Rep. Jill Cooper

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow local governments to temporarily halt the submission of new data center development applications. Under the new provision, a municipality can adopt a resolution at a public meeting to pause these submissions for up to 180 days, a period that begins retroactively from the date of public notice. During this pause, local authorities may update their zoning laws regarding data centers, and any applications received while the pause is in effect will be evaluated under the new rules. The legislation defines a data center as a facility primarily used for housing servers or data storage systems with specific backup power and cooling infrastructure.

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 summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to change the deadline for senior citizens to apply for property tax and rent rebates. Under the new rules, eligible individuals must file their claims by December 31 of the year following the tax year, replacing the previous June 30 cutoff. The legislation also removes the requirement that late-filed claims be accepted only if funds are available, allowing the state to process applications submitted after the deadline. These changes directly affect elderly Pennsylvanians seeking financial assistance and streamline the administrative process for the state department handling these claims.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates October 24, 2026, as "World Polio Day" within the state to honor global efforts to eradicate polio. The measure highlights the contributions of Rotary International and its partners, such as the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation, in reducing polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. While the bill does not change laws or allocate funding, it formally acknowledges the organization's humanitarian work and encourages citizens to participate in the fight against the disease.

Maddy summaryHB 1700 would amend Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to allow driver's licenses to include a "communication impairment designation" for individuals with conditions affecting speech or hearing, such as hearing loss or speech disorders. This designation would help drivers communicate more effectively with law enforcement during traffic stops by indicating they may need alternative communication methods. The bill also specifies penalties for violations related to this designation, such as failing to accommodate it during stops. It directly affects drivers with communication disabilities and law enforcement officers interacting with them.

Maddy summaryHB 1877 creates a Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy to recognize high school students who achieve proficiency in English and another language. The bill requires public school districts to establish a process for awarding this seal to eligible students who meet specific language proficiency standards. It directly affects Pennsylvania public high school students who demonstrate biliteracy skills, providing a formal credential for their language abilities. The key mechanism is the addition of this seal program to the Public School Code, mandating school districts to implement it.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1434 amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses statute to specifically address the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems to minors. This legislation introduces new penalties for retailers who violate this prohibition. For a first or second offense, a retailer would face a $5,000 fine. A third offense would result in a $5,000 fine and the permanent revocation of their cigarette license. This bill directly affects retailers by imposing stricter financial and licensing consequences for selling these products to minors.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates September 2026 as "Baby Safety Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about infant safety. The measure encourages parents to follow safety guidelines, such as properly assembling cribs, checking product age ratings, and maintaining constant supervision. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing regulations but serves to highlight the importance of creating safe environments for children.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of an emergency vehicle in Pennsylvania to include a wide range of specific types, such as hazmat response vehicles, blood delivery trucks, and vehicles used by certain law enforcement and correctional officials. The legislation also clarifies that drivers of correctional vehicles responding to emergencies or escorting ambulances with sick or injured prisoners must obey speed limits and stop signs, though they may proceed through red lights or stop signs after confirming they will be given the right-of-way. These changes directly affect various government agencies, private organizations, and specific law enforcement roles that operate these designated vehicles. The bill becomes effective 60 days after it is signed into law.