Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Maddy summaryHB 1968 proposes to amend Pennsylvania's Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to clarify and expand legal rights for individuals in court proceedings, while establishing penalties for violations of these rights. It directly affects people involved in judicial cases, including plaintiffs, defendants, and legal entities, by altering the scope of their legal protections and consequences for breaches. The bill's key mechanism involves updating statutory language to define specific personal rights and prescribe enforcement penalties, though the exact rights and penalty levels are not detailed in the title. Without the full bill text, precise policy changes cannot be described beyond the title's scope.

Maddy summaryHB 1948 prohibits Pennsylvania colleges and universities that receive state education grants or loans from entering into certain agreements. It directly affects public and private institutions receiving state funding under Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill establishes enforcement authority with the Office of Attorney General to address violations. This legislation aims to prevent specific financial or contractual arrangements between state-funded higher education institutions and external entities. The bill is currently referred to the Education committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1942 prohibits businesses from charging higher prices to consumers based on their data collection or surveillance practices. It directly affects consumers who might face discriminatory pricing and businesses that use tracking data to set prices. The bill requires companies to stop using surveillance data (like location or browsing history) to determine price differences, imposing fines for violations. This creates a clear policy change to prevent price discrimination tied to consumer data tracking.

Maddy summaryHB 145 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to clarify when workers lose eligibility for benefits. It directly affects claimants who voluntarily leave jobs, adding specific protections: workers cannot be disqualified for leaving due to disability if suitable work is available, for joining or staying in a union, or to accompany a military spouse relocating due to active duty orders. The bill defines "suitable employment" as work requiring similar skills and paying at least 80% of a worker's previous average weekly wage. These changes aim to prevent unfair disqualifications while maintaining the law's core purpose of providing benefits to eligible unemployed workers.

Maddy summaryHB 1701 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change how school districts handle facility projects. It requires school entities to hold voter referendums or public hearings before constructing new buildings or leasing space, directly affecting school districts and communities. The bill establishes a Public School Facility Advisory Committee to advise on facility planning and repeals outdated requirements for schools to conduct building condition assessments. It also imposes new duties on the Department of Education to oversee school facility planning and funding. (HB 1701, passed October 2025)

Maddy summaryHR 280 is a resolution requiring Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to conduct environmental studies at all state correctional facilities. The studies must identify health hazards like poor air quality, mold, pests, or unsafe water, and assess their impact on both incarcerated individuals and staff. The resolution mandates the Department to collaborate with environmental and health agencies, estimate repair costs, and provide improvement recommendations. The Department must submit a final report to legislative leaders within 24 months. This resolution directly affects all individuals housed in Pennsylvania's state correctional institutions by addressing environmental conditions they currently face.

Maddy summaryHB 1108 amends the state's child care assistance program by changing the copayment requirements for low-income families using subsidized child care under public assistance. It directly affects families enrolled in the program who currently pay monthly fees for child care services. The bill modifies the specific payment amounts families must contribute toward their child care costs. The legislation also includes a repeal of related provisions in the Human Services Code, though the specific repealed sections are not detailed in the provided context.

Maddy summaryHB 1593 repeals specific provisions in Pennsylvania law regarding the sale or transfer of firearms under Title 18. This change directly affects firearm sellers, buyers, and dealers who previously operated under those repealed rules. The bill removes existing legal requirements or restrictions related to firearm transactions from the state statutes. It does not create new rules but eliminates the current legal framework governing these sales and transfers. The bill passed final passage on September 30, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1099 would create a new criminal offense under Pennsylvania law for possessing or manufacturing undetectable firearms. These are weapons that cannot be detected by standard metal detectors, such as certain 3D-printed guns. The bill would add this specific prohibition to Pennsylvania's criminal code, making it illegal to have or produce such firearms. It directly affects individuals who possess or create undetectable firearms by establishing clear legal consequences for this activity.