Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 2252 makes it a crime to share someone's intimate image without consent, including AI-generated images that falsely depict them in nudity or sexual conduct. It directly affects individuals whose intimate images are shared non-consensually, whether the images are real or artificially created using AI or photo editing. The law establishes misdemeanor penalties (from second to first degree) based on factors like the victim's age, the sharer's intent (e.g., to harass, profit, or cause harm), and whether multiple images were shared. This bill updates Pennsylvania's sexual offenses law to specifically address the growing threat of AI-generated intimate images, ensuring they face the same legal consequences as real non-consensual image sharing.

Maddy summaryHB 2084 establishes the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing scholarships for tuition, fees, and room and board to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending college. It directly affects two groups: students under 24 (or active military) who must be Pennsylvania residents, have a high school diploma, and complete the FAFSA; and adult learners 24 or older seeking reeducation with similar requirements. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency administers the program and a dedicated fund, covering tuition up to the state's maximum in-state rate and room and board based on agency standards. The program applies to community colleges, state-owned institutions, state-related universities, and Thaddeus Stevens College.

Maddy summaryHB 1678 adds a 45-mill tax plus a 5-mill surtax on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users within Pennsylvania. It directly affects digital advertising providers (e.g., companies running banner or search ads) but exempts broadcast and news media entities. The tax applies to revenue from ads shown on digital interfaces (websites, apps) where users are located in Pennsylvania, excluding sales of internet access, telecom hardware, and resale services. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to regulate medical devices by banning specific toxic chemicals known as ortho-phthalates, with a primary focus on DEHP. The legislation targets manufacturers of intravenous solution containers and tubing, which currently use these chemicals to make plastic flexible. By prohibiting the intentional addition of these substances, the bill aims to prevent the chemicals from leaching into patient fluids and reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The law is based on findings that these compounds can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially harming reproductive health and contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to update the language used in enforcement notices issued by local zoning authorities. The change clarifies that failing to comply with such a notice within the specified time frame constitutes a violation and allows the notice to explicitly state that additional penalties may accrue for each day the violation continues. This provision directly affects municipalities, zoning hearing boards, and property owners by making the consequences of non-compliance more transparent in official communications. The bill takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to establish a formal process for reviewing connections between renewable energy systems and the electric grid. It requires electric distribution companies to determine at a scoping meeting whether a feasibility, impact, or facilities study is needed and mandates that these studies be completed within 90 days. Upon finishing the study, the utility must agree to perform any necessary grid upgrades, providing a timeline and cost estimates that are subject to commission approval. If the utility fails to complete these upgrades on time or within the estimated budget, the customer can use a dispute resolution process, and the commission may enforce penalties against the utility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to build a combined 3,000 megawatts of energy storage systems by July 2033, with specific targets for short-duration and long-duration storage. The Public Utility Commission will assign storage goals to each company based on their service area's demand and may adjust these targets if market conditions change. Companies must use open, competitive bidding processes overseen by an independent monitor to purchase this capacity through long-term contracts.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" within the state to honor the anniversary of the final abolition of slavery in the United States. The measure formally recognizes the historical significance of June 1865, when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Texas, and encourages residents to observe the day with ceremonies and educational programs. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create a paid state holiday or alter employment laws but serves to acknowledge the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of African American descendants.

Maddy summaryHB 911 provides health benefits for surviving family members of Pennsylvania law enforcement officers who die or become disabled in the line of duty. It guarantees surviving spouses lifetime full health coverage and dependent children full coverage until age 26 (if not covered by another employer plan). Municipalities must assist with claims processing, and benefits end at age 65. The bill applies to all full-time law enforcement officers and their families, including those widowed before the law's effective date. It codifies existing benefit standards under Pennsylvania law without creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2633 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change how school districts are funded for building construction, maintenance, and renovations. The bill repeals existing grant programs for maintenance projects and building condition assessments, replacing them with a new reimbursement system that calculates payments based on enrollment, building capacity, and local wealth factors. Under the new rules, school entities would receive reimbursement over 20 years for approved projects, with a requirement to match 50% of the cost using local funds unless the project is an emergency. These changes apply to projects seeking approval beginning July 1, 2026, while allowing districts to retroactively seek approval for projects not yet completed by that date.