Rep. Darisha Parker

Maddy summaryHB 1278 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require candidates for state, local, and federal offices (including U.S. Congress) to submit a written statement (replacing the prior "affidavit" requirement) instead of an affidavit. This statement must include specific details like the candidate's residence, election district, office sought, eligibility confirmation, commitment to election laws, and awareness of campaign finance reporting rules. The bill updates penalties for false statements to reference Pennsylvania's unsworn falsification statute (18 Pa.C.S. § 4904), applying to all candidates filing nomination documents. It directly affects every candidate submitting paperwork for election in Pennsylvania, including those running for county, city, school board, or federal positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Pennsylvania to follow specific guidelines when hiring vendors to create detailed maps of their campuses for emergency response purposes. The new rules mandate that these maps be accurate, include labeled floor plans and utility locations, and be compatible with existing public safety software without extra costs. Additionally, the data must be stored securely within the United States, and districts must obtain approval from local law enforcement before entering into such contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania, including paramedics and nurses, to complete specific training on caring for individuals with dementia. The Department of Health must create a program covering how to communicate effectively with these patients, manage behavioral symptoms, and identify signs of abuse. New providers will need three hours of initial training, while all providers must complete one hour of continuing education annually. Those who already finished similar training within the last 18 months will be exempt from the initial requirement but must still take the annual course.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pet owners in Pennsylvania to sue for wrongful death or injury to their companion animals, which includes dogs, cats, rabbits, and other non-agricultural pets. It establishes a legal claim for the animal's market value plus up to $15,000 in additional compensation for the loss of companionship and affection if the death was caused intentionally, recklessly, or negligently. The law also permits up to $5,000 in extra damages for serious injuries that do not result in death, while excluding government agencies and animals killed while hunting livestock from these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Price Gouging Act to specifically target price increases for petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and heating oil during market emergencies. It defines a market emergency as disruptions caused by severe weather, supply shortages, strikes, or other extraordinary events and gives the governor authority to declare such emergencies for up to 30 days, with possible extensions. Under the new rules, businesses selling petroleum products cannot change prices more than once every 24 hours, and during a declared emergency, they are prohibited from charging prices that are grossly higher than those offered seven days prior. These measures apply to producers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers of fuel and take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly define "dynamic pricing" as a potential unfair practice. It specifically targets the use of artificial intelligence to vary prices for essential goods or services within a 24-hour period based on demand. The legislation includes detailed definitions for artificial intelligence, generative AI, and bona fide pricing to clarify what constitutes deceptive behavior versus legitimate pricing strategies. By adding these specific terms to the law, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance for regulators and businesses regarding AI-driven price fluctuations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes May 5, 2026, as "World Asthma Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages all Pennsylvanians to support asthma management efforts, referencing that approximately 1.3 million residents (1 million adults, 300,000 children) live with asthma in the state. The resolution aligns with global observances focused on raising awareness and improving daily asthma care through education and community engagement.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 408 designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Pennsylvania. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or requirements but encourages public awareness and education about financial literacy, aligning with national observances like President Biden's 2021 proclamation. It follows Pennsylvania's history of supporting financial education initiatives without imposing obligations on individuals or organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 728 establishes Pennsylvania's Identification Upon Reentry Program, requiring prisons to provide newly released inmates with essential identification documents (like state ID cards) before their release. This directly affects individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community, who often face barriers to accessing services without valid ID. The key provision mandates that correctional facilities coordinate with state agencies to issue these documents during the reentry process, replacing the current inconsistent practice. This policy change aims to streamline access to housing, employment, and government services for returning citizens.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 25, 2026, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among people with diabetes. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of free and low-cost eye screening events organized by various medical institutions across the state. It highlights the importance of early detection for diabetic eye conditions, which often show no symptoms until vision damage becomes irreversible. The measure is sponsored by multiple state representatives and focuses on promoting public health awareness rather than implementing policy changes.