Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryHB 499 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to streamline absentee and mail-in voting processes. It creates an "annual disabled absentee ballot list" for voters with permanent disabilities, eliminating the need for yearly physician certifications. The bill also establishes an electronic system for applying for absentee ballots (with digital signatures) and adjusts application deadlines (e.g., applications accepted up to 50 days before elections). These changes directly affect all absentee and mail-in voters, particularly those with disabilities, by simplifying registration and expanding access to electronic submission.

Maddy summaryHR 55 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study whether computer algorithms (computational redistricting) could replace human-drawn legislative district maps. The study must examine costs, experiences from other states and countries, stakeholder input, and potential recommendations for implementation. This resolution does not change current redistricting rules but would inform future legislative decisions about how districts are drawn.

Maddy summaryHB 484 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update rules for handling abandoned and unclaimed property. It directly affects property finders and recovery services by requiring them to register with the State Treasurer, prohibiting fees exceeding 15% of recovered property, and banning those under investigation for fraud or perjury. Key provisions include mandating online databases for property searches, requiring 3-month claim windows after public notices, and enabling electronic payments for resolved claims. The bill also adds annual reporting requirements and updates fund deposit rules for unclaimed property proceeds. These changes aim to streamline claim processes while increasing transparency for property owners.

Maddy summaryHB 461, the Commonwealth Funding Safety and Transparency Act, requires nonprofits and their partners receiving state funds for pregnancy-related services (like counseling, testing, and postdelivery support) to provide truthful information and follow specific standards. It mandates compliance with existing transparency laws for funded advertising, adherence to medical safety standards from the AMA and ACOG, and inclusion of all FDA-approved contraceptive options in program materials. Nonprofits failing to meet these requirements lose eligibility for state funding or tax incentives. The law applies directly to organizations administering pregnancy services with Commonwealth funding.

Maddy summaryHB 481 proposes changing Pennsylvania's constitutional amendment process. It requires two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers for proposed amendments, followed by mandatory newspaper publication in all counties and voter approval at the next general election (or a one-month window for emergency amendments requiring two-thirds approval). The bill modifies Article XI of the Pennsylvania Constitution to standardize these steps, including separate voting for multiple amendments. It does not alter existing laws but changes how future constitutional changes would be enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 480 allows Pennsylvania school districts to offer full-time cyber education programs directly to students. If a student enrolls in their district's cyber program, they pay no extra fees beyond standard district charges. However, if they choose a cyber charter school instead, parents must pay monthly tuition (based on state funding formulas), and the student won't count toward their district's enrollment for funding purposes. This bill directly affects students and families in districts that provide these cyber programs, clarifying cost responsibilities and funding impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 477 requires candidates for school district office in Pennsylvania to undergo background checks before appearing on ballots. Specifically, candidates must submit Pennsylvania criminal history reports (limited to certain offenses), Department of Human Services certification regarding child abuse investigations, and federal criminal history records with fingerprints. Candidates are deemed ineligible if they have recent convictions for violent crimes (like assault or kidnapping), sex offenses (including rape or child sexual abuse), felony drug offenses, or appear on sex offender registries. This bill directly affects individuals running for school board positions in Pennsylvania, applying to all such elections held 180 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 487 amends Pennsylvania's procurement law to prioritize contracts for supplies manufactured and services performed by organizations employing people with disabilities, directly affecting Commonwealth agencies and disability service providers. The bill requires these contracts to be entered without competitive bidding if people with disabilities make a meaningful contribution to the work, mandates annual reviews for contracts over $300,000 to verify compliance, and phases out the use of federal subminimum wage certificates (14(c)) over two years. It also requires integrated work environments where employees with disabilities interact with non-disabled coworkers in state-contracted workplaces, with annual site visits to monitor compliance. The law aims to strengthen economic opportunities for people with disabilities through state procurement while ensuring fair pricing and accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 444 requires most health insurance policies covering hospital or medical/surgical services to include coverage for postacute neurorehabilitation following an acquired brain injury. This includes specific therapies like cognitive rehabilitation, neurobehavioral treatment, and community reintegration services, with no arbitrary limits on the number of covered days if medically necessary. Insurers must verify providers are accredited through recognized programs (e.g., Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and cannot apply stricter deductibles or copays than other covered benefits. The requirement does not apply to policies like dental, vision, workers’ compensation, or accident-only coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution (not a law) designating February 27, 2025, as "Dominican Republic Independence Day" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents by formally recognizing this date to honor the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti in 1844 and the cultural contributions of the state's Dominican-American community. The resolution includes historical context about the Dominican Republic's founding and highlights the community's economic and cultural ties to Pennsylvania. It has no financial, regulatory, or policy impact - it is purely commemorative.