Rep. Darisha Parker

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses statute to increase the penalties for scattering rubbish. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of littering or illegal dumping by raising the potential fines. For a first offense, the maximum fine increases from $300 to $2,000. More serious and subsequent offenses will also see significantly higher maximum fines, ranging up to $20,000 for repeat severe violations. The bill maintains existing provisions for community service, such as picking up litter, and potential imprisonment.

Maddy summaryHR 114 is a resolution that recognizes the week of March 10 through 14, 2025, as "Civic Learning Week" in Pennsylvania. It highlights the importance of civic education for an informed and engaged citizenry.

Maddy summaryHB 1411 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to partner with healthcare providers (including OB/GYNs and community health centers) to create and distribute educational materials about perimenopause and menopause. The materials must cover symptoms, treatments, biological processes, and communication strategies for women identified by their providers as experiencing or approaching these stages. This directly affects women in Pennsylvania who are navigating perimenopause or menopause, providing them with standardized information to better understand and manage these health transitions. The bill amends the 1929 Administrative Code to add this specific duty to the Department of Health's responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the week of May 9-15, 2025, as "National Stuttering Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically raises awareness about stuttering - a speech disorder affecting approximately 130,000 Pennsylvanians - without creating new laws, funding, or obligations. The resolution aims to highlight misconceptions about stuttering and support efforts to reduce stigma, particularly for children and adults who stutter.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 223 is a commemorative resolution that recognizes November 19, 2025, as "Roy Campanella Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors the life and legacy of Roy Campanella, a Philadelphia native who was a pioneering baseball player, civil rights advocate, and disability advocate.

Maddy summaryHB 1376 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish standards for school-based health centers in public, private, and parochial schools. It requires these centers to provide accessible care without denying services based on payment ability, insurance status, or health conditions, while coordinating with students' existing primary care providers. Centers must offer a full range of services with proper parental consent, minimize barriers to care, and maintain confidentiality per federal law. The bill also creates a statewide advisory council and a department liaison to oversee implementation and ensure centers align with student needs like age, demographics, and community resources.

Maddy summaryHB 1371 creates new antitrust enforcement tools in Pennsylvania, primarily affecting health care providers, insurers, and consumers. It establishes a legal cause of action for antitrust violations, allows indirect purchasers (like patients) to seek recovery for harm caused by anti-competitive practices, and requires premerger notification for health care mergers and transactions. The bill also imposes penalties for violations and defines key terms like "health care facility system" and "provider organization." This directly impacts health care entities planning mergers and gives consumers a new avenue to challenge unfair pricing or reduced competition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2025, as "Youth Advocacy Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes and honors youth-led advocacy efforts across the state. The resolution highlights young people's historical and ongoing role in movements addressing issues like social justice, environmental protection, and civic engagement, without imposing any requirements or funding on state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1302, the Medical Debt Interest Act, caps the interest rate on unpaid medical bills at 6% for healthcare providers (like hospitals and doctors) and medical debt collectors in Pennsylvania. The bill prohibits charging more than 6% interest on medical debt and classifies violations as unfair business practices under existing consumer protection law, allowing individuals to seek court enforcement. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.