Rep. Valerie Gaydos

Maddy summaryHB 1873 amends Pennsylvania laws related to child welfare and family offenses. It clarifies definitions for "endangering the welfare of children" and updates rules about when certain actions are excluded from being classified as child abuse under protective services. The bill affects child protective services workers, courts handling juvenile cases, and families involved in child welfare investigations by changing how specific situations are evaluated. These changes aim to provide clearer legal standards for identifying and responding to child welfare concerns. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryHB 1043 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to expand access to emergency allergy and asthma treatments in schools. The bill specifically allows school staff, including bus drivers and crossing guards, to possess, use, and administer epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) and asthma inhalers for students in medical emergencies. It updates definitions and procedures to ensure authorized personnel can act quickly during allergic reactions or asthma attacks without requiring individual physician orders each time. This directly affects students with life-threatening allergies or asthma and school staff who may need to provide immediate care.

Maddy summaryHR 279 is a non-binding resolution recognizing October 2025 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally acknowledges domestic violence as a significant issue affecting Pennsylvanians, highlighting existing support resources like those provided by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV). The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or programs but serves as a symbolic commitment to raising public awareness about the issue and available victim support services. It aligns with Pennsylvania's ongoing efforts to address domestic violence through established community resources.

Maddy summaryHB 1998 amends Pennsylvania's 1915 Workers' Compensation Act to update the schedule of compensation rates for injured workers and adjust procedures for handling claims through the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund. It directly affects Pennsylvania workers who suffer work-related injuries and employers required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Key provisions include revising the compensation amounts based on injury severity and clarifying how the Uninsured Employers Fund processes claims when an employer lacks coverage. The bill focuses on updating the legal framework for payments, not on new benefits or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing offense of "sexual intercourse with animal" from Pennsylvania law and replaces it with new provisions defining "sexual crimes against animals" and "aggravated cruelty to animals" (severe animal cruelty). It also explicitly exempts normal agricultural operations from these new provisions. The changes would affect how certain animal-related offenses are prosecuted in court, but not farmers or standard farming practices. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1992 creates a new tax credit for Pennsylvania farmers who donate surplus agricultural products (like crops or livestock) to qualified food banks enrolled in the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System. Farmers can claim a credit equal to 100% of the sale price, fair market value, or $20,000 (whichever is lowest) per year, but must apply for certification from the Department of Community and Economic Development with documentation including the food bank’s written acknowledgment. The credit is limited to $5 million total annually and must be used against state income tax liability for the same year, with no carryover beyond one year. This directly affects eligible farmers and food banks participating in the state’s surplus donation program, aiming to reduce food waste while supporting agricultural producers.

Maddy summaryHB 1975 would amend Pennsylvania law to expand assault protections for emergency responders (including police, EMTs, and firefighters) beyond just law enforcement officers. The bill makes discharging a firearm at an emergency responder while they are on duty a first-degree felony (up to 40 years in prison), and intentionally exposing them to bodily fluids (blood, saliva, etc.) a third-degree felony, with a second-degree felony penalty if the fluids come from someone with a reportable disease. It directly affects all emergency responders performing their duties and would change sentencing for these specific assault offenses. The bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee as of its October 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 1956 amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act by updating key definitions within the law. This change directly affects how the Act's anti-discrimination protections are interpreted and applied in cases involving protected characteristics. The bill focuses solely on clarifying terminology, without introducing new restrictions or requirements. It is currently in the early stage of the legislative process, having been referred to the State Government committee on October 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to clarify definitions and update rules for retail liquor licensees. It defines "ready-to-draft pre-mixed keg cocktail" as a beverage prepared on-site by mixing nonalcoholic base (like juices or syrups) with liquor in a sealed container for on-premises dispensing via gas systems. The bill specifies that retail licensees may blend and store such pre-mixed cocktails overnight without it being considered "manufacture" under the code. Additionally, it revises prohibitions on decanters, allowing kegs used for the defined pre-mixed cocktails while otherwise restricting decanter use for alcoholic beverages.

Maddy summaryHB 1937 requires specific Pennsylvania government agencies to provide voter registration services during routine interactions. It mandates that offices offering public assistance, county clerk services (including marriage licenses), disability programs, hunting/fishing license applications, and military recruitment centers must offer voter registration forms or assistance. The bill expands existing voter registration opportunities by adding these service points to the list of locations where citizens can register or update their voter information. This directly affects Pennsylvanians visiting these agencies, making voter registration more accessible during existing government interactions. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.