Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryHB 66 creates a Pennsylvania program providing $5,000 semester stipends to residents enrolled in accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) programs with a 3.0+ GPA. It directly affects students pursuing social work careers by funding their education through paid internships. The program requires internships at state-approved facilities to meet clinical training and licensing requirements, with stipends adjusted annually for inflation. Funding is contingent on available state budget resources, administered by the Department of Human Services.

Maddy summaryHB 49 amends Pennsylvania's 1993 Plain Language Consumer Contract Act to strengthen protections for consumers in standard form contracts (like those for services or products sold without negotiation). It makes standardized contract terms unenforceable if they materially alter a consumer's legal rights or obligations, requiring courts to evaluate factors like whether the term caused surprise or hardship, whether the consumer was aware of it, and the business context. The bill specifically creates a rebuttable presumption that certain terms - such as those restricting intellectual property rights, limiting liability, or mandating exclusive use of a merchant's products - are materially altering. This directly affects consumers signing standard contracts with businesses and merchants using such agreements across Pennsylvania. The law applies to all form contracts executed after its effective date, regardless of paper or electronic format.

Maddy summaryHB 45 requires businesses (vendors) selling services through contracts with automatic renewal clauses to clearly disclose renewal terms to consumers. Specifically, vendors must display renewal details in bold, 10-point font or larger, and provide written/electronic notice 30-60 days before renewal - detailing cancellation deadlines and how to opt out. If a business changes ownership, the new owner must notify consumers within 60 days and offer cancellation options. The law applies to contracts where renewal extends beyond six months, mandating vendors to retain proof of notification for six years. This affects consumers who sign service contracts and vendors operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 29 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contract opportunities for businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, or located in historically underutilized business zones (HUB zones). It requires state agencies to set specific participation goals: 20% for contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% for larger contracts, with exceptions if qualified businesses aren't available. The bill defines "diverse and disadvantaged businesses" to include HUB zone businesses and mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance, and provide training to support these businesses. This directly affects state purchasing agencies and qualifying businesses seeking state contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 46 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require all school districts to establish and maintain pre-kindergarten programs as part of the elementary school system, open at least 2.5 hours daily. It updates kindergarten requirements to ensure districts accept children age 5 or older on the first day of school and clarifies that kindergartens must be integrated into elementary education. The bill lowers the starting age for compulsory school attendance from 6 to 5 years and reduces the end age from 18 to 17 years. These changes directly affect all Pennsylvania public school districts and children aged 5-17, with the new provisions applying to the academic year following the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to create and distribute a "student bill of rights" to all off-campus students at accredited colleges and universities in the state. The bill outlines specific tenant protections, including the right to habitable housing, privacy, a hearing before eviction, and reasonable accommodations for disabilities. Institutions must also provide students with an online course about housing rights, which students must complete within their first semester (or pay a $50 fee for non-completion). The law applies to all public and private higher education institutions in Pennsylvania and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 25 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to extend deadlines for school districts to adopt budgets and levy property taxes. It changes the budget adoption deadline from 15 to 30 days after the state enacts basic education funding legislation (for reimbursement of the prior year), and the tax levy deadline from 20 to 35 days for most districts. This affects all public school districts in Pennsylvania, providing more time to finalize financial plans without altering the existing 25-mill property tax rate cap. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to submit detailed reports on the state's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline to legislative committees. The initial report, due within 180 days of the law's effective date, must include data on call volumes, answer rates, and awareness campaign performance, followed by an updated report one year later. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department ensure effective communication with diverse populations and non-English speakers when providing crisis support. These provisions aim to improve oversight and transparency regarding mental health crisis response efforts in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's tax credit program to support semiconductor, biomedical, and clean energy industries while removing older credits for local resource manufacturing and milk processing. Companies seeking these credits must meet specific requirements, such as investing at least $20 million in new facilities, creating 100 permanent jobs, and paying prevailing wages. The legislation also introduces a new tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel and clarifies rules for clean hydrogen hubs. Additionally, the bill expands definitions for early-stage semiconductor businesses to include those with less than $10 million in revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter within Pennsylvania's emergency management laws to formalize counterterrorism planning, preparedness, and response efforts. It creates structures for regional and statewide teams, including specialized medical and mortuary units, to handle potential terrorist incidents or disasters. The legislation defines specific agreements that allow local governments and private entities to contribute personnel and resources while receiving compensation and access to state communication centers. Additionally, the bill incorporates federal standards for incident management and authorizes the construction of necessary facilities to support these new emergency response capabilities.