Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

Maddy summaryHB 1678 adds a 45-mill tax plus a 5-mill surtax on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users within Pennsylvania. It directly affects digital advertising providers (e.g., companies running banner or search ads) but exempts broadcast and news media entities. The tax applies to revenue from ads shown on digital interfaces (websites, apps) where users are located in Pennsylvania, excluding sales of internet access, telecom hardware, and resale services. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to regulate medical devices by banning specific toxic chemicals known as ortho-phthalates, with a primary focus on DEHP. The legislation targets manufacturers of intravenous solution containers and tubing, which currently use these chemicals to make plastic flexible. By prohibiting the intentional addition of these substances, the bill aims to prevent the chemicals from leaching into patient fluids and reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The law is based on findings that these compounds can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially harming reproductive health and contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on how electronic monitoring is currently used in Pennsylvania as an alternative to incarceration. The study will examine where and how this technology is applied, identify barriers to its use, and analyze costs and recidivism rates compared to traditional imprisonment. Committee members will consult with various government agencies, legal groups, and service providers to gather information, with the final report due to the House of Representatives within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to build a combined 3,000 megawatts of energy storage systems by July 2033, with specific targets for short-duration and long-duration storage. The Public Utility Commission will assign storage goals to each company based on their service area's demand and may adjust these targets if market conditions change. Companies must use open, competitive bidding processes overseen by an independent monitor to purchase this capacity through long-term contracts.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates June 19, 2026, as 'Korean-American Citizenship Day' to honor the 1890 naturalization of Philip Jaisohn, the first Korean-American citizen. The measure directly affects the state legislature and the Korean-American community by formally recognizing this historical milestone. It encourages citizens to observe the day and acknowledges the contributions of naturalized Korean Americans to Pennsylvania and the nation.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" within the state to honor the anniversary of the final abolition of slavery in the United States. The measure formally recognizes the historical significance of June 1865, when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Texas, and encourages residents to observe the day with ceremonies and educational programs. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create a paid state holiday or alter employment laws but serves to acknowledge the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of African American descendants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to recognize medical diagnoses made by healthcare providers before an individual is incarcerated. It prohibits the department from removing or ignoring such diagnoses, except when a healthcare provider (who made the diagnosis or has relevant expertise) submits a written recommendation for removal. The department may then choose to remove the diagnosis based on that recommendation. This change directly affects individuals entering state prisons by ensuring their pre-incarceration medical conditions are acknowledged in their records. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1731, the Consumer Debt Collection Fairness Act, requires debt collectors and debt buyers to provide detailed documentation before suing consumers for unpaid debt. It mandates that lawsuits include the original creditor’s name, a clear debt breakdown (including fees and payments), proof of debt ownership, and the original contract. The bill also sets a 3-year statute of limitations for debt collection lawsuits and prohibits default judgments without verified documentation or proper consumer notice. This directly affects consumers facing debt lawsuits and debt collectors in Pennsylvania, aiming to prevent abusive practices by ensuring transparency and fair legal process.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2026 as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the public safety issue of firearm-related harm. It does not create new laws or change regulations but serves as a symbolic resolution to acknowledge the impact of gun violence and honor those who have died from it. The measure affects the state legislature and the public by officially recognizing the month for awareness purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally recognizes June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" within the state. The measure directly affects the House of Representatives and serves to raise public awareness about elder abuse issues. It does not change laws or allocate funding, but rather expresses support for protecting older adults and encourages community vigilance and education against abuse.