Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 265 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to change eligibility rules for workers at educational institutions, such as teachers or staff employed on a term-by-term basis. It removes a prior requirement that these workers must prove they would not return to the same institution for the next academic term to receive benefits during breaks between terms. This change applies to service performed after the bill's effective date and aligns with federal guidelines (26 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(6)). The bill directly affects temporary and part-time employees in schools and colleges who experience academic breaks.

Maddy summaryHB 1430 would require social media platforms operating in Pennsylvania to protect minors under 16 years old. The bill bans "dark patterns" (deceptive design features that impair user choice) and mandates that platforms allow minors to permanently delete their accounts and personal information so it cannot be retrieved. It also requires platforms to implement a consent process for minors to open accounts. Violations would be subject to penalties under the law.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 167 recognizes May 9-18, 2025, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the economic and community benefits of public gardens, including supporting over 2,000 jobs, contributing more than $500 million to the state economy, and welcoming 4.2 million annual visitors. It emphasizes public gardens' roles in conservation, education, and promoting health through outdoor engagement. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or obligations but aims to raise awareness of these institutions' value.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the feasibility of developing offshore wind, solar, and hydropower projects on Pennsylvania's portion of Lake Erie. The study will examine potential job creation (including construction, maintenance, and manufacturing roles), economic impacts, environmental benefits like reduced emissions, and the projected electricity generation capacity. It requires the Commission to consult with energy experts, environmental groups, labor leaders, and surrounding states before submitting a report to relevant legislative committees within 12 months. The resolution does not authorize actual projects but aims to inform future policy decisions about renewable energy development in the region.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses statute to increase the penalties for scattering rubbish. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of littering or illegal dumping by raising the potential fines. For a first offense, the maximum fine increases from $300 to $2,000. More serious and subsequent offenses will also see significantly higher maximum fines, ranging up to $20,000 for repeat severe violations. The bill maintains existing provisions for community service, such as picking up litter, and potential imprisonment.

Maddy summaryHB 1289 establishes a 2026 adjustment for retired municipal police officers and firefighters who retired before January 1, 2016, and have been retired for at least 10, 15, or 20 years as of January 1, 2026. Eligible retirees will receive monthly payments of $250, $375, or $500 based on their retirement duration, with reductions for prior benefits received and caps if multiple retirement systems apply. Municipalities must certify these payments and will receive full reimbursement from the Commonwealth for the 2026 costs. This extends a similar state reimbursement program previously used for 2002 adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 492 repeals Section 8041 of Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code, which previously regulated rodeo events. This removes specific municipal restrictions on rodeo operations, including a 12-day annual limit for ticketed rodeos and definitions for "rodeo hosting entities." The bill directly affects municipalities (counties, cities, townships) and rodeo operators by eliminating these regulatory requirements. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment, streamlining the Fiscal Code by removing outdated provisions unrelated to fiscal management.

Maddy summaryHR 114 is a resolution that recognizes the week of March 10 through 14, 2025, as "Civic Learning Week" in Pennsylvania. It highlights the importance of civic education for an informed and engaged citizenry.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the week of May 9-15, 2025, as "National Stuttering Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically raises awareness about stuttering - a speech disorder affecting approximately 130,000 Pennsylvanians - without creating new laws, funding, or obligations. The resolution aims to highlight misconceptions about stuttering and support efforts to reduce stigma, particularly for children and adults who stutter.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 37) designates March 13, 2025, as "K9 Veterans Awareness and Services Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes working dogs and their handlers, trainers, and helpers serving in military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and service roles (including support for people with disabilities). The resolution urges government agencies to acknowledge these animals' contributions on that date but does not create new laws or funding. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on raising awareness and expressing gratitude for K9 units' service.