Rep. Arvind Venkat

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 29, 2025, as "22nd Amendment Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates Pennsylvania's ratification of the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on April 29, 1947, which established presidential term limits. The resolution has no legal effect and serves only as a ceremonial observance. It does not alter any laws or impact any individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 951 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to replace the term "handicapped" with "accessible" in all state materials related to disability plates, placards, and parking regulations. It updates the exemption for nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities to use the phrase "individuals with mental or physical disabilities" instead of outdated language. The bill also revises city parking regulations to require the use of "accessible" in signage, permit programs, and enforcement materials for cities of the first and second class. These changes apply directly to disabled individuals using state-issued plates, nonprofits serving them, and city parking authorities managing parking systems.

Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Pennsylvania schools to accept U.S. currency as payment for admission to school-sponsored activities, such as athletic events, assemblies, or field trips. It applies to all school entities, including public school districts, charter schools, and private schools participating in school activities. The bill mandates that cash must be accepted when fees are charged, while allowing schools to also accept other payment methods like credit cards. It defines "cash" as U.S. coins and paper money recognized as legal tender and clarifies that schools may refuse payments in large denominations that exceed the fee amount.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 119) designates February 24 through March 2, 2025, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in the state. It symbolically recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about eating disorders, which affect millions and have high mortality rates. The resolution urges the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials, healthcare providers, and residents to observe the week with educational activities and promote early intervention resources. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, serving solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of the issue.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution formally recognizes March 17, 2025, as "St. Patrick's Day" within the state. It acknowledges Irish Americans' military contributions during the Revolutionary War, citing historical records showing they comprised 40-50% of the Continental Army by 1778. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, celebrating cultural heritage. It directly affects Pennsylvanians of Irish descent (over 15% of the state's population) through this official recognition. The resolution does not alter any laws or provide funding.

Maddy summaryHB 917 repeals Chapter 33 of Pennsylvania's Insurance Code, which previously required insurers offering plans through the state's health insurance exchange to follow specific federal health care law rules regarding abortion coverage. The repealed provisions included a ban on abortion coverage in most plans (except for complications or miscarriage treatment) and an opt-out option for abortion coverage. This bill directly affects insurers and health plans sold through Pennsylvania's health insurance exchange by removing these specific federal compliance requirements. The change eliminates the state's prior restrictions on abortion coverage within qualified health plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new supplemental monthly annuity to certain Pennsylvania state retirees' benefits, effective July 2025. It applies to retirees receiving superannuation, withdrawal, or disability annuities who retired before July 2, 2001, and do not have specific service credits (like Class D-4 or Class AA). The additional payment amount is a percentage of their July 2025 monthly annuity, ranging from 10% to 20% based on their retirement date. The cost will be funded through equal annual installments over 10 years starting July 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 887 prevents Pennsylvania counties and municipalities from regulating the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or components - except when on property they own, operate, or maintain (like buildings, parks, or vehicles). It repeals a current law (Title 53 § 2962(g)) that banned local governments from creating firearm regulations. The bill directly affects all local governments by limiting their authority to enact firearm-related ordinances. This change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 876 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how civil officers in Pennsylvania can be removed from office. It replaces the current requirement of "conviction of misbehavior in office" with a standard requiring a "finding or verdict of guilt" (including pleas of nolo contendere) for crimes related to an officer's official duties. This affects appointed civil officers (excluding judges of record courts) and elected officials like mayors or county officials, but not the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, legislators, or judges of record courts. The amendment would require removal by the Governor for "reasonable cause" after a hearing, with approval from two-thirds of the Senate. The bill also outlines the procedural steps for submitting the constitutional change to voters.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "National Transit Worker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the work of approximately 16,800 public transit employees (including bus/train operators, drivers, and maintenance staff) who support over 237 million annual trips for Pennsylvania residents. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages the public to thank transit workers for their role in connecting communities to jobs, healthcare, and education. It specifically highlights concerns about safety risks transit workers face, including recent incidents of violence. The resolution is symbolic and non-binding, limited to Pennsylvania's House of Representatives.