Rep. Arvind Venkat

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude gun safes and gun locks from sales and use taxes. It directly affects retailers selling these security devices and consumers purchasing them for firearm storage. The legislation defines a gun safe as a self-contained enclosure with locking mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access, while explicitly excluding gun cabinets from the tax exemption. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates July 4, 2026, as "Valley Forge National Historical Park Day" to celebrate the park's 50th anniversary. The bill directly affects the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Valley Forge National Historical Park by officially recognizing the date for commemorative purposes. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic designation to honor the site's historical significance during its half-century milestone.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. It does not change laws or allocate funding, but instead encourages government agencies, schools, businesses, and residents to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness. The resolution calls for communities to promote accessible mental health services and reduce stigma around mental health conditions. It is a symbolic measure intended to highlight the importance of mental health without implementing new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 18, 2025, as "Willie Thrower Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate Willie Thrower, who became the first African-American quarterback to play in the modern NFL (for the Chicago Bears in 1953). It recognizes his historic 1953 milestone, his 1952 national championship with Michigan State, and his local legacy in New Kensington, including community honors like the Willie Thrower Award Foundation. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely symbolic. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents through a state-recognized observance of this historical figure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs state committees to study how Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance pay for behavioral health crisis services in Pennsylvania. The investigation aims to understand how current payment methods affect the ability of crisis centers to operate sustainably and provide accessible care. The study will analyze specific financial data, compare reimbursement rates across different payors, and review successful models used in other states. Ultimately, the committees will develop recommendations to improve funding and ensure the long-term viability of these essential services.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill directs the Office of Attorney General to run a public education campaign aimed at increasing consumer understanding of artificial intelligence. The campaign will use various media channels to teach the public how to identify AI-generated content, avoid AI-enabled scams, protect personal data, and recognize potential biases in AI systems. Special attention will be given to vulnerable populations and children, with guidance provided on safe use of chatbots and detection of forged digital likenesses. The Office of Attorney General must submit a report on the campaign's performance within one year of its start, and funding will be provided by the General Assembly as needed.

Maddy summaryHB 2120 amends Pennsylvania's Loan Interest and Protection Law by adding two definitions: "residential mortgage" and "shared appreciation agreement." It defines a residential mortgage as a loan secured by a lien on property with two or fewer residential units (or for construction) with an original principal amount at or below a specific base figure. A shared appreciation agreement is defined as a transaction where an individual receives money in exchange for an interest in residential property secured by a lien, excluding government-backed home loans. This bill directly affects lenders, borrowers, and legal interpretations of mortgage agreements by clarifying the law's scope without changing existing interest rate rules or protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 establishes a certification program for chiropractic assistants in Pennsylvania. To become certified, individuals must be at least 18, have a high school diploma, complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet background requirements. Certified assistants can only perform tasks delegated by a licensed chiropractor under direct on-premises supervision and must complete 16 hours of continuing education (including 8 in-person hours) every two years to maintain certification. The bill also makes minor editorial changes to the existing Chiropractic Practice Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that officially designates June 2, 2026, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's high cancer rates. It highlights statistics on cancer diagnoses and deaths in the Commonwealth while noting disparities in access to care for various communities. The resolution urges lawmakers to support future legislation aimed at improving cancer prevention, detection, and treatment services. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to honor those affected by cancer and advocate for improved health outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution, not a law with policy changes. It asks the Pennsylvania General Assembly to officially commemorate June 6, 2025 - the 81st anniversary of D-Day - as "D-Day" within Pennsylvania. The resolution encourages local governments and communities to hold observances honoring the historical event and its sacrifices, but it imposes no new requirements or obligations on citizens, businesses, or state agencies. It is purely commemorative, reflecting on the 1944 Allied invasion of Normandy.