Rep. Darisha Parker

Maddy summaryHB 2213 establishes a regulatory framework for "skill video gaming" in Pennsylvania, directly affecting businesses that operate or distribute gaming systems. The bill requires licenses from the Department of Revenue for operators, distributors, and establishments, imposes fees, and mandates a central reporting system to track transactions like "coin in/out" and jackpots. Key provisions include banning access for people under 18, prohibiting "miniature casinos," requiring security measures for players, and creating criminal penalties for operating unlicensed systems or distributing to minors. It aims to eliminate illegal gambling devices disguised as skill-based games while leveraging the State Lottery's existing experience in retail gaming oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2215 requires AI chatbot providers to verify user age using reliable methods like government-issued ID, not just birth dates, to prevent minors from accessing AI companions designed for emotional interaction. The bill prohibits creating or distributing AI chatbots that risk encouraging minors to engage in or share sexually explicit content or violent behavior, with penalties of up to $100,000 per violation. It defines "AI companion" as chatbots simulating friendship or therapy and mandates that age verification must reliably block minors without relying on IP addresses or other technical indicators. This law applies to any entity making AI chatbots available in the U.S., focusing on protecting minors from harmful content through concrete verification requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 389 is a symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "Senior Independence Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes older adults' contributions and promotes community engagement through existing initiatives. The resolution urges all Pennsylvanians to honor seniors' achievements and support programs that foster independence, health, and social connection. This is a commemorative measure with no direct policy changes or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from charging fees based on the full transaction amount that includes Pennsylvania's sales tax. It specifically bans interchange fees that calculate charges using the total amount (including tax) and prevents networks from raising fees to circumvent this rule. Merchants who accept credit/debit cards and payment networks are directly affected, as they can no longer impose these tax-inclusive fees. Violations of these provisions could result in penalties under the new law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 1, 2026, as "Haitian Independence Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes Haiti's 1804 independence from colonial rule and honors the Haitian Revolution's historical significance, including its impact on Black resistance movements in Pennsylvania. The resolution directly acknowledges Pennsylvania's Haitian community, which numbers over 27,000 residents, and commemorates the legacy of Haiti as the world's first Black Republic. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study workplace policies related to perimenopause and menopause offered by public and private employers in the state. It does not create new laws but requires the Commission to research existing policies and issue a report on findings. The study will focus on how employers support employees during these health transitions, directly affecting both public and private employers. The resolution is procedural, aiming to inform future policy decisions through a formal report.

Maddy summaryHB 2164 would create a program allowing family members of Pennsylvania medical assistance recipients to become certified complex care assistants. These family members would provide specific medical services at home - such as feeding, catheter care, and medication administration - under a registered nurse's supervision after completing 75 hours of training and passing a competency evaluation. The program targets recipients under 21, those eligible for private duty nursing, or those needing both services for medical reasons, with home health agencies reimbursed at a minimum of $45 per hour. It explicitly requires the services to supplement, not replace, existing private duty nursing under the medical assistance program.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 402) urges the U.S. Congress to require meaningful accountability and civil rights reforms before approving new funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It directly addresses federal agencies by demanding reforms like enforceable use-of-force standards, independent reviews of serious incidents, and public release of body-camera footage after deaths or injuries during enforcement. The resolution cites the January 2026 deaths of two U.S. citizens during an ICE operation in Minneapolis as a catalyst for requiring transparency and oversight before additional federal appropriations are granted. It does not create new law but calls on Congress to condition future funding on specific, concrete reforms to protect civil rights and public safety.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Commonwealth to collaborate with the U.S. Secretary of State and federal partners to compile and publicly share a list of vetted humanitarian, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations in Haiti. It aims to help Pennsylvania residents - particularly those with Haitian connections - safely and effectively support relief efforts amid Haiti's ongoing crisis. The resolution also encourages state agencies and community groups to identify ethical partnership opportunities for aiding Haitian recovery, aligning with recent UN humanitarian reports on Haiti's needs. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but requests coordinated action to streamline assistance pathways.

Maddy summaryHB 2148 requires Pennsylvania school entities (including school districts, charter schools, and cyber charters) to adopt policies ensuring all students, parents, guardians, and school personnel can access school property regardless of immigration status. Specifically, schools must develop and publicly adopt inclusive policies within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, requiring school boards to approve these policies via public resolution with 45 days’ notice. Policies must be published in all languages spoken by students at home and reviewed quarterly to maintain accessibility. The bill explicitly prohibits immigration or law enforcement officials (including ICE, Customs, and local agencies acting under federal immigration authority) from restricting access to school zones without proper legal process. This directly affects all Pennsylvania public and private schools serving students, mandating concrete procedural changes to protect school access.