Rep. Catherine Wallen

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Agriculture-Linked Investment Program to provide farmers with access to affordable, low-interest capital. The program is designed to encourage the adoption of conservation measures that improve soil health, protect water quality, and reduce farm odors. To qualify for these loans, eligible borrowers must develop and implement approved plans for managing nutrients, manure, or soil erosion. The legislation also includes updated definitions for key terms like "beginning farmer" and "best management practices" to clarify who can participate and what actions are required.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurers and managed care plans to include specific clinical review criteria in their medical policies. The key provision mandates that these policies cannot exclude, restrict, or delay coverage for prescription drugs solely because they received expedited FDA approval for serious or life-threatening conditions. Directly affecting insurance companies and managed care organizations, the law aims to ensure access to newly approved treatments without artificial barriers based on the speed of regulatory approval. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill designates June 2026 as Aphasia Awareness Month to promote public understanding of aphasia, a language disorder often caused by strokes or brain injuries. The resolution aims to highlight the condition's impact on individuals and their communities while encouraging better diagnosis and treatment. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the Vietnam War Veteran Sgt. Calvin G. Maguire Memorial Bridge. The legislation formally names the structure, which carries State Route 4013 over the Norfolk Southern Railroad and 8th Avenue, to honor Sgt. Maguire, a local resident who was killed in action during his service in Vietnam. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Adams County as the Firefighter Adam E. Cole Memorial Bridge to honor Adam Cole, a volunteer firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2007. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for Bridge Key 53749, which carries Pennsylvania Route 234 over Conewago Creek. The act includes background information about Cole's life and service but focuses primarily on the official renaming of the infrastructure. It will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on U.S. Route 219 in Cambria County as the Sgt. Jason Dale Kriedler Memorial Bridge in honor of a local veteran. The legislation formally names the structure after Sgt. Kriedler, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was reported missing in action in 1950. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 11, 2026, as the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks within the state. The measure formally honors the victims, their families, and the first responders who sacrificed their lives during the events and subsequent recovery efforts. Additionally, it recognizes the service of military personnel involved in the global war on terrorism and encourages Pennsylvanians to remember the historical significance of the day.

Maddy summaryHB 2599 amends Pennsylvania's firearm laws to require a valid license for anyone carrying a concealed firearm on their person or inside a vehicle, with specific exceptions for those who already hold a valid license from another state or the federal government. The bill establishes that carrying a concealed firearm without a license is a third-degree felony for those with a prior criminal record, while reducing the penalty to a first-degree misdemeanor for first-time offenders. It also clarifies that individuals must present their license or proof of eligibility to law enforcement upon request and sets the law into effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to restrict where large data centers can be built. It specifically prohibits municipalities from allowing hyperscale data centers, which cover more than five acres, in areas designated for agriculture unless they are allowed in every district within that community. Additionally, the law bans data centers on agricultural land if at least half of the property consists of prime agricultural soil or land rated as fourth class by the USDA. Local governments will need to update their zoning ordinances to comply with these new definitions and restrictions on data center development.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits airports and aviation businesses in Pennsylvania from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data to charge fees to aircraft owners or operators. ADS-B is a technology that automatically shares an aircraft's location, speed, and other flight details with ground stations and other planes. The law makes it illegal for these entities to collect money based on this surveillance information and gives the state Attorney General the power to enforce the rule. The ban applies to any fees calculated or generated from this data within the state's borders.