Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El

Maddy summaryHB 668 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, an existing agreement between states. This would let licensed counselors from other participating states practice in Pennsylvania more easily, and allow Pennsylvania counselors to practice in those states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill's key mechanism is adopting the standard compact form, creating a streamlined process for cross-state counseling licensure without changing existing state licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate fees charged for common household pets, which are defined as typical domestic animals kept for pleasure. It prohibits landlords from collecting ongoing or upfront fees specifically for these pets, though it allows for a monthly pet deposit of up to one percent of the rent or a maximum of $500 per unit to cover potential damages. The law explicitly excludes service animals required for disabilities from these restrictions and ensures compliance with existing animal control and public health regulations. These provisions will apply to leases signed or renewed on or after the bill's effective date, which is set for 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Crime Victims Act to update the definition of "out-of-pocket loss" for reimbursement purposes. It directly affects crime victims by expanding the list of eligible expenses to include costs for medical and nonmedical care, prosthetics, cleaning crime scenes, and temporary relocation for victims and their household pets. The legislation also clarifies that "common household pets" refers to domesticated animals kept for pleasure rather than commercial use. These changes ensure victims can receive financial support for a broader range of necessary costs incurred due to criminal incidents, while explicitly excluding property damage and pain and suffering from this specific reimbursement category.

Maddy summaryHB 72 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to create new protections for tenants facing domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking. It defines "eligible tenants" as those who are victims themselves or have an immediate family/household member (living with them or within 1,000 feet) who is a victim of these specific violent acts. The bill requires landlords to provide safety options like changing locks or relocating tenants without penalty upon verification from an "attesting third party" (such as a police officer or victim advocate). This directly affects renters in these situations by ensuring they aren't unfairly evicted or penalized for seeking safety due to violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania to cover the costs of educational training for newly elected officers before their terms begin. It authorizes municipalities to pay for necessary expenses related to this training, which is intended to help new officials prepare for their duties. The changes apply to both boroughs under Title 8 and cities under Title 11 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill takes effect 60 days after becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 2177 updates publication requirements for proposed ordinances in Pennsylvania boroughs, cities, and counties. It mandates that when publishing a proposed ordinance, municipalities must include a detailed summary covering tax/fee changes, penalties, and fund-related provisions (like payments or restrictions), along with references to where the full text can be viewed online or at a physical location. This applies to all proposed ordinances before council votes, ensuring the public has clear access to key details. The bill does not change the content of ordinances but standardizes how they are communicated to residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2179 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to require more detailed public notices for proposed ordinances. It mandates that notices include a brief summary detailing any changes to taxes, fees, regulations with penalties, or fund-related provisions (such as payments, restrictions, or pledges). The summary must also specify where residents can view the full ordinance in person or online. This change applies to all second-class townships and aims to improve transparency in local governance by making ordinance proposals clearer to the public.

Maddy summaryHB 888 amends Pennsylvania's criminal sentencing laws, primarily affecting those convicted of specific violent crimes. It mandates life imprisonment without parole for first-degree murder of an unborn child (explicitly excluding the death penalty), while requiring the same sentence for murder of law enforcement officers. The bill also establishes automatic appellate review for death sentences and tightens requirements for DNA testing motions in capital cases, requiring applicants to prove actual innocence through sworn statements. These changes apply to cases under Titles 18, 42, and 61 of Pennsylvania's statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 99 amends Pennsylvania criminal law to change sentencing for murder (including murder of an unborn child or law enforcement officer), clarify arson and property destruction offenses, and update appellate procedures. It establishes direct appeals from common pleas courts for certain cases, adds requirements for postconviction DNA testing, and removes outdated procedures for execution warrants. The bill directly affects courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and individuals convicted of crimes covered under the amended statutes. These changes aim to standardize sentencing and legal processes without altering current penalties or introducing new criminal charges.

Maddy summaryHB 980 changes the composition of Pennsylvania's State Board of Pharmacy by increasing the number of licensed pharmacists on the board from five to six and adding specific appointment requirements. It requires two pharmacist members from independent retail pharmacies, two from large retail pharmacy chains (with five or more locations), and two from hospital/acute care settings, plus one pharmacy technician position that rotates between settings. The bill also establishes term limits: pharmacy technicians serve one six-year term, while other members may serve up to two consecutive terms. This directly affects the board's membership structure and the appointment process for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania.