Rep. Natalie Mihalek

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on how electronic monitoring is currently used in Pennsylvania as an alternative to incarceration. The study will examine where and how this technology is applied, identify barriers to its use, and analyze costs and recidivism rates compared to traditional imprisonment. Committee members will consult with various government agencies, legal groups, and service providers to gather information, with the final report due to the House of Representatives within 18 months.

Maddy summaryHB 2344 creates a new legal process in Pennsylvania for individuals to dispute debts they claim were incurred under coercion, such as domestic violence, fraud, or intimidation. The bill requires the state Treasury Department to develop a specific petition form that debtors must complete and submit to creditors, including details about the alleged abuse and documentation from qualified third parties like doctors or domestic violence advocates. If a creditor receives this petition, they are obligated to respond within ten business days and may request additional information to resolve the dispute in good faith. This legislation directly affects consumers facing debt collection and creditors who must handle claims of coerced debt according to these new procedural rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2145 prohibits the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in specific consumer products sold in Pennsylvania, directly affecting manufacturers of these items. The bill bans intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products (like baby mattresses and strollers), and menstrual products, while defining these terms precisely in Chapter 71 of Pennsylvania’s Commerce and Trade code. The Department of Environmental Protection will enforce the ban and impose penalties for violations. This law aims to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with PFAS chemicals, which are linked to environmental contamination and health concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs state committees to study how Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance pay for behavioral health crisis services in Pennsylvania. The investigation aims to understand how current payment methods affect the ability of crisis centers to operate sustainably and provide accessible care. The study will analyze specific financial data, compare reimbursement rates across different payors, and review successful models used in other states. Ultimately, the committees will develop recommendations to improve funding and ensure the long-term viability of these essential services.

Maddy summaryHB 2491 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update rules regarding student transportation for public and charter schools. The bill clarifies that school districts must provide free transportation to charter school students within ten miles, mirroring the terms used for public school students, while also allowing districts to use public transit for certain routes. Additionally, the legislation restricts the use of common carriers like buses for transporting kindergarten through sixth-grade students and outlines specific conditions under which walking is permitted instead of providing a ride.

Maddy summaryHB 2220 requires video streaming services (like Netflix or Disney+) to ensure advertisements are not louder than the main content they accompany, aligning with federal guidelines. It directly affects streaming platforms operating in Pennsylvania by prohibiting volume disparities in ads. Consumers can file complaints with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, which may impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation or seek injunctive relief. The law explicitly states that private lawsuits for violations are not permitted, making the Attorney General the sole enforcer.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to place automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these workers and crew leaders receive basic CPR and AED training while also establishing rules for maintaining and inspecting the devices. The legislation extends legal protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, aiming to improve emergency response capabilities for high-risk workers.

Maddy summaryHB 41 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a process for determining whether interscholastic athletic playoffs and championships should be separated for public schools (boundary schools) versus charter, parochial, or private schools (nonboundary schools). It requires the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to hold public meetings in each district, accept written testimony and public comments, and document all proceedings before making a decision. The bill mandates that the PIAA board must publicly discuss all relevant testimony, fiscal impacts, and sport-specific considerations before voting on the change or deciding no change is needed. The association must then provide a written decision with justification to the oversight committee within five days of the meeting. This bill affects all Pennsylvania schools participating in PIAA athletics by defining how decisions about playoff structures will be made.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt children's books, toys, and musical instruments from sales and use tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. The legislation defines eligible items as those marketed for children aged 12 and under and clarifies that the tax break applies if payment is made within the six-month period, even if delivery occurs later. Additionally, the Department of Revenue will publish online guidance to help consumers understand how to claim this temporary exclusion.