Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El

Maddy summaryHB 1650 establishes Pennsylvania's Home Preservation Grant Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It provides grants to local governments (counties, cities, townships) to fund repairs and improvements on existing owner-occupied homes, targeting households earning 80-120% of the area median income. Grants can cover up to $50,000 per unit for habitability fixes, energy/water efficiency upgrades, or accessibility modifications, with local governments allowed to use up to 10% of funds for administration. Applications must demonstrate experience in housing rehabilitation and include plans for using funds per the bill's requirements, with priority given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Pennsylvania school districts to consider later start times for secondary schools (high schools), citing studies showing teens need 8-10 hours of sleep but 98% of PA schools begin before 8:30 a.m. It references CDC and AAP research linking later start times to improved academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and better mental health outcomes. The bill encourages districts to collaborate with health professionals and educators to develop schedules that maintain educational activities while adopting later start times, and asks state agencies to provide resources and public education on adolescent sleep needs. As a non-binding resolution, it does not require policy changes but recommends action based on existing evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 1216 amends Pennsylvania's 1968 Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to update definitions of prohibited business practices and clarify which acts are considered unlawful. It specifically adds new provisions targeting deceptive marketing tactics and strengthens exclusions for certain professional services. The bill directly affects businesses operating in Pennsylvania (particularly those in retail, finance, and professional services) and consumers who may encounter unfair practices. The legislation passed its final vote on June 23, 2025, and is now pending review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 modifies Pennsylvania court records to limit public access to eviction information in dockets and indices. It directly affects tenants, landlords, and court clerks by restricting how eviction history is shared while requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to process these records under the new rules. The key provision creates a "limited access" system for eviction data, meaning the public cannot freely view these records as they currently can. This change applies specifically to eviction-related court documents within the state's judicial system. The bill passed the House on June 23, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates June 2025 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition by the state government. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on June 11, 2025, following committee review. It directly affects Pennsylvania's official calendar and state communications, acknowledging LGBTQ+ contributions and history during that month.

Maddy summaryHB 1500 establishes a Cyber Charter School Funding and Policy Council to develop recommendations on funding, governance, and accountability for cyber charter schools by April 2026. The bill requires public school entities to report advertising and sponsorship spending annually, and mandates detailed cost-tracking for special education services based on individualized student plans. It also adds provisions for student wellness checks, enrollment notifications, and fund balance limits for cyber charter schools, while maintaining a moratorium on new cyber charter school approvals. The law directly affects cyber charter schools, public school districts, and students with disabilities in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1140 requires health insurers and Medicaid/CHIP managed care plans in Pennsylvania to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives - including prescription drugs, devices, emergency contraception (like levonorgestrel), and oral contraceptives - without any out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It specifically prohibits prior authorization or step therapy for emergency and oral contraceptives, and mandates coverage for sterilization procedures and related services like counseling. The bill directly affects health insurers, managed care plans, and their enrollees by expanding contraceptive coverage under state insurance regulations. It exempts male condoms from coverage requirements but ensures no cost-sharing for covered contraceptive methods.

Maddy summaryHB 1506 would require Pennsylvania state and county correctional facilities to provide affordable communication services, such as phone calls or video visits, for inmates. This bill directly affects incarcerated individuals and their families by improving access to regular contact. The key provision mandates that all correctional institutions must offer these services at reasonable rates, aiming to support family connections during incarceration. The bill is currently under review by the Communications & Technology committee.

Maddy summaryHB 926 requires healthcare facilities to establish violence prevention committees to address workplace violence. These committees must develop safety plans, and facilities must report violent incidents to the Department of Labor and Industry. The Department gains authority to enforce compliance, impose fines, and issue administrative penalties for violations. This bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and all healthcare workplaces covered under state labor regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 140 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to add specific definitions related to algorithmic rent-setting software. The bill defines "unfair methods of competition" to include using software that analyzes rental data (like historical prices or occupancy rates) to recommend rent amounts, lease terms, or occupancy levels for residential or commercial properties. Landlords using such software would be directly affected, as its use could now be considered an unfair practice under the law. The definition explicitly excludes aggregated rental reports published monthly and tools used for affordable housing program compliance.