Rep. Andre Carroll

Maddy summaryHB 1121 allows private providers of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to work with students who have autism or developmental delays during school hours, as specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Schools must permit this access without charging fees or creating barriers, provided parents give written consent and the services align with the student’s IEP. Private providers must coordinate with school staff, hold required certifications, and be supervised by a nationally certified behavior analyst. The bill requires schools to accommodate these services without disrupting classrooms and prohibits discrimination or retaliation against families using private pay services.

Maddy summaryHB 1114 prohibits possessing a firearm in any building, property, or parking area of a polling place during an election, with three specific offense types: simple possession, possession with intent to commit a crime, or causing a firearm to be used in a crime. Simple possession is a third-degree misdemeanor, while intent or causing use is a first-degree misdemeanor. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers performing duties, individuals with concealed carry permits (who own the firearm and have a valid license), and military personnel on duty. Polling places must post notices of the law, and failure to post prevents conviction for simple possession or intent offenses. The bill directly affects voters, poll workers, and anyone entering polling areas during elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1097 creates a new minor criminal offense in Pennsylvania for organizing or operating events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, either for amusement or skill testing. This applies to anyone who willfully runs such events at a designated location, including using mechanical aids to present pigeons to shooters. The bill explicitly excludes legal hunting under state game laws, dog training activities, or permitted special events. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 150 is a Pennsylvania House resolution designating April 11-17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" to highlight the disproportionate maternal health disparities affecting Black women and birthing persons in the state. It references Pennsylvania data showing Black women face maternal mortality rates twice as high as White women (148 vs. 74 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020) and higher morbidity rates. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about preventable maternal health outcomes. It specifically targets state-level attention to this crisis, citing local statistics from Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties. As a symbolic resolution, it has no binding effect but seeks to spur broader discussion and action.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program (starting 2026-2027) within Pennsylvania public schools to teach students about the political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. School districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools may apply to participate by submitting proposals to the Department of Education by May 15, 2026. The Department must develop guidelines by March 15, 2026 in consultation with LGBTQ+ organizations and prioritize curricula from groups with at least 50% LGBTQ+ leadership. Participating schools must submit annual reports on implementation, and the Department will contract an independent evaluation to assess the program's effectiveness, with results published online.

Maddy summaryHB 404 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to extend health insurance coverage for children under family policies. It requires policies to cover dependent children up to age 26 (previously 19) and prohibits insurers from denying or restricting coverage based on a child's financial dependency, residency, marital status, school enrollment, or employment. The bill also allows group health plans to extend coverage for adult children up to age 29 if they meet specific conditions, such as not being married, having no dependents, and residing in Pennsylvania or attending school full-time. This affects all health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania that provide dependent child coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 438 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Collection Law to allow taxpayers to remove a deceased spouse's name from real estate tax bills. It directly affects homeowners who are now required to submit a written request and a death certificate to both their tax collector and county assessment office. The key provision, added as Section 6.1, creates a formal process for this removal without requiring court action. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 17, 2025, as "Bayard Rustin Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Bayard Rustin, a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and a prominent civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent activism, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a ceremonial designation to recognize Rustin's historical contributions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents through official recognition of this date in state government communications and public events.

Maddy summaryHB 966 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to strengthen consumer protections in health insurance. It requires insurance companies to pay penalties if over 50% of their denied health claims (excluding administrative denials) are later overturned through internal or external review processes. Penalties start at $50,000 for the first overturned claim and increase to $250,000 per claim for subsequent violations. Collected penalties must fund consumer protection activities, in addition to any other existing penalties. This directly affects health insurers operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 917 repeals Chapter 33 of Pennsylvania's Insurance Code, which previously required insurers offering plans through the state's health insurance exchange to follow specific federal health care law rules regarding abortion coverage. The repealed provisions included a ban on abortion coverage in most plans (except for complications or miscarriage treatment) and an opt-out option for abortion coverage. This bill directly affects insurers and health plans sold through Pennsylvania's health insurance exchange by removing these specific federal compliance requirements. The change eliminates the state's prior restrictions on abortion coverage within qualified health plans.