Rep. Bud Cook

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally designates September 2026 as "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" and September 10, 2026, as "World Suicide Prevention Day." The bill cites national statistics regarding suicide rates and attempts to highlight the ongoing public health challenge. It does not mandate specific actions or funding but instead encourages residents of the Commonwealth to provide support for individuals in need.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2743 amends the Public School Code to establish specific rules for when school terms can begin and how daily sessions are structured. The bill prohibits schools from starting the term before the day after Labor Day or on the same day as a local agricultural fair, though exceptions are available with state approval for emergencies like natural disasters or major construction projects. It also sets a default daily schedule of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with designated breaks and requires that professional staff receive at least thirty minutes for lunch without supervisory duties. Existing contracts between school entities and employees that dictate school calendars remain in effect despite these new statutory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution commends U.S. Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman, along with various state businesses and organizations, for ensuring the Commonwealth's presence at the American State Fair after the Governor's office did not participate. The bill specifically thanks numerous local companies, agricultural groups, and community partners who contributed resources to create a showcase of Pennsylvania's industries and culture. It also urges the Office of the Governor to take part in similar national celebrations in the future.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual funding cap for Pennsylvania's Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program from $24 million to $26 million. The change directly affects the state's entertainment industry by allowing a larger pool of tax credits to be distributed each fiscal year. These credits are designed to help businesses in the entertainment sector by reducing their tax liability. The new limit will apply to fiscal years starting on or after July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and related offenses. It revises definitions for DUI, modifies chemical testing procedures for drivers, and changes requirements for ignition interlock devices (which prevent a car from starting if alcohol is detected). The bill repeals outdated provisions about ignition interlock limited licenses, adds online services for managing interlock requirements, and specifies penalties for driving without an interlock device. This directly affects drivers convicted of DUI or driving under the influence of drugs, particularly those with prior offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to create a disaster recovery grant program for fruit and vegetable growers affected by freeze events between April 1 and April 21, 2026. It allocates up to $20 million from previously set-aside funds for highly pathogenic avian influenza to assist growers of specialty crops, including pome and stone fruits, grapes, berries, and vegetables, who suffered production losses exceeding 30%. The legislation explicitly excludes costs already covered by federal funding, insurance, or other contracts from receiving these state grants and requires the Department of Agriculture to publish implementation guidelines within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 18, 2026, as "U.S. Air Force Birthday" within the state. The measure is a symbolic gesture that formally recognizes the anniversary of the Air Force's establishment as an independent military branch in 1947. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change any existing policies. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by adding a commemorative designation to the state record.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 27, 2026, as Gold Star Mother's Day within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the sacrifice of mothers who lost sons or daughters in military service and honors their ongoing contributions to their communities. By recognizing this specific date, the resolution aims to provide a day of remembrance for Gold Star Families in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 996 repeals an expiration date for a provision regulating basic life support ambulances in Pennsylvania's emergency medical services system. Specifically, it removes the clause stating that exceptions to ambulance standards would expire on April 29, 2027. This change means the existing regulatory exception for basic life support ambulances will remain in effect indefinitely without a future sunset date. The bill directly affects ambulance services and emergency medical providers operating under Pennsylvania's Title 35 health and safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the impact of the disease on young patients and their families. The bill does not change any laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage public support and honor those affected by childhood cancer. By formally recognizing this month, the legislation aims to raise visibility for the ongoing challenges and medical advancements in treating pediatric cancer within the state.