Rep. Jeremy Shaffer

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 28, 2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about food insecurity. It directly affects the state's residents, particularly the 1.7 million Pennsylvanians currently facing hunger, including over 475,000 children. The resolution encourages individuals and organizations to support efforts that expand access to nutritious food and promote understanding of the issue. The text highlights statistics on hunger in the state and nation while noting the impact of food deserts and recent changes to federal nutrition programs. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the challenge rather than implementing new policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2026, as "The Blessing of the Balers Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates a story about a farmer whose equipment was fixed after a priest prayed over it. The bill has no legal effect beyond naming the date and expressing good wishes to farmers. It is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to promote safe driving habits. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal recognition to encourage drivers to avoid distractions like texting and talking while operating vehicles. It highlights statistics on distracted driving crashes and fatalities to raise public awareness about the dangers. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to focus on the road and discuss the risks of distracted driving with their families.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates the week of May 3 through 9, 2026, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" to raise public and medical awareness about the condition. The bill highlights that tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that can occur in people taking antipsychotic medications, particularly those who are older, Black, female, or have had long-term medication exposure. It encourages healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers to learn more about the symptoms of the condition and the importance of regular screenings to enable early detection and treatment. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote education and awareness about this health issue.

Maddy summaryHR 417 is a symbolic resolution designating November 2025 as "Indiana University of Pennsylvania Appreciation Month" to celebrate the university's 150th anniversary. It formally recognizes IUP's history - from its founding as Indiana Normal School in 1875 to its current role in Pennsylvania's higher education system - without creating any legal obligations or funding changes. The resolution honors IUP's contributions to the state but does not affect any policies, programs, or individuals beyond this commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryHB 2163 updates Pennsylvania's Dental Law by clarifying definitions and licensing rules. It specifically revises the definition of "restricted faculty license" to allow licensed dental school faculty to teach in non-profit clinical facilities or accredited advanced education programs, while explicitly excluding profit-driven operations. The bill also amends licensing provisions to require a 10-year waiting period for applicants convicted under drug laws (like the Controlled Substance Act), unless they demonstrate rehabilitation and pose no risk to public safety. These changes directly affect dental schools, faculty members, and applicants with prior drug-related convictions seeking licensure. The bill focuses on modernizing scope-of-practice definitions and refining the review process for certain applicants, without altering general licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Second Class City Firemen Relief Law to update pension eligibility rules for surviving spouses of fire department members. It modifies membership requirements for married firefighters and adjusts how pensions are calculated and provided to surviving spouses after a member's death. The changes directly affect married firefighters employed in second-class cities and their spouses who may qualify for pension benefits under this law. The bill focuses on clarifying and adjusting existing pension provisions rather than creating new benefits.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" within the state. The measure aims to honor healthcare workers and hospitals by encouraging residents to show appreciation for their services and urging state representatives to visit local facilities. While it highlights the significant economic and community contributions of hospitals, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the healthcare system's role in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and their families. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to increase public understanding of the disease and support ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by those living with ALS and the importance of continued medical investigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes April 2026 as "National Poetry Month" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official statement of support for poetry and the literary arts. The resolution acknowledges the cultural and educational value of poetry, noting its role in education and community engagement. Sponsored by multiple legislators, it aims to honor the tradition of celebrating poetry during this designated month.