Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 15 through October 15, 2025, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect individuals or groups directly; instead, it formally recognizes this period for commemorative purposes. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on October 7, 2025, as a symbolic gesture to honor Hispanic heritage. It follows standard procedural practice for state-level observances without implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 589 creates a state-run insurance program and dedicated fund to cover property damage from landslides and sinkholes. It directly affects property owners in high-risk areas by providing a new insurance option when private coverage is unavailable or unaffordable. The bill establishes a Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Board to manage the fund and program, while requiring the Auditor General to oversee financial accountability. It also includes a penalty provision for non-compliance and specifies fund transfers to support the program's operations. The bill passed final passage on September 29, 2025, and is now under review by the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1418 amends Pennsylvania's boating laws to require boating education for operators. It directly affects anyone operating a boat in Pennsylvania waters, particularly new or inexperienced operators. The key provision adds a requirement for boating education as part of the preliminary provisions governing boats and boating. The bill passed the legislature on October 6, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 587 amends Pennsylvania's agriculture laws to establish regulations for businesses that transport waste from animal and food processing (referred to as "residuals" in the bill). The bill requires commercial haulers and brokers to follow specific handling and transportation standards for these materials and imposes fines for non-compliance. This directly affects companies that move agricultural waste, aiming to improve safety and environmental management through clear, enforceable rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the nutritional quality of food and nutrition-related health outcomes for incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities. It requires the Commission to produce a report with findings and recommendations for the House of Representatives. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not enact policy but seeks to inform future legislative action on prison nutrition standards. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee and later laid on the table, halting further progress.

Maddy summaryHB 1926 amends Pennsylvania's burglary laws to specifically address the unlawful use of drones (unmanned aircraft) for criminal intrusion. It creates a new offense for using drones to trespass on private property, conduct unauthorized surveillance, or enter buildings without permission, directly affecting drone operators who engage in such activities. The bill establishes criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time, for violating these provisions under Title 18. The legislation is currently under review by the Judiciary committee and has not yet advanced to a vote.

Maddy summaryHB 997 updates Pennsylvania's data breach notification law, requiring businesses to notify affected individuals more clearly and promptly after a security breach involving personal information. It directly affects businesses that collect or store personal data, such as healthcare providers, retailers, and financial institutions. Key changes include modernizing definitions of personal information, clarifying when notification is required, adding new security protections, and repealing outdated civil relief provisions. The bill also removes certain exemptions that previously allowed businesses to delay or avoid notifying individuals about breaches.

Maddy summaryHB 1212 requires Pennsylvania maternal health programs to provide drug screening and awareness education to patients. It also mandates the inclusion of fatherhood engagement strategies in prenatal care discussions, directly affecting pregnant individuals and their partners receiving maternal health services. The bill imposes specific duties on the Joint State Government Commission to develop and oversee these program requirements. These provisions aim to integrate substance use prevention and family involvement into standard maternal health care protocols.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill amends Pennsylvania's general statutory definitions in Title 1 to clarify how laws are interpreted. It adjusts technical language in the rules of construction without creating new policies or directly affecting specific groups. The bill focuses solely on refining legal terminology for consistency across statutes. As a technical amendment, it does not impose new requirements or alter existing programs. (1 sentence, per procedural bill guidance)

Maddy summaryHB 1866 would have expanded Pennsylvania's definition of "prohibited offensive weapons" under criminal law to include specific items like modified firearms and certain knives, making it a crime to attempt to obtain or possess them. The bill aimed to clarify that inchoate offenses (such as attempted possession) involving these weapons would be punishable under existing statutes. It directly affected individuals facing charges related to preparing to obtain or carry these weapons. However, the bill was defeated during final passage on October 1, 2025.