Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as Preeclampsia Awareness Month to highlight a serious pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. The bill aims to increase public knowledge about the condition, which can lead to seizures, strokes, and organ failure if not managed properly. By recognizing this month, the House intends to encourage pregnant individuals to learn about warning signs and seek timely medical care. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement of support for maternal health awareness.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates April 14, 2026, as "Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Officer Day" and recognizes April 12-18, 2026, as "National Animal Control Appreciation Week" within the state. It formally acknowledges the work of animal control and cruelty officers who investigate animal abuse, protect animals from harm, and handle stray or abandoned animals. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition with no funding or new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 411) symbolically designates February 2026 as "Blood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it is a formal recognition intended to raise public awareness about blood cancers (like leukemia and lymphoma), which impact residents across all ages and communities. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to educate themselves about blood cancers, support affected families, and advocate for better awareness and care. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but aims to foster community solidarity around this health issue.

Maddy summaryHB 1826 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act by updating key definitions to clarify anti-discrimination protections in employment. It lowers the minimum employee threshold for businesses to be considered "employers" from four to two workers, expanding coverage to more small businesses. The bill also explicitly includes religious, charitable, and similar organizations as employers for discrimination based on race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability - previously excluded for these categories. Additionally, it revises the definition of "employee" to focus on employer control over work while maintaining exclusions for casual domestic workers and family employees (e.g., parents, spouses, or children).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education to temporarily waive a rule requiring career and technical education programs to end by the twelfth grade. Under the new provision, the secretary can approve programs that continue beyond high school graduation, though existing programs may still choose to end at grade 12. The authority to grant these waivers will last for three years or until final regulations are issued, whichever happens first. This change directly affects vocational and technical education programs within the state's public school system.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit on public school policies regarding student screen time. The audit will examine current rules in Pennsylvania schools, compare them to policies in other states, and evaluate whether existing limits achieve their intended goals. The committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates December 29, 2026, as the 175th Anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in the state. The bill recognizes the YMCA's long history of providing community services, including youth programs, fitness activities, and child care, noting that Pennsylvania hosts more YMCA locations than any other state. It expresses appreciation for the organization's staff and volunteers while encouraging continued support for their efforts to foster community connection and well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Keystone Literacy Investment Tax Credit, a program designed to fund evidence-based reading instruction in Pennsylvania public schools. It allows insurance companies and their holding companies to purchase tax credits that can be applied against their insurance premiums tax liability. The Department of Community and Economic Development will sell up to $150 million in these credits, with the program beginning in 2028 and credits becoming usable in 2029. The legislation also establishes an annual cap of $50 million on the total amount of credits that can be used against tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to restrict how juvenile suspects are held in police lockups and defines where they can be detained before a court hearing. It generally prohibits keeping children in adult police facilities, allowing it only for short periods under six hours for tasks like identification or processing, provided the child is separated from adults and under constant supervision. For longer-term detention, the law requires judges to confirm that no less restrictive option exists and mandates that children be placed in approved juvenile facilities rather than adult prisons. Additionally, the bill clarifies that children facing serious charges are entitled to an immediate bail hearing if they are held before trial.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 29, 2026, as "VFW Day" to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The measure recognizes the VFW's history, its mission to support veterans, and its significant contributions to veterans' benefits and community service. By officially naming this date, the resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge and support the VFW and its members.