Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 924 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utility Code to establish internet neutrality protections for residents. It prohibits internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking lawful content, impairing traffic based on content, engaging in paid prioritization, or using deceptive marketing practices. The bill defines key terms like "broadband Internet access service" and requires ISPs to clearly disclose service details to customers. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will enforce these rules, and violations would be considered unfair trade practices under existing consumer protection law. This applies to all ISPs operating broadband services in Pennsylvania, directly affecting how they manage internet traffic for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's driver's license requirements by allowing the inclusion of personal medical data and other emergency-use information on licenses. It also permits the use of substitute addresses for participants in the state's Address Confidentiality Program, which protects victims of domestic and sexual violence. The legislation maintains that Social Security numbers will be required on applications but will not appear on the actual license, while keeping other standard identification details like name, date of birth, and photograph. The changes would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude sales and use taxes on firefighting equipment purchased by paid or volunteer firefighters using their own money. To qualify for this tax exemption, firefighters must present a department-issued identification card at the time of purchase, which the Department of Revenue will issue to individuals holding approved certifications. The legislation defines firefighting equipment as items designed to extinguish, control, or stop fires or protect users and property from fire hazards. This change directly affects individual firefighters and retailers selling firefighting gear, while establishing new administrative procedures for identification card issuance.

Maddy summaryHB 890 amends Pennsylvania's Veterans' Trust Fund rules to restrict how funds can be spent. It prohibits using the fund for administrative staff salaries (defined as non-clinical personnel at veterans' organizations) and limits single-entity grants to $250,000 over three consecutive years. These changes directly affect the State Veterans' Commission and the Department managing the Trust Fund, ensuring funds are used for direct veteran services rather than administrative costs or large single grants. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 899 requires Pennsylvania employers to provide workers with paid sick leave for their own health needs or to care for family members. Employees earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, with a minimum annual accrual of 40 hours. The law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who use this leave and mandates clear posting of rights. It covers most private-sector employees (excluding federal workers) and applies to all employers with 15+ employees in Pennsylvania, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 860 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to prohibit public schools from removing library books or instructional materials based on specific reasons, such as an author's race, gender identity, political views, or content about sexuality. It directly affects public school entities (including districts, charter schools, and libraries) by banning "soft censorship" - removing materials outside formal review processes - and requires schools to publicly report such removals. The bill mandates that materials can only be removed following a defined procedure, ensuring decisions are based on educational appropriateness, not personal views. It also requires schools to provide online complaint forms for students or parents who experience unauthorized removals, referencing data showing 457 book challenges in Pennsylvania from 2021-2022. The law aims to protect students' access to diverse learning resources while aligning with First Amendment principles.

Maddy summaryHB 850 requires hydraulic fracturing service providers and chemical vendors to include a specific tracer substance in the fluid used for unconventional oil and gas well fracturing. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection must specify tracers that are traceable to the operator and safe for public health and the environment. The Environmental Quality Board will create regulations to implement these requirements. The law applies to all fracturing activities performed on or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 842 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create new deductions for realty transfer tax paid on certain home purchases. It directly affects low-to-moderate income buyers (those collecting SSI or with household income ≤215% of federal poverty level) and buyers purchasing primary residences at ≤80% of their county's median home price. The bill allows these buyers to deduct the transfer tax paid from their taxable income, and in the second scenario, the seller also receives this deduction. Counties must submit annual median home price data to the Department of Revenue to implement the price-based deduction. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 851 amends Pennsylvania's Game Code to allow temporary Sunday hunting and dog training for small game, repealing the previous ban on Sunday hunting. It creates new offenses for trespassing on private land while hunting or trapping without written permission and replaces prior rules about Sunday hunting without permission. The bill also requires the Pennsylvania Game Commission to include at least one member actively engaged in agriculture with wildlife management expertise, prohibits the commission from hiring lobbyists to influence state decisions, and mandates an ethics policy emphasizing respect for sportsmen. Additionally, it adds annual reporting requirements for the commission to legislative committees on budget and accountability measures.

Maddy summaryHB 838 creates a program allowing qualified health care facilities - such as hospitals, medical specialist centers, and physical therapy centers - to issue temporary disability parking placards valid for up to six months. Individuals seeking a temporary placard must apply directly to an enrolled facility and sign a statement confirming they meet the disability criteria. The facility then requires a health care provider to certify the disability and submit the application electronically to the state department to update records. This change streamlines access to temporary parking permits without requiring individuals to go through the state’s standard application process.