Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryHB 865 amends Pennsylvania's military education benefit programs to clarify definitions, eligibility rules, and procedures for recovering funds. It directly affects Pennsylvania military service members and their families who use the Educational Assistance Program and Military Family Education Program for education expenses. Key changes include updating eligibility criteria and establishing clearer processes for recouping grant payments if recipients no longer meet requirements. The bill, now Act No. 32 of 2025, was signed into law on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 354 requires Pennsylvania school entities to implement "What Is Your Pennsylvania Story" guidelines, a program designed to collect and share student and community narratives about Pennsylvania's history and culture. The bill directly affects all public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, by mandating participation in this storytelling initiative. The Department of Education must develop and enforce these guidelines, including standards for content and submission processes. The bill became law on July 7, 2025, after receiving final approval from the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 prohibits Pennsylvania government entities from taking action against parents, legal custodians, or guardians who provide minors with medically accurate and medically appropriate information or evidence-based medical services. It specifically protects these adults from being deemed to have committed child abuse when acting in this manner. The bill defines key terms like "medically accurate" (supported by peer-reviewed research or major medical organizations) and "evidence-based" (using current best medical practices). This law applies broadly to all minors' healthcare decisions, not limited to specific identities, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 615 expands legal protection for individuals and organizations donating food to charities by strengthening the existing Donated Food Limited Liability Act. It directly affects food donors (like grocery stores, farms, and businesses) and food banks/receiving organizations by shielding them from liability claims if donated food causes harm - unless the donor acted with gross negligence. The key provision clarifies that donors cannot be sued for injuries related to donated food, provided they followed safety standards. This policy change aims to encourage more food donations by reducing legal risks for donors.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 updates Pennsylvania's mortgage lending rules under Title 7, focusing on licensing requirements and consumer protections for mortgage lenders. It clarifies definitions for mortgage loan industry terms and specifies the powers that licensed mortgage businesses can exercise. The bill directly affects mortgage lenders (who must comply with revised licensing standards) and borrowers (who gain clearer protections under the updated rules). Key changes include streamlining licensing procedures and strengthening safeguards against predatory lending practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1100 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to allow public assistance recipients to use their benefits to purchase diapers and menstrual hygiene products through a new waiver program. This directly affects low-income individuals and families enrolled in public assistance programs who currently cannot use their benefits for these essential items. The key provision adds diapers and menstrual hygiene products to the list of eligible purchases under an administrative waiver, changing the existing code to expand access to basic necessities. The bill does not change benefit amounts or eligibility criteria but creates a new pathway for purchasing specific hygiene products. It passed the legislature in June 2025 and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 378 amends Pennsylvania's child custody laws by adding new factors judges must consider when determining custody arrangements. The bill explicitly requires courts to weigh specific elements, such as the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, alongside existing considerations. This change directly affects judges presiding over custody cases and parents involved in those proceedings. The law became effective immediately upon the governor's approval on June 30, 2025 (Act No. 11 of 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 640 creates new assessment fees for specific healthcare providers, including managed care organizations, intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities. These fees fund state oversight programs under the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The law amends the 1929 Administrative Code to establish these funding mechanisms and adjust related administrative duties. It directly affects healthcare providers that must pay these assessments and state agencies managing the funds. The bill became law on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 304 amends Pennsylvania's military affairs statutes (Title 51) to add specific provisions for veterans who served in the Korean War. The bill directly affects Korean War veterans by formally including them under state military affairs codes, ensuring they are covered by relevant statutes. It updates existing law through a new statutory provision within Title 51, creating a clear legal framework for their recognition or benefits. The bill was enacted as Act No. 10 of 2025 on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 211 amends the 1996 Medical Foods Insurance Coverage Act to clarify and update the policy statement regarding insurance coverage for medical foods. It does not change coverage requirements but refines the legislative declaration of policy for insurers. This procedural amendment affects health insurance providers and patients relying on medical food coverage under existing law. The bill was enacted as Act No. 8 of 2025 after passing both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval.