Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 997 updates Pennsylvania's data breach notification law, requiring businesses to notify affected individuals more clearly and promptly after a security breach involving personal information. It directly affects businesses that collect or store personal data, such as healthcare providers, retailers, and financial institutions. Key changes include modernizing definitions of personal information, clarifying when notification is required, adding new security protections, and repealing outdated civil relief provisions. The bill also removes certain exemptions that previously allowed businesses to delay or avoid notifying individuals about breaches.

Maddy summaryHB 1866 would have expanded Pennsylvania's definition of "prohibited offensive weapons" under criminal law to include specific items like modified firearms and certain knives, making it a crime to attempt to obtain or possess them. The bill aimed to clarify that inchoate offenses (such as attempted possession) involving these weapons would be punishable under existing statutes. It directly affected individuals facing charges related to preparing to obtain or carry these weapons. However, the bill was defeated during final passage on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include the specific provisions, definitions, or policy changes of HB 1496. The bill title indicates it amends Pennsylvania's Price Gouging Act (2006) regarding definitions and prohibited price gouging, but no concrete details about the amendments are given. Without additional information on what the bill changes or how it affects consumers or businesses, a substantive summary cannot be created. The bill remains pending in committee with no further legislative action described.

Maddy summaryHB 880 amends Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking in most indoor public places. The bill updates existing definitions, signage requirements, and enforcement procedures for venues covered by the law (like restaurants and bars), while maintaining the core smoking prohibition. It makes technical adjustments to the law's structure and language but does not change the fundamental restrictions on smoking in public indoor spaces.

Maddy summaryHB 1903 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update the Safe2Say Program, a school safety reporting system, by clarifying definitions and enhancing program requirements. It also adds new requirements for colleges and universities, mandating they establish written policies addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence, along with implementing an online reporting system for incidents. The bill directly affects public schools and postsecondary institutions by changing how they handle safety reporting and campus conduct policies. Key provisions include standardizing definitions for consistency and requiring institutions to provide accessible online reporting tools for students. These changes aim to improve clarity and accessibility in addressing safety and harassment concerns across educational settings.

Maddy summaryHB 1904 would amend Pennsylvania's sentencing laws to specifically address hate-based intimidation, which occurs when someone intimidates another person due to their race, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics. The bill requires courts to consider community impact statements during sentencing, which are written accounts from community members about how the crime affected the broader community. This change would directly affect judges, courts handling such cases, and the communities impacted by bias-motivated intimidation offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1888 establishes a Statewide Advisory Council on Playground Safety to develop safety guidelines and make recommendations for public playgrounds across Pennsylvania. The council will consist of appointed experts in child safety and recreation, with duties including annual reporting to the Governor and legislature on safety improvements. This bill directly affects state agencies responsible for playground oversight and public playground operators by creating a formal process for enhancing safety standards. It amends Pennsylvania’s Health and Safety statutes to implement this advisory structure, focusing on concrete policy changes without altering existing safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary grant program to fund public schools in Pennsylvania that prepare meals from scratch (rather than using pre-packaged or processed foods) for students. It directly affects public schools participating in the pilot, allowing them to apply for state grants to cover costs associated with preparing fresh meals. The key provision establishes the program under the Public School Code, requiring the state education department to administer the grants and evaluate the pilot's effectiveness. The goal is to test whether scratch-cooked meals improve student nutrition and school meal participation, with results informing potential future policy changes. (Note: Specific grant amounts, duration, and participating school criteria are not detailed in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryHB 1865 increases Pennsylvania's tax rate on insurance premiums from 2.8% to 8% for insurance companies operating within the state. The change applies to calendar years beginning in 2026, directly affecting all insurance companies collecting premiums in Pennsylvania. The bill amends Section 902(a) of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to implement this rate increase without additional provisions. This policy change raises the tax obligation for insurers but does not alter the scope of businesses subject to the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 1863 would create a new public health insurance plan, called the Public Option, available to state residents as an alternative to private insurance. It establishes a dedicated Public Option Program Fund to support the plan and requires the Insurance Department to administer the program, including setting up enrollment and oversight. Health insurers would be obligated to participate in the Public Option Program. This bill directly affects residents seeking health coverage and insurers operating in the state.