Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 556 bans Pennsylvania public officials and employees from accepting free transportation, lodging, hospitality, cash, or gifts from people or organizations with business ties to their government role - such as contractors, lobbyists, or regulated entities. It directly affects state legislators, agency staff, and other public officials whose duties could be influenced by such gifts. Key provisions require officials to report certain exceptions (like academic awards or light refreshments at group events) while prohibiting gifts that could create conflicts of interest. The bill aims to strengthen ethics rules by clarifying what constitutes a prohibited gift under Pennsylvania's financial disclosure laws.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 65) establishes a task force to study social media platforms and websites that encourage suicide. The task force, chaired by the Attorney General and including health officials, legislative committee leaders, and appointed experts in psychology, cyberbullying, and suicide prevention, will examine how to address such content. It must issue a report within two years with recommendations for legislative or executive actions to prevent suicides linked to these online spaces. The resolution focuses on gathering evidence and advice to inform future policy, without creating new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 536 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify how adoptees can access noncertified copies of their original birth records. The bill defines a "noncertified copy" as a summary photocopy containing only basic birth details (parent names, birth date/location, and child's birth name) with a disclaimer that it is not certified. Adoptees aged 18 or older, or descendants of deceased adoptees, can request this copy from the Department of Health within 45 days. Additionally, birth parents can now submit a notarized redaction request form to have their name removed from the adoptee's record, with the option to later reverse this decision, and the Department must post clear guidelines about this process online.

Maddy summaryHB 542 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to strengthen campaign finance transparency and accountability. It requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to biennially adjust contribution limits for candidates and political committees, and adds detailed definitions clarifying what constitutes campaign expenditures, independent spending, and corporate political activity. The bill mandates that businesses disclose political contributions and expenditures, including those by "chief executive officers" of corporations, and defines "affiliate" committees to prevent circumventing contribution rules. These changes directly affect candidates, political committees, corporations, and business entities engaging in election-related spending within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 531 establishes Pennsylvania's Older Adult Cable TV Rebate Program, providing annual rebates of up to $300 to eligible seniors (65+ with household income ≤150% of federal poverty guidelines) for basic tier cable TV service. The program requires applicants to submit proof of service, residency, and that basic cable is the only available service in their municipality. The Department of Community and Economic Development administers applications, verifies eligibility within 30 days, and disburses rebates directly to cover cable service costs. This policy specifically excludes streaming services and caps rebates at $300 per year for qualifying low-income older adults.

Maddy summaryHB 324 amends Pennsylvania's 1956 Poultry Technician Licensure Law to modernize requirements for professionals collecting poultry samples and conducting disease surveillance. It expands technicians' duties to include "regulatory sampling and testing procedures" for poultry diseases (beyond just pullorum testing), requires applicants to prove legal work authorization in the U.S. (replacing citizenship requirements), increases the license fee from $5 to $10, and allows Spanish-language training via quarantine orders. The bill directly affects poultry technicians seeking or renewing licenses to legally collect samples or conduct on-site disease monitoring. Key provisions update eligibility, fees, and the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to oversee licensing and enforce standards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically aligns Pennsylvania with the United Nations' 2005 designation of January 27 as a day to honor Holocaust victims, educate about genocide prevention, and condemn hate based on ethnicity or religion. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a formal statement of recognition. It directly affects Pennsylvania by designating this date for state-level commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 498 updates Pennsylvania's emergency protection order process for domestic abuse cases. It clarifies that temporary orders expire after one business day unless local court rules specify a 10-day limit or until a court hearing occurs. Hearing officers must now provide victims with information about local domestic violence resources, free legal aid, and how to report order violations. The bill also requires these orders to be entered into the statewide registry for tracking and mandates courts to schedule hearings to review orders until a final decision is made.

Maddy summaryHR 12 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the month through the House of Representatives. The resolution highlights the historical origins of Black History Month, including Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson's founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and notes the 2025 theme focused on African Americans and labor. This resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating the month for commemoration, without altering any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 39) is a symbolic tribute honoring former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 100. It commemorates his life, presidency, and humanitarian work - including the Camp David Accords, founding The Carter Center, and efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease - through a series of historical "whereas" statements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies. The resolution serves only to formally extend the Pennsylvania General Assembly's condolences and recognize Carter's legacy. It is purely ceremonial, with no legislative or policy impact.