Rep. Andre Carroll

Maddy summaryHB 1550 would allow Pennsylvania inmates to receive parole based on advanced age or serious medical conditions. It would amend state law to create two new pathways for parole eligibility under specific circumstances, changing the current criteria used by the Board of Probation and Parole. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals who meet these age or medical criteria, rather than the general public. The key mechanism is updating statutory language to expand the board's authority to grant parole in these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 282 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code (1967) to clarify eligibility rules for individuals receiving medical assistance under public assistance programs. The bill directly affects current and prospective recipients of medical assistance, ensuring consistent application of qualification standards. Key provisions update how eligibility is determined for medical assistance, though specific changes are not detailed in the provided context. The bill passed the House on June 3, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 180 replaces Pennsylvania’s existing school lunch and breakfast reimbursement system with a new Universal School Meal Program, ensuring all public school students in the state can receive free meals regardless of family income or unpaid meal debt. The bill requires school districts to provide meals to any student who requests one (unless parents specifically withhold consent in writing) and prohibits schools from stigmatizing students with meal debt through wristbands, public identification, or denying activities like sports or graduation. It bans collecting fees, interest, or using collections agencies for unpaid meal costs, and mandates schools help families apply for assistance instead of pursuing debt. This directly affects over 1.5 million Pennsylvania public school students and their school districts, shifting from a means-tested system to universal access.

Maddy summaryHB 1506 would require Pennsylvania state and county correctional facilities to provide affordable communication services, such as phone calls or video visits, for inmates. This bill directly affects incarcerated individuals and their families by improving access to regular contact. The key provision mandates that all correctional institutions must offer these services at reasonable rates, aiming to support family connections during incarceration. The bill is currently under review by the Communications & Technology committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1518 amends Pennsylvania's driver licensing laws under Title 75 of the Consolidated Statutes. It focuses on updating procedures for applying for driver's licenses or learner's permits, as well as modifying the content, expiration, and renewal processes for licenses. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania drivers who apply for or renew their licenses. The provided context does not include specific provisions or mechanisms of the bill, only its title and referral to the Transportation committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1463, known as the Smoke Alarm Responsibility Act, regulates smoke alarms in rented dwelling units across Pennsylvania. It requires owners to install specific types of smoke alarms, such as those with a 10-year battery or electrical power, and ensure they are operational for new tenants. Tenants are responsible for maintaining and annually testing these smoke alarms, and must notify owners in writing of any deficiencies. Owners must then address reported issues within 96 hours. Violations of this act may result in a fine of up to $50.

Maddy summaryHB 280 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify primary voting rules for unaffiliated voters. It defines "unenrolled electors" as voters who registered without party affiliation (selecting "none," "no affiliation," or "other" with a clear independent preference). The bill allows these voters to participate in primary elections for candidate nominations by following specific procedures, while maintaining that only enrolled party members can vote in party primaries or hold party office. It also repeals provisions about voters accidentally casting ballots for the wrong party at primary elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1430 would require social media platforms operating in Pennsylvania to protect minors under 16 years old. The bill bans "dark patterns" (deceptive design features that impair user choice) and mandates that platforms allow minors to permanently delete their accounts and personal information so it cannot be retrieved. It also requires platforms to implement a consent process for minors to open accounts. Violations would be subject to penalties under the law.

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 1301 requires all health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania to cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) HIV medications, along with associated lab tests and doctor visits for counseling or prescription, with no copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. It prohibits insurers from placing PrEP/PEP services in specialty tiers for profit and bans requiring specialist counseling unless medically necessary. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Pennsylvania after its effective date (60 days from passage), including group and individual plans regulated under state insurance laws. This directly affects Pennsylvanians with health insurance who need HIV prevention or treatment services, ensuring full coverage without out-of-pocket costs.