Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 995 amends Pennsylvania law to require the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to include provisions for protecting owned animals in the state's emergency management plan. The bill creates new funding for approved animal response teams to develop and maintain rescue capabilities, with PEMA allocating annual funds based on agency standards. It defines "owned animals" as pets, agricultural animals, or those under a Game Commission permit (excluding wildlife) and mandates that teams receiving funds maintain records for audit. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1002 requires Pennsylvania public and private schools to notify parents or legal guardians when a student threatens suicide or is involved in bullying (as defined in state law). Schools must adopt a written policy for these notifications, keep records of each notification (exempt from public records requests), and provide parents with suicide prevention resources, including information on limiting access to firearms or medication. Students can request copies of their own records under this policy and, after graduating high school, ask for those records to be permanently removed. The bill takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to increase annual limits on research and development (R&D) tax credits. It raises the total annual credit cap from $60 million to $120 million, with $24 million specifically reserved for small businesses (up from $12 million). Unused allocations for either small businesses or other qualifying businesses can roll over to the other group within the same fiscal year. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1029 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Labor Relations Act to clarify worker protections and union election processes. It defines "employe" more broadly (excluding independent contractors) and bans agreements that prevent workers from joining class or collective lawsuits. Employers must post notices about labor rights and provide detailed voter lists for union elections within two business days of a board order. The bill also adds new unfair labor practices, including coercing workers to sign agreements that limit their right to pursue collective claims. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers, employers, and labor organizations involved in union representation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1034 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to clarify utility payment rules for renters. It requires landlords who collect water, sewer, gas, or electricity payments directly from tenants to include a written notice in the lease about this obligation and provide a copy of the utility bill to the tenant within five days of a written request. The bill directly affects residential tenants and landlords in Pennsylvania rental agreements. Key provisions ensure transparency by mandating written notice and timely access to billing information, with the law taking effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 982 requires that all Pennsylvania vehicle registration cards and driver's license applications include a clear statement about littering laws. The statement explains that littering from vehicles - such as dropping trash on roads, public property, or waterways - is illegal and can result in fines up to $300 or community service for litter pick-up. This applies to every vehicle owner and driver during registration or licensing, ensuring they acknowledge these rules at the point of application. The bill does not change existing littering penalties but mandates this notice to inform applicants about Section 3709 of the Vehicle Code.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 138) orders Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission to study civic education in the state and develop cost-effective recommendations to improve it. It directly affects Pennsylvania students and schools by requiring an analysis of current civics assessments (under Act 35 of 2018), comparisons with high-performing states, and strategies to strengthen civic education across three pillars: knowledge, skills, and action. The study must include evaluations of existing assessment methods, successful models from other states, and approaches to boost student engagement, with a report due within 18 months. The resolution does not change laws but aims to inform future policy based on evidence.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the month to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer, emphasizing the importance of early screening and prevention based on current health data. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to prioritize screenings and adopt preventive health habits. It aligns with national awareness efforts and references recent medical recommendations for screenings starting at age 45.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows housing authorities in specific Pennsylvania jurisdictions - including second-class counties, second-class cities, second-class A cities, and third-class cities - to appoint their own police officers. These officers would have the same authority as municipal police on housing authority properties and adjacent areas, including enforcing order under local laws. To qualify, officers must complete the same training and certification required for municipal police under state law and maintain that certification. The bill expands housing authorities' security capabilities without altering their core mission of providing low-income housing.

Maddy summaryHB 964, the Victims of Violence Safe Employment Act, provides eligible Pennsylvania employees with up to 160 hours of protected leave when they or a defined family member experience a "qualifying act" of violence - including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking this leave, and employees can sue if they face adverse actions like termination or demotion for using it. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners, caregivers, and others with significant emotional ties, and "qualifying acts" cover both criminal and non-criminal violent conduct. It requires employers to allow the leave without penalty, with penalties for violations including fines and legal liability.