Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryHB 1664 establishes a state grant program and a dedicated fund to provide financial assistance for renovating or redeveloping older buildings. The Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program would offer grants to property owners and developers to update aging commercial or residential structures, with funding sourced from the newly created Older Building Redevelopment Fund. This bill directly affects owners of older buildings seeking to redevelop properties that may lack modern infrastructure. The program aims to support local revitalization efforts through state-funded grants, though the bill remains pending after being laid on the table.

Maddy summaryHB 2044 requires gun owners in Pennsylvania to report the theft or loss of a firearm to law enforcement within 48 hours. It directly affects individuals who legally own firearms by imposing a new reporting obligation. The bill specifies that failure to report within the required timeframe would be considered a misdemeanor offense, subjecting violators to penalties. This amendment modifies existing firearm laws under Title 18 to strengthen accountability for lost or stolen weapons.

Maddy summaryHB 1057 updates fee schedules for pilots guiding vessels on the Delaware River, directly affecting shipping companies and vessels using ports from Philadelphia to the Delair Railroad Bridge. It establishes annual rate increases for pilotage services (e.g., $18.86 per unit effective January 2028), sets minimum/maximum unit charges, and specifies fees for services like river transit ($275-$300) and canal crossings ($1,000-$1,750). The bill modifies existing fee structures without changing pilot regulations or requirements. It applies to all vessels navigating the Delaware River and Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, with fees effective from 2022 through 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 2009 would amend Pennsylvania law to establish rules for utility reconnection fees charged by municipal authorities. The bill requires that fees for reconnecting electricity, water, or gas services after disconnection be reasonable and prohibits excessive or unfair charges. It directly affects residents and businesses that have had utility services disconnected, as well as municipal authorities managing those services. The key provision creates a clear standard to prevent municipalities from imposing unreasonable fees during reconnection.

Maddy summaryHB 2004 creates a special account to hold emergency funds for SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to low-income residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services, the Secretary of the Budget, and the State Treasurer to transfer these funds to pay SNAP recipients. This establishes a dedicated funding mechanism specifically for emergency SNAP benefit payments. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients by ensuring a streamlined process for receiving benefits during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 305 requires health insurance policies to cover insulin, directly affecting people with diabetes who rely on this medication. It amends the 1921 Insurance Company Law to mandate that casualty insurance plans include insulin coverage without excessive cost-sharing. The key provision eliminates gaps where insulin might previously have been excluded or subject to high out-of-pocket costs. This policy change applies to all insurers offering casualty coverage under the amended law. The bill is currently pending before the Insurance committee.

Maddy summaryHB 468 would designate the first Monday in February each year as "Emancipation Day" in the Commonwealth. This bill establishes an annual state observance to recognize the historical significance of emancipation for residents. It does not create new programs or alter existing laws, but formally designates a date for commemoration by state institutions and officials. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the State Government committee.

Maddy summaryHB 608 amends Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law (Title 18) to adjust penalties based on the severity of harm caused to animals. It classifies most cruelty violations as summary offenses, but raises penalties to a second-degree misdemeanor if the act causes bodily injury or imminent serious injury to an animal. The bill specifically increases penalties for unauthorized ear cropping (cutting ears without a licensed vet), making it a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a first-degree misdemeanor for repeat violations. This directly affects individuals who mistreat animals, particularly those performing prohibited ear cropping procedures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 1, 2025, as "Tylenol Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the history of Tylenol (acetaminophen) in the state. It is a ceremonial resolution with no binding legal effect or policy changes. The bill was referred to the Health committee, reflecting its connection to pharmaceutical history but not impacting regulations or constituents.

Maddy summaryHR 357 establishes a legislative Hunger Task Force to study hunger, food insecurity, and access to healthy food within the Commonwealth. The task force will analyze these issues and develop findings and recommendations for state policymakers. This resolution affects state-level planning and future policy decisions but does not create new laws or programs. It is a procedural step to guide potential future legislative action on food access.