Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 1900 would amend Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to create a tax credit for educators. This credit would allow teachers and school staff to reduce their income tax liability. The bill specifies this credit as part of the state's tax code changes, though details on eligibility or credit amount are not provided in the available context.

Maddy summaryHB 1971 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to restructure the electric utility industry and establish a legal framework for portable solar generation systems. The bill would directly affect electric utility companies and consumers who use or wish to install portable solar systems, including residential and small commercial users. Key provisions involve updating definitions within the public utilities code and creating new regulatory pathways for portable solar systems, though specific implementation details are not provided in the context. Without the full bill text, the exact mechanisms of the restructuring or solar system regulations cannot be detailed.

Maddy summaryHB 608 amends Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law (Title 18) to adjust penalties based on the severity of harm caused to animals. It classifies most cruelty violations as summary offenses, but raises penalties to a second-degree misdemeanor if the act causes bodily injury or imminent serious injury to an animal. The bill specifically increases penalties for unauthorized ear cropping (cutting ears without a licensed vet), making it a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a first-degree misdemeanor for repeat violations. This directly affects individuals who mistreat animals, particularly those performing prohibited ear cropping procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1604 would require certain municipal officers in Pennsylvania to complete mandatory firearms training under amendments to Title 53 of the state statutes. The bill directly affects municipal law enforcement personnel, such as police officers or other sworn employees, who handle firearms in their duties. Its key provision mandates that these officers receive regular firearms training as a condition of employment or continued certification. The bill is currently inactive after being "laid on the table" in October 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1933 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to require certain professionals (like animal control officers or veterinarians) to report suspected severe animal abuse as part of their existing duties. The bill specifically adds "aggravated cruelty to animals" to the list of offenses that must be reported, similar to how other serious crimes are handled. This change directly affects those who work with animals and have legal obligations to report abuse, making the reporting requirement more explicit for this specific violation. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1994 proposes to add a new offense called "political intimidation" to Pennsylvania's criminal code under Title 18. It defines this as committing assault, property damage (except institutional vandalism), or trespass with malicious intent specifically because of someone's political affiliation - such as their party membership or expressed political views. The bill sets penalties one degree higher than the underlying offense (e.g., a misdemeanor of the third degree for a summary offense), and clearly defines "political affiliation" and "malicious intention" to require hatred toward political identity as a necessary element. This bill directly affects individuals who target others' persons or property based on political views, making such acts a separate criminal offense with enhanced penalties. The legislation is pending in the 2025 session and would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1938 amends Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law to increase penalties for repeat offenses. It changes the grading of aggravated cruelty to animals: a first offense remains a third-degree felony, but a second or subsequent offense becomes a more serious second-degree felony. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of repeated animal cruelty under existing law. The change only modifies sentencing severity for repeat violations, with no new prohibitions or expanded scope of the offense. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe bill title contains a factual inconsistency: Pennsylvania's criminal code (Title 18) does not govern animal welfare practices like declawing. Declawing prohibitions are typically addressed in animal welfare statutes (e.g., Title 34), not criminal offenses. The title incorrectly lists "prohibition on declawing cats" under a criminal code amendment, which would be legally inaccurate. Therefore, a meaningful summary of the bill's actual provisions cannot be provided based on this erroneous title description.

Maddy summaryHR 349 is a resolution urging Congress to pass a law requiring all states to permanently observe daylight saving time (DST) year-round, eliminating the need to switch clocks twice a year. It directly affects all 50 U.S. states and their residents by proposing a permanent change to the current timekeeping system. The resolution itself does not change the law but calls on Congress to enact legislation making year-round DST the standard. This would mean states would no longer revert to standard time in the fall, keeping clocks one hour ahead of standard time all year.

Maddy summaryHB 1942 prohibits businesses from charging higher prices to consumers based on their data collection or surveillance practices. It directly affects consumers who might face discriminatory pricing and businesses that use tracking data to set prices. The bill requires companies to stop using surveillance data (like location or browsing history) to determine price differences, imposing fines for violations. This creates a clear policy change to prevent price discrimination tied to consumer data tracking.