Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryHB 1778 establishes a pilot program called the Essential Energy Stability Fund to provide limited financial assistance for utility bills to eligible low-income households during off-season periods (outside regular peak billing cycles). The fund would use a dedicated state appropriation to help households manage unexpected energy costs when they might face financial strain. This temporary program is designed to test whether targeted off-season support can improve energy affordability for vulnerable residents. The bill focuses on concrete funding for direct assistance, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1577 amends the Human Services Code to establish requirements for ensuring safe and humane practices in residential facilities caring for children and youth. It directly affects children in group homes, foster care settings, and similar institutions by mandating specific standards for their treatment and safety. The key provision requires these facilities to implement and maintain practices that prioritize child well-being and prevent harm. The bill passed the House on July 9, 2025, and is now referred to the Aging & Youth committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1576 updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to change how counties receive payments for child welfare services. It requires counties to submit detailed reports on their service delivery for state review before payments are finalized. This directly affects counties that provide child welfare programs by adding reporting requirements to the payment process. The bill modifies existing payment rules to improve oversight and ensure funds align with actual service provision.

Maddy summaryHB 1573 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to improve access to services for children and youth. It requires human services agencies to collect and report more detailed statistics on service usage and outcomes, and provides funding for research to evaluate program effectiveness. These changes aim to make service delivery more responsive to community needs by strengthening data collection and research support within existing youth-focused programs. The bill directly affects children, youth, and agencies administering human services programs under the code.

Maddy summaryHB 1762 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a 12-month residency requirement for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. It directly affects students enrolling at Pennsylvania's public higher education institutions (including community colleges, State System universities, and State-related institutions) starting in the fall 2025 semester. To qualify for lower in-state tuition rates, students must have lived in Pennsylvania continuously for at least 12 months prior to enrollment. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, or immediately thereafter.

Maddy summaryHB 1758 removes existing rules that prevented employers from disciplining or terminating volunteer firefighters, ambulance staff, or rescue squad members who missed work for emergency calls. It replaces these provisions with a new tax credit program for employers who hire volunteer emergency responders (including firefighters, ambulance personnel, and rescue squad members). The tax credit, available to both private businesses and government entities, helps offset costs associated with employing these volunteers. This bill directly affects volunteer emergency responders and their employers across Pennsylvania by shifting from disciplinary protections to a financial incentive.

Maddy summaryHB 1760 establishes a 5% minimum annual participation goal for veteran business enterprises (including service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses) in Pennsylvania's state procurement contracts. It requires the Department of General Services to verify business certifications, maintain a directory of qualified veteran-owned businesses, and provide assistance to help these businesses compete for contracts. The bill also creates an "aspirational target" for participation that can be adjusted every five years after a disparity study, and allows agencies to request waivers for specific contract goals. This applies to Commonwealth agencies purchasing goods or services under Titles 51, 62, and 74 of Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryHB 1757 creates a voluntary Pennsylvania firefighter cancer registry managed by the Department of Health. It requires collecting anonymized data from firefighters, including fire incident types, work history, health information, and demographics, to link with existing cancer registry data. The registry aims to identify cancer trends and regional disparities among firefighters, with annual reports to the Governor and legislature containing findings and recommendations. All data remains confidential and cannot be used in court or for disciplinary actions. The registry will also make de-identified data available for public research without fees.

Maddy summaryHB 564 updates Pennsylvania law to establish a new mental health crisis response system. It requires the Department of Human Services to create and operate this system, including training crisis responders and coordinating care. The bill directly affects individuals experiencing mental health crises and the state agencies responsible for emergency mental health services. Key provisions mandate specific duties for DHS to ensure timely, accessible crisis support statewide. The bill passed final passage on July 14, 2025, and is now under review by the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1751 creates a new Office of Employee Ownership within the state's Department of Community and Economic Development to support employee-owned businesses. It establishes an Employee Ownership Advisory Board to guide the program and a Main Street Employee Ownership Grant Program to provide funding for these businesses. The bill also directs the state to offer technical and financial assistance to help employee-owned enterprises grow and operate. This bill directly affects employee-owned businesses seeking support, grants, and guidance through state programs.