Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryHB 2109 prohibits Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, towns, and counties) from setting household size limits based on familial relationships (such as parents with children or roommates). It allows occupancy limits only for verified health/safety standards (like building codes) or to comply with federal/state affordable housing program rules. The bill directly affects renters, homeowners, and local officials who previously enforced such restrictions. Key definitions clarify that "familial relationship" includes blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care ties, and "local government unit" covers all Pennsylvania municipalities. This bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 1261 bans PFAS chemicals (harmful substances linked to health risks) in firefighting protective gear, requiring safer alternatives for all new equipment. It creates grant programs to help fire companies replace PFAS-containing gear and mandates that state-funded equipment purchases must be PFAS-free. The bill also imposes penalties on entities failing to comply with the PFAS restrictions. These changes directly protect firefighters and guide fire companies' equipment procurement under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryHB 1541 (Pennsylvania) modifies a 1970 law governing construction contracts. It voids and makes unenforceable clauses requiring one party (like contractors, architects, or owners) to cover negligence-related damages (such as bodily injury, property damage, or economic loss caused by their own negligence). The bill also limits insurance coverage for "additional insureds" (entities added to a policy) to match the contract’s requirements and applicable law. This directly affects construction industry participants in contracts involving design, building, or infrastructure projects. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates July 4, 2026, as "Valley Forge National Historical Park Day" to celebrate the park's 50th anniversary. The bill directly affects the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Valley Forge National Historical Park by officially recognizing the date for commemorative purposes. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic designation to honor the site's historical significance during its half-century milestone.

Maddy summaryHB 84 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act to prohibit the road spreading and land application of oil and gas wastewater (including "tophole water" and "production water") for purposes like dust suppression, road deicing, or road bed stabilization. The bill directly affects oil and gas operators and municipalities handling this wastewater by banning these specific disposal methods, except for limited well-site applications under existing regulations. Key provisions include banning wastewater from being spread on roads or applied to land (except for well-site use per 25 Pa. Code § 78.60/78a.60) and prohibiting vehicles equipped to spread such wastewater. The law also clarifies that wastewater used for these purposes cannot be classified as a "coproduct" under department regulations. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 306 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act to require public utilities to share specific emergency response plans and safety records with state or federal agencies (including the National Transportation Safety Board) when a safety risk is suspected, such as potential harm to people or mass destruction. This exception overrides standard confidentiality protections, meaning agencies receiving the information are not bound by usual rules, and disclosures do not make the information public under the Right-to-Know Law. The bill directly affects public utilities and government agencies by streamlining safety-related information sharing during emergencies. It creates a clear process for mandatory disclosure in safety-critical situations while preserving confidentiality safeguards for other uses.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 requires Pennsylvania school nurses and other school staff with direct student contact to complete Department of Health-approved training on seizure recognition and first aid starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with training required every two years thereafter. The bill mandates specific content about identifying seizures, using seizure action plans, and providing basic first aid. It also clarifies that school staff providing seizure-related care are protected from civil liability under existing Good Samaritan laws (42 Pa.C.S. §§ 8332 and 8337.1). This bill directly affects all public school staff in Pennsylvania who work with students and aims to improve emergency response for students with seizure disorders.

Maddy summaryHB 2173 updates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act of 1985 by adding new definitions and licensing requirements for medical imaging professionals. It specifically creates licensing categories for roles like medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants, and trainees, defining their scope of practice (including modalities such as MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine). The bill removes outdated provisions about radiologic procedures and education requirements while establishing certification standards through recognized medical imaging certification organizations. This directly affects healthcare workers performing imaging procedures, requiring them to obtain board licenses based on their certified modalities. The changes clarify professional responsibilities and ensure consistent training standards for these healthcare roles.