Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 39) is a symbolic tribute honoring former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 100. It commemorates his life, presidency, and humanitarian work - including the Camp David Accords, founding The Carter Center, and efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease - through a series of historical "whereas" statements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies. The resolution serves only to formally extend the Pennsylvania General Assembly's condolences and recognize Carter's legacy. It is purely ceremonial, with no legislative or policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 517 allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to request a public notation on their Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card. To add this notation, applicants must submit a sworn statement from a licensed medical professional verifying the diagnosis. Parents or guardians may also request this notation for minors under 18, following the same verification process. The bill requires the state department to create implementing regulations and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 459 designates a 2.5-mile segment of Pennsylvania Route 352 (Middletown Road) between Gradyville Road in Edgmont Township and North Pennell Road in Middletown Township, Delaware County, as the "Chief Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr. Memorial Highway." The bill commemorates Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr., a local firefighter, paramedic, community leader, and business owner who died in 2023. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs along the designated highway. This is a ceremonial naming bill with no policy or funding changes, solely honoring Montgomery's community service.

Maddy summaryHB 479 allows Pennsylvania voters to register to vote on election day at their polling place by presenting valid ID and submitting a registration form. It requires voters to show a government-issued ID (like a driver's license, passport, or military ID) and provides a temporary ballot that won't be counted until the state approves the registration within 10 days. The bill mandates that all polling places receive same-day registration forms and instructions for voters. This directly affects qualified Pennsylvania voters who maintain residence in an election district and need to register on election day.

Maddy summaryHB 443 modifies Pennsylvania's sentencing for second-degree murder convictions, including murder of an unborn child or a law enforcement officer. It reduces maximum sentences: for adults, from life imprisonment to 50 years; for offenders under 18, it sets a maximum of 40 years for those 15+ at the time of crime and 30 years for those under 15. The bill also establishes new parole timelines - 25 years for standard life sentences under this section, 20 years for those under 18 aged 15+, and 15 years for those under 15 - requiring the parole board to prioritize public safety, victim safety, and consider the offender's culpability before granting parole. Additionally, it mandates that victims be notified and given a chance to be heard before parole decisions for these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 432 establishes Pennsylvania's Maternal Care Access Program under the Department of Health to address gaps in maternal healthcare. The bill identifies counties as "maternal care access zones" using the Maternal Vulnerability Index (based on social factors like poverty, education, and healthcare access) and the Social Vulnerability Index. It requires the Department to develop regulations for improving access to obstetric care, birth centers, and providers in areas classified as "maternity care deserts" (regions lacking hospitals, birth centers, or specialized providers within 25 miles). The program directly affects underserved communities and the Department of Health, focusing on concrete policy changes to expand maternal health resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to recognize women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, highlighting Pennsylvania's maternal mortality rate of 82 deaths per 100,000 live births and the significantly higher rate (163 per 100,000) for Black women. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but seeks to increase public and healthcare awareness about maternal health risks. It references existing efforts like the Maternal Mortality Review Committee established under Act 24 of 2018.

Maddy summaryHB 387 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require public schools to notify parents, guardians, or custodial parents about specific incidents involving students. It mandates timely notification for incidents that must be reported in school safety reports (Section 1319-B) or serious injuries occurring on school property, buses, or school activities. Schools must maintain updated contact information, use preferred notification methods (email, text, etc.), and train staff on these requirements. Non-compliant schools risk losing state funding, as specified in Section 1314-A(f). This directly affects all Pennsylvania public schools and their students' families.