed at 20 µg/dL or two tests showing 15 µg/dL over 90 days. The bill repeals older testing protocols and mandates healthcare providers to test children by age 2, follow up on elevated results within 12 weeks, and assess lead exposure risks for pregnant women. It clarifies that "screening" identifies risk in asymptomatic patients, while "diagnostic" testing confirms poisoning. The changes directly affect pediatric and prenatal care providers, insurers, and families in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 453 clarifies definitions in Pennsylvania law related to emergency services. It adds a specific definition for "telecommunicator" (including 911 dispatchers and call takers) and expands the definition of "emergency responder" to explicitly include telecommunicators, medical personnel, and other emergency workers in multiple sections of law. This bill directly affects emergency service workers like dispatchers, firefighters, and medical personnel by formally including them under defined terms for mental wellness programs and mutual aid protocols. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment and does not create new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1090 designates the Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) as Pennsylvania's official state mushroom. This symbolic bill, introduced by House members on April 1, 2025, formally recognizes the mushroom's ecological role and connection to Pennsylvania's state tree (Eastern Hemlock). It has no regulatory or financial impact, as it solely serves to promote public appreciation of Pennsylvania's native fungi. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1780 amends Pennsylvania's Commerce and Trade laws to require businesses accepting electronic payments to clearly disclose all associated fees to consumers. It directly affects merchants and service providers who process credit/debit card transactions, mandating transparent fee structures. The key provision requires payment processors to list all fees (like interchange, assessment, or processing fees) upfront during checkout or in billing statements. This aims to prevent hidden costs for consumers by making fee information readily available and understandable.

Maddy summaryHB 1113 proposes creating a new state office dedicated to supporting immigrants and newcomers in Pennsylvania, along with a dedicated funding account to support its work. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to guide the office's efforts, specifying its membership and responsibilities. This office would directly assist new residents, including immigrants, by providing resources and coordination. Key provisions include defining the office's duties, managing the restricted funding account, and outlining the committee's role in advising state officials. The bill aims to create a centralized state resource for newcomers but remains in early committee stages with no voting action taken.