Rep. Tarik Khan

Maddy summaryHB 603 extends the time employees have to file a lawsuit after retaliation under Pennsylvania's Whistleblower Law, changing the deadline from 180 days to two years. It clarifies that successful whistleblowers can recover back pay, reinstatement of benefits and seniority, and full legal costs including attorney fees. The bill also specifies that punitive damages may be awarded only if retaliation was intentional or showed reckless disregard for employee rights. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania employees who report violations of state, local, or federal law and face retaliation. The bill does not create new protections but strengthens enforcement mechanisms for existing whistleblower safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 2048 establishes the Pennsylvania Civic Information Consortium, a new entity tasked with supporting local news and civic information access. The bill outlines the Consortium’s governance structure, sets grant priorities to fund local journalism initiatives, and requires strict editorial independence to prevent government influence over funded content. It mandates public access to the Consortium’s activities and decisions while defining a long-term funding strategy for sustainability. This bill directly affects local news organizations receiving grants and the public seeking reliable civic information.

Maddy summaryHB 2047 establishes a Local News Fellowship Program to support journalists in local news organizations. The bill requires an administering institution (not specified in the context) to manage the program, including selecting fellows and distributing funds. It directly affects local news outlets and journalists by providing structured fellowship opportunities. The program’s administration details are outlined in the bill, though specific funding levels or eligibility criteria aren't provided in the given context.

Maddy summaryHB 2005 would amend Pennsylvania's abortion-related statutes to require specific medical consultations and informed consent procedures before an abortion can be performed. The bill would mandate that healthcare providers discuss certain medical details and ensure patients understand the procedure and potential risks. This applies directly to licensed physicians and clinics providing abortion services in Pennsylvania. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after recent committee actions, but has not yet been voted on by the full legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 670 would protect access to abortion clinics in Pennsylvania by creating a legal right for people to enter reproductive health services facilities and allowing lawsuits against individuals or entities that block access. It amends criminal and judicial statutes to define "blocking access" as a violation and imposes penalties for such actions. The bill directly affects patients seeking abortion care, clinic staff, and anyone attempting to obstruct facility access. Key provisions include enabling civil lawsuits for damages and establishing specific criminal penalties for interference with facility access.

Maddy summaryHB 2192 establishes the Commonwealth Housing Council to coordinate housing policies across Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments. The council will include 15 members: state agency secretaries, legislative appointees, mayors of major cities, county executives, and housing experts appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It requires the council to meet quarterly and coordinate housing strategies to improve policy implementation. This bill creates a new coordination body without altering existing housing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it is a ceremonial observance acknowledging the historical significance of the Holocaust and the UN-established date. The resolution cites the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and the UN's 2005 designation of this date for global remembrance. Pennsylvania's recognition aligns with the UN resolution's purpose of honoring Holocaust victims and promoting human rights education.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law, recognizing February 27, 2026, as "Dominican Republic Independence Day" in Pennsylvania. It has no policy impact or effect on any specific group; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment. The resolution cites the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti in 1844 and the state's Dominican-American community as context. It does not create new requirements, change existing laws, or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, drawing attention to maternal mortality rates in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to increase public and professional awareness of maternal health issues, particularly highlighting disparities affecting Black women.

Maddy summaryHB 1704 updates Pennsylvania's real estate law by requiring sellers to provide a new standardized disclosure form to buyers, including specific information about flood risks. It mandates that the Insurance Department create and maintain a website with flood zone data to help buyers understand property risks. The bill also clarifies definitions related to residential property and imposes new duties on the Insurance Department to manage flood disclosure information. These changes directly affect home sellers, buyers, and the Insurance Department in Pennsylvania.