Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 457 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to require new labeling on alcohol containers for distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, and alcohol transporters. The labels must include the manufacturer's name, alcohol type and quantity, production date, license number, and a clear cancer warning: "WARNING: There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers." This applies to all containers ready for shipment and those held in wholesale quantities. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 423 establishes Pennsylvania's Future Voter Program, allowing high school students aged 16-17 to preregister to vote before turning 18. The bill requires schools to hold voter registration events during Constitution and Citizenship Day (September 17), providing applications and online registration opportunities for eligible students. Students who preregister will not be added to the voter registry until they reach age 18. The program mandates school entities to coordinate these events, with the Secretary of Education and Secretary of the Commonwealth overseeing implementation. This directly affects all high school students in Pennsylvania who are 16 or 17 years old.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires judges to ban convicted individuals of riot or disorderly conduct offenses from owning, possessing, or caring for animals for at least two years. It mandates completion of violence prevention counseling as part of sentencing, with failure to comply considered a separate offense. Violating the animal ownership ban results in escalating misdemeanor charges: third-degree for the first violation (adding one year to the ban), second-degree for a second violation (adding five years), and first-degree for third or subsequent violations (adding ten years). The law applies only to those convicted under specific provisions of Title 18, directly affecting offenders in these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 432 establishes Pennsylvania's Maternal Care Access Program under the Department of Health to address gaps in maternal healthcare. The bill identifies counties as "maternal care access zones" using the Maternal Vulnerability Index (based on social factors like poverty, education, and healthcare access) and the Social Vulnerability Index. It requires the Department to develop regulations for improving access to obstetric care, birth centers, and providers in areas classified as "maternity care deserts" (regions lacking hospitals, birth centers, or specialized providers within 25 miles). The program directly affects underserved communities and the Department of Health, focusing on concrete policy changes to expand maternal health resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to recognize women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, highlighting Pennsylvania's maternal mortality rate of 82 deaths per 100,000 live births and the significantly higher rate (163 per 100,000) for Black women. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but seeks to increase public and healthcare awareness about maternal health risks. It references existing efforts like the Maternal Mortality Review Committee established under Act 24 of 2018.

Maddy summaryHB 374 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to strengthen reporting requirements for campaign finance. It requires any individual or organization (including 501(c) groups) making independent expenditures over $100 in a year to report the candidate or ballot question they support, using the same forms as political committees. Additionally, it mandates that candidates, political committees, or organizations making contributions or independent expenditures over $500 after the final pre-election report must file a report within 24 hours via fax, mail, or in-person appearance. This bill directly affects candidates, political committees, and entities making significant campaign expenditures. The changes aim to increase transparency around late contributions and independent spending.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 32) designates March 16-22, 2025, as "Sunshine Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes an existing nonpartisan observance initiated by the American Society of News Editors and Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, which highlights open government and public access to information. The resolution urges all Pennsylvania residents to participate in this symbolic observance, which aligns with James Madison's birthday and focuses on the importance of transparency in government. It does not create new laws, affect any specific group, or alter legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHR 29 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study implementing a campaign contribution reporting system requiring donations to be reported within 24 hours of receipt. The study will identify necessary technology, best practices, and potential penalties for late reporting, while establishing an advisory committee with members appointed by legislative leaders and experts in campaign finance and technology. The Commission must issue a final report with recommendations to the House of Representatives within one year of the resolution's adoption. This resolution does not change current law but seeks to evaluate a faster reporting system to improve transparency for voters.

Maddy summaryHB 386, the "Repairability Index Act," requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) selling digital electronic equipment in Pennsylvania to provide a public repairability score (1-10, with 10 being most repairable) based on criteria like parts availability, ease of disassembly, technical documentation, and repair costs. This score must appear on product packaging or via QR codes linking to detailed information on the Attorney General’s website, including model numbers, pricing, and software update policies. The bill directly affects OEMs (e.g., smartphone or laptop manufacturers) selling such products in Pennsylvania, mandating they report scores 90 days before sale. Enforcement is handled by the Attorney General under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices law, with penalties for false reporting.

Maddy summaryHR 41 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study emergency child care needs and develop recommendations. The study will examine current availability (including Pennsylvania's 12 crisis nurseries), staffing challenges (like low wages averaging $12.43/hour), funding sources (including federal programs), and how other states license facilities. It requires the Commission to form an advisory committee with child care providers, parents, health/human services officials, and county representatives. The Commission must submit its report to the House within 18 months. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions.