Rep. Dan Frankel

Maddy summaryHB 1067 requires retailers in Pennsylvania to display a notice warning consumers about gift card scams and providing guidance on what to do if they suspect a scam, with the notice to be placed at all gift card sales locations. Retailers must also train staff to identify scam patterns, require purchasers to show photo ID at checkout, and report suspected scams to authorities. Non-compliant retailers face civil penalties: $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The law directly affects retailers selling gift cards (excluding those selling cards valid only at their own business) and aims to protect consumers from fraud.

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 Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 213) designates June 19, 2025, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" to commemorate June 19, 1865 - the date Union troops in Galveston, Texas, announced the end of slavery nationwide. It encourages Pennsylvania residents to observe the day through educational events and activities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or establish a paid holiday, but formally recognizes the historical significance of the date when slavery was finally abolished in all U.S. regions.

Maddy summaryHB 1345 would expand Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover FDA-approved treatments for menopause symptoms, including hormonal and non-hormonal drugs, devices, and behavioral therapy, for eligible low-income residents. The bill specifically requires coverage for all defined menopausal symptoms - such as hot flashes, bone density loss, and sleep disturbances - as well as treatments for menopause following a hysterectomy. It mandates that the state seek federal approval via a plan amendment or waiver to implement these changes. This policy directly affects enrolled medical assistance recipients experiencing menopausal symptoms, ensuring they receive covered care without additional out-of-pocket costs.

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.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) through a symbolic designation, highlighting the disease's impact - such as its fatal neurodegenerative nature, average 2-5 year survival after diagnosis, and lack of cure - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS, acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and families, and honor ongoing research efforts. As a procedural resolution, it does not alter any existing policies or provide financial support.

Maddy summaryHB 502 establishes the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board within the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This board is tasked with creating a statewide process for siting large-scale electric generation and energy storage facilities (25+ megawatts for generators, 10+ megawatts for storage). Companies proposing such facilities can seek a "certificate of reliable energy supply" from the board. This certificate aims to ensure efficient development of new energy resources while protecting human health, safety, and the environment. The board comprises representatives from state agencies, labor, and industry, and has the authority to approve or deny applications for these certificates.

Maddy summaryHB 503 establishes the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Program, creating a state-run "cap-and-invest" system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector. The program requires the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct Pennsylvania-run auctions for CO2 allowances, with specific rules for eligible participants, such as electricity generators and financial institutions. Revenue from these auctions will be directed into several designated accounts, including those for consumer protection, energy transformation, workforce enhancement, and low-income support. Upon the program's establishment, Pennsylvania would cease participation in other carbon auction programs related to the electric generation sector.

Maddy summaryHB 1255 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's Constitution, adding Section 30 to guarantee employees the right to organize, bargain collectively over wages and working conditions, and protect workplace safety. It specifically prohibits laws that interfere with these rights, including bans on union membership as a condition of employment. The amendment must pass both legislative chambers and then be approved by Pennsylvania voters at the next qualifying election. This would establish a constitutional right affecting all Pennsylvania workers and employers, not just current labor laws.

Maddy summaryHB 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Pennsylvania's current Legislative Reapportionment Commission - which includes legislative leaders - with an Independent Redistricting Commission. The new commission would draw state legislative and congressional district boundaries after each federal census, following specific redistricting criteria outlined in the amendment. This change aims to reduce partisan influence by removing direct legislative control over redistricting. The bill does not detail the exact criteria but requires the commission to adhere to them when creating district maps.