Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryThis bill requires emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania, including paramedics and nurses, to complete specific training on caring for individuals with dementia. The Department of Health must create a program covering how to communicate effectively with these patients, manage behavioral symptoms, and identify signs of abuse. New providers will need three hours of initial training, while all providers must complete one hour of continuing education annually. Those who already finished similar training within the last 18 months will be exempt from the initial requirement but must still take the annual course.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends the Public School Code to clarify special education evaluation procedures for students enrolled in charter schools. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the local school district of residence will conduct initial disability evaluations for these students rather than the charter school. The district or an intermediate unit must issue a report on eligibility and service recommendations to parents and the charter school entity. While intermediate units can charge fees for these evaluations, charter schools remain responsible for providing the special education services outlined in the report.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pet owners in Pennsylvania to sue for wrongful death or injury to their companion animals, which includes dogs, cats, rabbits, and other non-agricultural pets. It establishes a legal claim for the animal's market value plus up to $15,000 in additional compensation for the loss of companionship and affection if the death was caused intentionally, recklessly, or negligently. The law also permits up to $5,000 in extra damages for serious injuries that do not result in death, while excluding government agencies and animals killed while hunting livestock from these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Price Gouging Act to specifically target price increases for petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and heating oil during market emergencies. It defines a market emergency as disruptions caused by severe weather, supply shortages, strikes, or other extraordinary events and gives the governor authority to declare such emergencies for up to 30 days, with possible extensions. Under the new rules, businesses selling petroleum products cannot change prices more than once every 24 hours, and during a declared emergency, they are prohibited from charging prices that are grossly higher than those offered seven days prior. These measures apply to producers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers of fuel and take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryHR 390 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 2026 as "Women's History Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges women's historical contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation through symbolic recognition. The resolution invites all Pennsylvanians to reflect on women's economic, cultural, and social roles, as detailed in the preamble's historical context. This is a non-binding gesture with no direct impact on specific groups or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the Public School Code to strictly limit the use of artificial intelligence in charter and cyber charter schools. It defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that make predictions or decisions and prohibits these schools from using AI to replace human teachers for direct instruction. The law requires local school boards and the state Department of Education to reject applications from schools relying on such models and allows for the nonrenewal or immediate termination of charters that adopt them. Additionally, the bill clarifies the powers and duties of the State Board of Education regarding charter school oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to clarify what counts as a redevelopment assistance capital project and removes a spending cap on housing construction. It defines these projects as those that generate economic activity, have regional impact, and include at least 50% non-state funding, while explicitly excluding highways, bridges, and waste or water facilities. Additionally, the legislation repeals a specific provision that previously limited the use of funds for building housing units to $50 million. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for borrowing money to fund large-scale community and economic development initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement officers from detaining or arresting individuals for civil immigration violations on the property of houses of worship. The only exception allows for arrests if the officer is acting in an official capacity and holds a valid judicial warrant. Additionally, the legislation bars state and local agencies from using taxpayer funds to conduct immigration enforcement and imposes a $10,000 civil penalty for any violations of these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of April 11 through 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about maternal health disparities affecting Black women. The resolution highlights statistics showing that Black women in the state face significantly higher pregnancy-related death rates compared to other groups, with many cases deemed preventable. It does not create new funding or policy requirements but serves as a symbolic gesture to focus public and legislative attention on the issue. The measure is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on Children and Youth for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 imposes a temporary pause (moratorium) on selling or leasing public water and wastewater systems to private companies. It creates a Water Utility Reform Working Group to develop recommendations for system management and reform. The bill also repeals specific rules about how acquired water systems are valued. This directly affects communities that own public water systems and their residents, as it delays potential privatization and sets up a process for reviewing system operations.