Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryHB 2128 amends Pennsylvania's firearm licensing laws by updating the criteria for denying concealed carry permits and requiring detailed annual reporting from the Pennsylvania State Police. It specifies that sheriffs may deny licenses based on violations of federal weapon carriage rules (49 CFR 1540.111) as "good cause," directly affecting applicants seeking concealed carry permits. The bill also mandates the State Police to annually report to the General Assembly on firearm sales types, denied application statistics, background check processing times, license issuances/reversals, and other key metrics. These changes focus on clarifying denial standards and increasing transparency around firearm licensing data. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2122 amends Pennsylvania's indecent exposure statute (Title 18, Section 3127) to change how offenses are graded based on whether minors (under 16) were present and the offender's prior record. If minors were present, a first offense becomes a misdemeanor of the first degree (previously second degree), and a second or subsequent offense becomes a felony of the third degree (previously a misdemeanor). For cases without minors present, a second offense becomes a misdemeanor of the first degree (previously second degree), and third or subsequent offenses become felonies. The bill directly affects individuals committing indecent exposure in Pennsylvania, altering penalties based on victim age and repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1628 extends Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover pregnancy-related care and postpartum support for up to 12 additional months after childbirth or pregnancy loss (such as miscarriage). It directly affects pregnant and postpartum women who are currently receiving medical assistance, have income below 215% of the federal poverty level, and are not otherwise eligible for ongoing assistance. The bill requires the state to seek federal approval for this extension via a waiver under the Social Security Act, and if federal approval is denied, it mandates a report to the legislature within 180 days detailing how to revise the application for future approval. This change aims to improve access to healthcare during a critical period following pregnancy.

Maddy summaryHB 1825 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to require employers to establish clear anti-discrimination policies and procedures for handling workplace complaints. It directly affects all businesses and organizations in Pennsylvania that employ people. The bill mandates specific steps for documenting and investigating discrimination claims, such as requiring written procedures for reporting incidents. It also expands the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's authority to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 505 proposes restructuring how electricity companies operate in Pennsylvania by amending the state's public utilities code. It requires electric utilities to implement new energy efficiency and conservation programs for customers, directly affecting both utility companies and residential/commercial electricity users. Key provisions include mandating specific energy-saving measures and updating how utility programs are funded and administered. The bill aims to modernize the electric industry framework while expanding access to efficiency resources for consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 150 proposes changes to Pennsylvania's sentencing laws by removing outdated rules about transferring inmates requiring medical care and creating a new process for judges to modify prison terms when an individual's illness prevents them from serving their full sentence. The bill directly affects people incarcerated in Pennsylvania who develop serious medical conditions during their sentence. Key provisions include ending the current transfer system for medical cases and establishing a clear procedure for courts to adjust sentences based on documented health issues. This would allow judges to shorten sentences for health-related reasons without requiring a separate legal process. The bill is currently under review in the Appropriations committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1957 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would add a right to "personal reproductive liberty" to Pennsylvania's state constitution. This would directly affect all Pennsylvanians by guaranteeing legal protection for decisions related to reproductive health care, including access to abortion, contraception, and related services. The key mechanism is amending the state constitution to explicitly protect these rights, rather than creating new laws. This is a procedural step requiring voter approval after legislative passage, as constitutional amendments in Pennsylvania must be ratified by voters.

Maddy summaryHB 1530, the Genetic Information Privacy Act, requires direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies operating in Pennsylvania to protect residents' genetic data. Companies must obtain clear, separate consent for data collection, use, sharing, and retention; implement security measures; and provide consumers with access to or deletion of their data. The bill specifically prohibits sharing genetic data with insurers, employers, or third parties without explicit written consent. Violations could result in $2,500 civil penalties per incident, enforced by the Attorney General’s office. The law applies to Pennsylvania residents and covers genetic data like DNA test results, but excludes research data collected under federal health privacy rules.

Maddy summaryHB 274 amends Pennsylvania's 1936 Unemployment Compensation Law to change eligibility rules for workers seeking benefits. It specifically expands eligibility for individuals fleeing domestic violence by removing barriers to claiming compensation in such cases. The bill also modifies how unemployment compensation rates and benefit amounts are calculated. These changes directly affect unemployed workers in Pennsylvania who qualify under the updated rules. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 2107 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, an existing agreement among states to simplify licensing for school psychologists who wish to work across state lines. The compact would allow school psychologists licensed in one participating state to obtain an equivalent license in another without repeating lengthy application processes, while still requiring them to follow the practice laws of the state where they work. This aims to address school staffing shortages by making it easier for licensed psychologists to relocate, particularly benefiting military families and schools facing workforce gaps. The bill also specifies that Pennsylvania's Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth must take steps to join the compact and implement its requirements.