Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for law enforcement actions on courthouse grounds in Pennsylvania, primarily restricting civil arrests related to immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. It directly affects law enforcement officers, courthouse staff, and individuals seeking access to court proceedings. The key provisions prohibit detaining or arresting people on courthouse property for immigration violations unless the officer holds a valid judicial warrant and must show documentation to any court employee who asks. The law also defines who qualifies as a "court companion" to protect individuals accompanying parties to court and includes penalties of up to $10,000 for violations while providing immunity to courthouse employees acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryHB 2255 amends Pennsylvania's Telemarketer Registration Act to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in telemarketing. The bill defines key terms like "artificial intelligence" and "synthetic content," then prohibits telemarketers from using AI to make calls, mimic human voices, select phone numbers, disguise call origins, or interact with consumers during calls. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $100,000 per offense, with escalating fines for repeat violations. Individuals who receive a prohibited call may also sue the telemarketer in court. This bill directly affects telemarketing companies operating in Pennsylvania that use AI for solicitation calls.

Maddy summaryHB 2241 requires Pennsylvania hospitals and medical offices to publish standard charges for services online in a readable digital format and provide printed copies upon request. It mandates that hospitals list all standard charges - including gross charges, negotiated rates with insurers, and discounted cash prices - for every item or service, including both inpatient and outpatient care. The bill specifically requires a simplified, consumer-friendly list of "shoppable services" (like elective procedures patients can schedule in advance) alongside the full charge list. This applies directly to all hospitals operating under Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act, aiming to help patients compare costs before receiving care.

Maddy summaryHB 2242 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify the Governor's authority as Commander-in-Chief over state military forces. It specifically prohibits armed military forces from other states or territories from entering Pennsylvania for military duty without the Governor's express permission, except when federal service under the President's authority is involved. The Governor may grant permission for up to 30 days per calendar year, or longer if approved by a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly. This directly affects Pennsylvania's military operations and limits how neighboring states' forces can operate within Pennsylvania. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 460 requires all teachers in Pennsylvania public schools to complete child abuse recognition and reporting training as part of their certification process. It amends the Public School Code of 1949 to integrate this training into both initial certification and ongoing educator requirements. The bill directly affects educators by mandating specific training to identify and report suspected abuse, ensuring schools meet updated child safety standards. This change applies to all public school teachers, including those seeking certification or renewing credentials.

Maddy summaryHB 144 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to adjust the process for "informal adjustment" in court cases involving minors. It directly affects youth and families involved in juvenile court by changing how cases can be resolved without formal court proceedings. The bill modifies specific provisions related to informal adjustment procedures within juvenile matters, while also making minor editorial corrections to the statute. This is a procedural change focused on streamlining court handling of certain juvenile cases, not a major policy shift.

Maddy summaryHB 1936 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to change procedures for handling cases involving minors. It specifies when courts must hold hearings before releasing or committing a juvenile, alters where juveniles can be placed for treatment or supervision, and adds requirements for reviewing dispositions (how cases are resolved) after commitment. The bill directly affects juveniles charged with offenses, their families, and juvenile court judges and probation officers who manage these cases. Key changes include setting clearer timelines for hearings, limiting where juveniles can be committed (e.g., away from home), and mandating periodic reviews of their case plans. These provisions aim to standardize court processes while prioritizing youth safety and appropriate supervision.

Maddy summaryHB 1909 updates Pennsylvania's criminal code by clarifying and adjusting definitions and penalties for several existing offenses. It specifically addresses simple assault, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats, harassment, stalking, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, indecent assault, and disorderly conduct. The bill aims to refine how these crimes are defined and prosecuted under current law. It directly affects individuals charged with these specific offenses in Pennsylvania courts. The changes focus on improving legal clarity without creating new criminal categories.

Maddy summaryHB 2216 creates new court procedures in Pennsylvania for juvenile courts to issue "predicate orders" required for immigrant youth to apply for federal Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. It directly affects immigrant youth under 21 who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect and need these court orders to seek U.S. immigration protections. Key provisions include establishing a lower burden of proof (preponderance of evidence), presuming it is not in the juvenile’s best interest to return to their home country, and allowing courts to issue orders without parental notice if abandonment occurred for six months. The bill adds specific court procedures to Pennsylvania’s juvenile law to streamline this process, ensuring youth can access federal immigration pathways.

Maddy summaryHB 2212 requires Pennsylvania health insurance companies and other health care payers (including health maintenance organizations and self-insured employers) to reimburse out-of-network medical facilities that meet specific criteria, such as having a four-star patient satisfaction rating, offering faster service than nearby in-network facilities, or being partially owned by physicians who are in-network with the payer. The bill mandates that payers use a "baseball-style arbitration" process for payment disputes, where an independent third party selects either the payer's or facility's proposed payment amount without modification. It defines key terms like "highest in-network rate" to standardize how payers determine fair reimbursement for services. This law directly affects health care benefit plans regulated under Pennsylvania insurance law, aiming to reduce discrimination against qualifying out-of-network providers.