Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryHB 2210 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to allow electronic registration cards displayed on personal devices like phones or tablets. It defines key terms like "electronic registration card" (a digital version viewable on devices) and "electronic product device" (phones/tablets used to display it). The bill requires vehicle owners to sign physical cards or display digital versions when asked by police, but prohibits police from demanding device surrender and protects against liability for accidental damage or viewing unrelated phone data. It also prevents unrelated digital information viewed during a traffic stop from being used as evidence in court. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2176 would require Pennsylvania public and nonpublic schools to integrate social media literacy into their curriculum. The bill mandates that state academic standards include specific lessons on social media's mental, psychological, and physical impacts on students, its effects on learning, safe online behavior (including identifying cyberbullying and predatory activity), and personal device security. The Department of Education must develop educational materials and provide professional development for teachers on these topics. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania schools, including public school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools, by adding concrete requirements to student learning standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public schools to adopt or update a bullying policy that includes clear disciplinary consequences for bullying incidents and designates a staff member to handle reports. Schools must notify parents within five days of a bullying or cyberbullying incident while following federal privacy laws. The policy may also include prevention and intervention programs, and the bill clarifies that bullying involves repeated, severe acts in a school setting that disrupt education or create a threatening environment. Cyberbullying is specifically defined as bullying occurring via electronic devices during school hours.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 sets specific fees that must be paid to healthcare providers before they produce medical records in response to a subpoena. The bill establishes a detailed fee structure: $20.62 for searching and retrieving records, plus page-based charges (e.g., $1.39 per page for the first 20 pages of paper copies, with lower rates for additional pages), and a $200 maximum for electronic copies. These fees are adjusted annually using the consumer price index. The law directly affects healthcare providers and parties requesting medical records, requiring payment before records are released.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies and government programs in Pennsylvania to cover behavioral health services for children involved in the juvenile justice system. It mandates that insurers provide funding for screenings, assessments, and treatments related to mental health conditions and substance use disorders during specific legal proceedings, such as mandatory intake conferences and informal adjustments. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "behavioral health provider" and "screening" to ensure consistent application of these coverage requirements. By integrating mental health support into the juvenile justice process, the bill aims to address the needs of youth facing delinquency charges while maintaining a neutral focus on policy implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania to increase public understanding of the Sikh faith and honor the community's contributions. The resolution aims to reduce anti-Sikh prejudice and bullying by highlighting Sikh history, values, and charitable work within the state. By officially recognizing the month, the bill seeks to foster a more inclusive environment and educate residents about Sikh culture and practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing category called the "Philadelphia 250 Permit" for alcohol establishments in Philadelphia and other municipalities that choose to participate. To qualify, businesses such as restaurants and breweries must pay a $500 fee, complete a specific nighttime safety training program, and have their application details posted online. Local governments have the authority to object to individual permit applications, and the state board can revoke a permit immediately if a business operates outside its approved scope. The legislation establishes these rules within the existing Liquor Code and allows participating cities to adopt ordinances to enable the program.

Maddy summaryHB 1970 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to update definitions and clarify requirements for driver's licenses. The bill specifies what information must appear on licenses (such as photo and personal details) and mandates that drivers carry their license at all times, presenting it to law enforcement upon request. It directly affects all licensed drivers in Pennsylvania by standardizing license content and enforcement procedures. The changes aim to improve clarity for both drivers and law enforcement regarding license presentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes allowing Pennsylvania to pay for special personal care services provided by a family member to a recipient of Medical Assistance. To make this possible, the state would need to request permission from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover these costs. The law specifies that the state cannot begin paying for these services until it receives approval from the federal government. The changes would take effect 180 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study current diversion programs and recommend improvements or new programs. It requires the commission to examine barriers to existing programs, analyze successful models from other states, and provide a report to the House within one year. Diversion programs - which offer alternatives to incarceration for low-level offenses, mental health crises, or substance use issues - would be the focus of this review. The resolution does not create new law but aims to inform future policy changes.