Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryHB 439 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly define "race" as including hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as locs, braids, or afros), and "religious creed" as including head coverings or hairstyles tied to religious practice. Employers cannot prohibit these features unless they prove the rule is necessary for health/safety, non-discriminatory, job-specific, and applied equally. The law does not prevent employers from enforcing general safety rules or anti-harassment policies that apply fairly across all employees. This directly affects employers and employees in Pennsylvania workplaces by clarifying protections against discrimination related to appearance.

Maddy summaryHB 1528 establishes the Grand-family Assistance Program to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren. It creates a dedicated fund to make regular payments to local area agencies on aging, which will administer the program and assist eligible families. The bill requires the Department of Aging to manage the program and oversee fund distribution, ensuring direct support reaches affected relatives caring for children. This policy change directly affects grandfamilies and local aging services agencies through structured financial aid and administrative responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 2025 as "Care at Home Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes home care services and providers supporting Pennsylvania residents, particularly older adults and individuals needing in-home assistance. As a commemorative resolution (not a law with new requirements or funding), it has no direct regulatory or financial impact but aims to raise awareness of home care. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on November 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 326 is a symbolic resolution designating December 1, 2025, as "Young Involved Philadelphia Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the contributions of Philadelphia youth engaged in community activities, without creating new laws or altering policies. The resolution has no legal effect but serves as an official acknowledgment by the state legislature. It directly affects Philadelphia youth organizations and city officials through this ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryHB 2059 amends Pennsylvania's prison laws to establish clearer rules for segregated confinement (seclusion in prison cells) and create oversight. It directly affects incarcerated people in Pennsylvania prisons by requiring a new Segregated Confinement Hearing Review Board to review cases where individuals are placed in segregation. The bill sets specific time limits for segregation, mandates regular reviews by the board, and updates definitions in prison statutes to improve transparency. These changes aim to prevent indefinite or arbitrary segregation while providing a formal process for review.

Maddy summaryHB 1652 adds Gaucher disease to Pennsylvania's mandatory newborn screening program under the Newborn Child Testing Act. The bill expands the existing program to require screening for this genetic disorder in newborns, directly affecting all infants born in Pennsylvania. Key provisions include updating the list of covered conditions under Section 3(a)(1) of the 1965 Act, ensuring healthcare providers screen for Gaucher disease to identify it early. This change aims to enable timely treatment to prevent intellectual or physical disabilities, aligning with the program's existing purpose. The bill does not alter funding or implementation processes, only adding one specific condition to the screening list.

Maddy summaryHB 1908 amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to strengthen enforcement of protection orders in abuse cases. The bill requires law enforcement to make an arrest when someone violates a protection order, rather than allowing discretion. It also specifies that violating a protection order or a related agreement (like a custody agreement) can be treated as contempt of court. This directly affects victims of domestic abuse, law enforcement officers, and individuals subject to protection orders by changing how violations are handled under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 2030 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Interstate Compact, enabling APRNs (like nurse practitioners and anesthetists) to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This directly affects APRNs working in Pennsylvania and those seeking to practice in other compact states. The bill requires the Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth to adopt the compact's terms and implement its provisions. If enacted, it would streamline licensing for APRNs providing care in multiple states, reducing administrative barriers for healthcare providers and patients.

Maddy summaryHR 153 designates the week of November 16-22, 2025, as "County Row Office Employee Appreciation Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors county office employees for their service but does not create new laws or provide funding. It is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy changes or financial impact on affected individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHR 305 is a Pennsylvania legislative resolution designating November 2025 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" within the state. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but formally recognizes the month to promote public awareness about pancreatic cancer. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvanians by encouraging community events, education, and support for cancer research and patient advocacy during that period. It was adopted by the state legislature on November 17, 2025.