Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 1385 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to clarify definitions and update how courts handle cases involving young people who commit offenses. It directly affects juvenile offenders, courts, and child welfare agencies by standardizing terms like "delinquent child" and specifying court procedures for dispositions. Key provisions include revising legal definitions to reduce ambiguity and establishing clearer guidelines for court decisions on supervision, treatment, or other outcomes for minors. The bill aims to create more consistent and transparent processes within the juvenile justice system. (Note: The bill is currently "laid on the table" and not actively moving forward in the legislative process.)

Maddy summaryHB 2008 would create a pilot program allowing schools to establish youth courts to handle minor disciplinary issues involving students, directly affecting participating schools and youth who might otherwise face traditional disciplinary actions. The bill provides grants to schools for implementing these courts, establishes a dedicated Youth Court Program Account to manage funding, and transfers existing state funds into this account to support the initiative. This program aims to offer restorative alternatives to suspensions or referrals to juvenile justice systems for low-level offenses. The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 2007 mandates a specific $62 million transfer from Pennsylvania's Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund by November 1, 2025, to address the loss of federal SNAP benefits. The funds are allocated as follows: $50 million to the Department of Agriculture for food bank grants under existing state food programs, $10 million to the Department of Human Services for senior meal assistance, and $2 million for administration and outreach. This bill directly affects food banks, senior assistance organizations, and state agencies managing these programs. It requires the transfer to occur regardless of the usual emergency funding process outlined in Section 1703-A(b), which typically requires a two-thirds legislative vote for reserve fund appropriations. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1828 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover all recommended vaccines without requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles. It directly affects insurance companies by mandating this coverage and patients who rely on insurance for routine immunizations (e.g., childhood vaccines, flu shots). The bill adds penalties for insurers that fail to comply with the coverage requirement. This policy change ensures broader access to vaccines by removing financial barriers under insurance plans.

Maddy summaryHB 2004 creates a special account to hold emergency funds for SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to low-income residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services, the Secretary of the Budget, and the State Treasurer to transfer these funds to pay SNAP recipients. This establishes a dedicated funding mechanism specifically for emergency SNAP benefit payments. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients by ensuring a streamlined process for receiving benefits during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1974 creates a new Contingency Management Support Grant Program within the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The bill establishes a mechanism for distributing grants to support substance use disorder treatment programs that use evidence-based contingency management approaches (like providing rewards for treatment adherence). This program directly affects licensed treatment providers and individuals receiving substance use disorder services by providing funding for these specific support services. The bill amends the 1929 Administrative Code to authorize this grant program under the department's existing authority.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 10, 2025, as the "250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps" for observance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - the location where the Corps was founded. It has no binding effect on policy or funding but formally recognizes this historical milestone. The resolution was adopted by Congress on October 29, 2025, following committee review. It directly affects commemorative observances in Philadelphia and the Marine Corps community.

Maddy summaryHB 2002 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, a multi-state agreement designed to simplify licensing for school psychologists working across state lines. The bill directly affects school psychologists seeking employment in multiple states and requires Pennsylvania’s Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth to adopt the compact’s terms and implement its provisions. Key mechanisms include standardizing licensing requirements so that psychologists licensed in one compact state can practice in others without additional exams or paperwork. This would streamline mobility for professionals while maintaining consistent practice standards across participating states.

Maddy summaryHB 1924 requires Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission (PUC) to oversee utilities' electricity demand forecasts (load forecasting) and mandates that utilities provide the PUC with access to confidential contracts and information. It also requires utilities to submit annual reports detailing their forecasting methods and data. The bill directly affects electric and gas utilities operating in Pennsylvania by increasing PUC transparency and oversight of their planning processes. These provisions aim to ensure accurate forecasting and accountability in utility operations without specifying cost impacts or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 468 would designate the first Monday in February each year as "Emancipation Day" in the Commonwealth. This bill establishes an annual state observance to recognize the historical significance of emancipation for residents. It does not create new programs or alter existing laws, but formally designates a date for commemoration by state institutions and officials. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the State Government committee.