Rep. Steve Malagari

Maddy summaryHB 1312 updates Pennsylvania's death certificate process to include a nonbinary gender option. It allows individuals to pre-select their gender identity (female, male, or nonbinary) for use on their death certificate, which must be recorded if specified. If no pre-selection is made, the certificate will reflect the decedent's gender based on their official documents (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, or passport). Family members, spouses, or legal guardians can challenge the gender listed within 10 days by filing a court petition.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 creates a state-funded grant program to support organizations helping individuals navigate name changes while facing gender or sexual stereotype-based biases. It establishes the "Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Fund" with $2 million transferred from the General Fund, which will provide competitive grants to eligible nonprofits, counties, or local governments. These grants fund "eligible assistance programs" offering informational, legal, or emotional support for name change processes. The program requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer applications, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per award, prioritizing organizations serving communities outside major cities or launching new services.

Maddy summaryHB 1302, the Medical Debt Interest Act, caps the interest rate on unpaid medical bills at 6% for healthcare providers (like hospitals and doctors) and medical debt collectors in Pennsylvania. The bill prohibits charging more than 6% interest on medical debt and classifies violations as unfair business practices under existing consumer protection law, allowing individuals to seek court enforcement. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1323 amends Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to establish a formal certification process for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). It requires the Board of Nursing to issue certificates to nurses holding a master's or higher degree who are already licensed as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse anesthetists. Certified APRNs may use the title "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" and "A.P.R.N.," and the Board must maintain a public online registry of all certified APRNs. This bill directly affects nurses seeking APRN certification in Pennsylvania and clarifies their title usage and public recordkeeping.

Maddy summaryHB 1327 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to strengthen penalties for election bribery and create a new offense for paying to induce voter registration. It makes offering money, goods, or lottery chances to influence voting a felony (with penalties up to $15,000 or seven years), while paying someone to register to vote becomes a misdemeanor (up to $10,000 or five years). This bill directly affects individuals who attempt to bribe voters or pay for registration to influence election participation. The provisions aim to deter improper election practices by criminalizing financial incentives tied to voting behavior or voter registration.

Maddy summaryHB 1317 increases Pennsylvania's annual cap on entertainment production tax credits from $100 million to $125 million. It also establishes new rules allowing the Department of Revenue to carry forward unused credits: up to 30% for the next fiscal year, 20% for the year after, and 10% for the third year. This directly affects film and entertainment producers seeking tax credits under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The changes apply to fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 643 modifies Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax provisions to establish fixed annual transfers of tax revenue. It requires $100 million in transfers for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2027, and $110 million for all subsequent fiscal years. This change directly affects individuals and entities paying real estate transfer taxes in Pennsylvania, as the specified amounts are deducted from the tax revenue pool. The bill specifies the exact dollar amounts and effective dates without altering the tax rate or adding new exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 543 modifies Pennsylvania's electric utility regulations to strengthen energy efficiency program oversight. It requires the Public Utility Commission to review utility efficiency plans within 120 days, provide detailed reasons for disapproval, and allow utilities 60 days to revise plans addressing commission concerns. The bill specifically protects cost-effective mechanical insulation (used in heating/cooling systems) from disapproval solely based on its inclusion, requiring the commission to use a total resource cost test. This directly affects electric distribution companies and the commission, with the changes taking effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) designating April 21-25, 2025, as "National Work Zone Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes an existing national campaign focused on promoting driver caution in work zones to reduce crashes, citing data showing 891 fatalities in work zone crashes nationally in 2022. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania motorists to "slow down, pay attention, and use extra caution" in work zones but does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable requirements. It serves purely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of a safety initiative led by transportation organizations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 20-26, 2025, as "National Infertility Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It cites statistics showing infertility affects 1 in 8 couples in the U.S., with 9% of men and 11% of women experiencing fertility issues, and notes Pennsylvania lacks state laws requiring fertility treatment insurance coverage (unlike 21 other states). The resolution aims to reduce stigma and increase public understanding of infertility challenges, including emotional and financial burdens. As a symbolic recognition, it does not create new laws or funding but aligns Pennsylvania with national awareness efforts led by groups like RESOLVE.