Rep. Aerion Abney

Maddy summaryHB 1825 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to require employers to establish clear anti-discrimination policies and procedures for handling workplace complaints. It directly affects all businesses and organizations in Pennsylvania that employ people. The bill mandates specific steps for documenting and investigating discrimination claims, such as requiring written procedures for reporting incidents. It also expands the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's authority to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 505 proposes restructuring how electricity companies operate in Pennsylvania by amending the state's public utilities code. It requires electric utilities to implement new energy efficiency and conservation programs for customers, directly affecting both utility companies and residential/commercial electricity users. Key provisions include mandating specific energy-saving measures and updating how utility programs are funded and administered. The bill aims to modernize the electric industry framework while expanding access to efficiency resources for consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 439 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly define "race" as including hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as locs, braids, or afros), and "religious creed" as including head coverings or hairstyles tied to religious practice. Employers cannot prohibit these features unless they prove the rule is necessary for health/safety, non-discriminatory, job-specific, and applied equally. The law does not prevent employers from enforcing general safety rules or anti-harassment policies that apply fairly across all employees. This directly affects employers and employees in Pennsylvania workplaces by clarifying protections against discrimination related to appearance.

Maddy summaryHB 2043 would prohibit the possession, sale, and transfer of specific assault weapons under Pennsylvania law. It directly affects individuals who own or attempt to purchase these firearms, as defined by the bill. The key provision creates a new criminal ban on the targeted weapons, making their possession unlawful without specified exceptions. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2046 updates Pennsylvania's gaming laws to establish a new framework for skill-based video gaming, which would directly affect gaming operators and players. The bill modifies how slot machine revenue is distributed to the State Gaming Fund, requiring the Department of Revenue to manage these funds and implement new tax collection for skill video gaming. It also introduces criminal and civil penalties for violations related to these gaming activities. The law aims to create a regulated system for skill video gaming while adjusting revenue streams for the state's existing gaming programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1874 amends Pennsylvania's Transit Revitalization Investment District Act to expand how cities can use tax revenue generated from new development in designated transit areas. It allows redevelopment authorities to apply "incremental tax revenue" (taxes raised from new property values due to transit improvements) toward funding transit projects or infrastructure within those districts. This directly affects cities with transit revitalization districts and developers working in areas near new transit investments. The bill provides clearer rules for directing these tax increases toward transit-focused redevelopment, rather than general city funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1939 amends the Human Services Code to establish new fee schedule rates for public assistance programs. It directly affects healthcare and social service providers who deliver services through state-funded public assistance programs. The bill's key provision sets standardized payment rates that these providers will receive for specific services. This change aims to update reimbursement structures within the existing public assistance framework. The bill was recently referred to the Human Services committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 589 creates a state-run insurance program and dedicated fund to cover property damage from landslides and sinkholes. It directly affects property owners in high-risk areas by providing a new insurance option when private coverage is unavailable or unaffordable. The bill establishes a Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Board to manage the fund and program, while requiring the Auditor General to oversee financial accountability. It also includes a penalty provision for non-compliance and specifies fund transfers to support the program's operations. The bill passed final passage on September 29, 2025, and is now under review by the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1212 requires Pennsylvania maternal health programs to provide drug screening and awareness education to patients. It also mandates the inclusion of fatherhood engagement strategies in prenatal care discussions, directly affecting pregnant individuals and their partners receiving maternal health services. The bill imposes specific duties on the Joint State Government Commission to develop and oversee these program requirements. These provisions aim to integrate substance use prevention and family involvement into standard maternal health care protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 1910 creates a state-funded grant program to provide school supplies directly to public school educators. It amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish the "School Supplies for Educators Grant Program," which will distribute state funds to cover essential classroom materials like paper, pens, and art supplies. The program specifically targets educators in public schools, ensuring they have access to necessary supplies for their classrooms. This policy change shifts funding responsibility from individual schools or teachers to a centralized state grant system.