Rep. Valerie Gaydos

Maddy summaryHR 384 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study whether implementing statewide and precinct-level ballot rotation systems would be feasible. The study would examine how rotating candidate order on ballots (to address "ballot order effects" where position may create unfair advantages) could work under state law, including costs, legal constraints, and operational impacts on election offices. It would analyze different rotation approaches for various election types and offices, and produce a report with recommendations for potential future policy changes. The resolution itself does not change election rules but would inform future legislative decisions if the study finds implementation feasible.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 993 creates an official logotype for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will develop this logotype and establish an application process and eligibility guidelines for businesses to use it. A veteran-owned business is defined as one where at least 51% of the ownership is held by a veteran. The bill also establishes a penalty for fraudulently claiming veteran status to use the logotype and creates a Veteran-Owned Business Coordinator to assist veteran entrepreneurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit on public school policies regarding student screen time. The audit will examine current rules in Pennsylvania schools, compare them to policies in other states, and evaluate whether existing limits achieve their intended goals. The committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2026 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" to honor Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange. The bill highlights the health risks faced by these service members, including those who served on ships in offshore waters known as Blue Water Navy Veterans. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the long-term health effects of herbicide exposure among veterans and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Keystone Literacy Investment Tax Credit, a program designed to fund evidence-based reading instruction in Pennsylvania public schools. It allows insurance companies and their holding companies to purchase tax credits that can be applied against their insurance premiums tax liability. The Department of Community and Economic Development will sell up to $150 million in these credits, with the program beginning in 2028 and credits becoming usable in 2029. The legislation also establishes an annual cap of $50 million on the total amount of credits that can be used against tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt specific school supplies from sales tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing items for educational purposes during a defined three-month window each year, running from July 1 to September 30. Eligible items include common classroom materials like pens, notebooks, and art supplies, provided each item costs $50 or less. The Department of Revenue will be required to publish online guidance to help clarify how the new exclusion will be implemented.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a limited tax credit program for manufacturers of malt or brewed beverages who make specific capital investments in their production facilities. Under the new rules, eligible companies can receive a tax credit for up to $200,000 in qualifying equipment purchases made during designated time periods, with the credit potentially usable over five years. The legislation also allows these tax credits to be sold to other taxpayers, who can then apply the credit against up to 50% of their own tax liability for that year. The Department of Revenue will oversee the program, including verifying taxpayer compliance before approving credit sales and setting guidelines for the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for personal hygiene products in Pennsylvania, effective for six months starting July 1, 2026. The measure directly affects individual consumers by removing the sales tax on items such as soap, toothpaste, razors, and feminine hygiene products when purchased during the specified period. To implement this change, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance defining eligible products and clarifying that the tax exclusion applies to the purchase date rather than the delivery date. The legislation amends the existing Tax Reform Code to add these specific exclusions without altering other parts of the tax system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's divorce laws to allow courts to issue a final divorce decree before all financial and custody issues are fully resolved. Under the new rules, judges can grant an immediate divorce if both spouses agree and it protects minor children, or if one spouse proves compelling reasons exist alongside adequate economic safeguards for the other party and any children. The legislation also permits immediate divorce without mutual consent or special justification in cases involving valid abuse protection orders or criminal convictions for personal injury against the other spouse. These changes directly affect individuals navigating divorce proceedings by providing a faster legal path to ending a marriage under specific protective conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt sales and use of specific baby items from state sales tax for a family's first child. The new provision allows parents to purchase child passenger restraint systems, formula feeding supplies, and teethers without paying tax, provided the child is their oldest or only child at the time of purchase. The Department of Revenue is required to publish online guidance to help clarify how these exclusions will be implemented. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately if that date has already passed.