Maddy summaryHB 1314 creates a state-funded grant program to support organizations helping individuals navigate name changes while facing gender or sexual stereotype-based biases. It establishes the "Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Fund" with $2 million transferred from the General Fund, which will provide competitive grants to eligible nonprofits, counties, or local governments. These grants fund "eligible assistance programs" offering informational, legal, or emotional support for name change processes. The program requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer applications, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per award, prioritizing organizations serving communities outside major cities or launching new services.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize community colleges' role in the state's education and economy. It highlights that community colleges serve over 240,000 students - many from low-income or minority backgrounds - provide affordable pathways to degrees, and partner with over 2,000 employers to train workers for high-demand jobs like nursing and truck driving. The designation is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryHB 1288 requires Pennsylvania public schools to provide foreign language instruction for all students in kindergarten through grade twelve starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The state Department of Education must develop a toolkit and curriculum guidelines for teaching foreign languages by that time. School districts will then create their own foreign language programs using this state-developed resource, with flexibility to choose a language that aligns with their community's demographics.
Maddy summaryHB 1281 establishes clear duties for Pennsylvania law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts (referred to as "certifying agencies") when processing certification forms required for U visas. The bill directly affects crime victims seeking U visas (which require certification that they were helpful to investigations), their legal representatives, and the agencies handling these requests. Key provisions require certifying officials to respond to petitions, develop and publicly post a detailed processing protocol (including online), and maintain records of all certifications. This bill does not change U visa eligibility but standardizes how Pennsylvania agencies handle the certification process for victims of qualifying crimes.
Maddy summaryHB 1285 prohibits Pennsylvania Commonwealth government entities, law enforcement agencies, peace officers, and political subdivisions from cooperating with out-of-state investigations related to abortion. These entities are forbidden from providing information or using resources to assist investigations that seek to impose civil or criminal liability for abortion services or related activities that are legal in Pennsylvania. This includes actions like providing, seeking, receiving, or assisting with abortion or related inquiries. The bill does not apply if the out-of-state investigation itself would violate Pennsylvania law.
Maddy summaryHB 1229 amends Pennsylvania's 1931 Barbers' License Law to add citizenship and residency requirements for members of the State Board of Barber Examiners. Specifically, it requires that all six professional barber board members must be U.S. citizens and Pennsylvania residents, in addition to already needing to be registered barbers with five years of practice. This change affects the composition of the board that oversees barber licensing and regulation, not the licensing process itself. The bill is a minor procedural update to board membership qualifications and has not yet been enacted.
Maddy summaryHB 1230 amends Pennsylvania's Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to require that all members of the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers have resided in Pennsylvania for at least two years prior to appointment. This change directly affects the board's membership selection process, which oversees the certification of real estate appraisers. The bill does not alter the board's composition (six appraisers, two evaluators, and two public members) but adds the residency requirement and clarifies that a member can serve as both an appraiser and evaluator if their appointment specifies the role. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryHB 1226 amends Pennsylvania's Massage Therapy Law (2008) by adding a citizenship requirement for members of the State Board of Massage Therapy. The bill changes Section 3(a) to specify that board members must be "citizens of the United States" in addition to being Pennsylvania residents for at least five years. This procedural update modifies the eligibility criteria for the 11-member board that oversees massage therapy licensure and discipline. The change directly affects who can serve on the board but does not alter licensing fees, practice standards, or disciplinary procedures. The bill requires board members to meet this new citizenship requirement upon appointment.
Maddy summaryHB 1227 amends Pennsylvania's Crane Operator Licensure Act to change the term limits for members of the State Board of Crane Operators. It adds a provision stating that professional and public board members "shall not be eligible to hold more than two consecutive terms," and clarifies that members must be "citizens of the United States and residents of this Commonwealth." This bill directly affects the appointment and tenure of individuals serving on the board, which oversees crane operator licensing. The changes are procedural, not substantive, and do not alter licensing requirements, fees, or safety standards for crane operators.
Maddy summaryHB 1228 amends Pennsylvania's Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law to update the composition of the State Registration Board that oversees professional licensing. The bill specifies that the board must include five licensed engineers (with no more than two representing any single engineering discipline), two licensed land surveyors, and two licensed geologists, all meeting minimum experience and residency requirements. It also requires three public members appointed by the Governor to serve alongside these professionals. This change affects how board members are selected but does not alter the licensing standards for engineers, surveyors, or geologists.