Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryHB 1247 prohibits law enforcement officers from using deception - such as false promises of leniency or misleading information - during custodial interrogations of individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. Any confession obtained through such deception would be presumed inadmissible in criminal or juvenile court cases for offenses that would be misdemeanors or felonies if committed by an adult. The state (Commonwealth) must prove the confession was voluntary by a preponderance of evidence to overcome this presumption, shifting the burden of proof from the defense to the prosecution. This applies to all custodial interrogations conducted at police stations or other detention facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 imposes a temporary pause (moratorium) on selling or leasing public water and wastewater systems to private companies. It creates a Water Utility Reform Working Group to develop recommendations for system management and reform. The bill also repeals specific rules about how acquired water systems are valued. This directly affects communities that own public water systems and their residents, as it delays potential privatization and sets up a process for reviewing system operations.

Maddy summaryHB 879 would change Pennsylvania law to allow both state and local prosecutors to pursue charges for riot, disorderly conduct, and related offenses that currently fall under state jurisdiction alone. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals charged with these specific offenses by expanding who can bring legal action. The key provision establishes "concurrent jurisdiction," meaning local district attorneys and the state attorney general could both prosecute the same case without requiring state involvement. The bill aims to streamline enforcement for these offenses but does not alter the penalties or definitions of the crimes themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Physical Therapy Practice Act to formally define "dry needling" and expand the scope of services available to licensed physical therapists. It mandates that only physical therapists who complete a board-approved certification program may perform dry needling, while explicitly excluding this practice from the duties of physical therapist assistants. The legislation also clarifies the definitions of physical therapy to include a broader range of interventions such as mechanical stimulation and wellness promotion. These changes aim to standardize training requirements and delineate the specific responsibilities of different therapy professionals within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 562 amends Pennsylvania's 1883 law governing federal lands to explicitly include juvenile cases under the state's retained "concurrent jurisdiction." This means Pennsylvania courts will maintain authority over juvenile matters occurring on federal lands (like post offices) that were previously ceded to the U.S. government. The bill updates the 1883 statute to clarify that the state retains this specific jurisdiction, ensuring juvenile cases are handled under Pennsylvania law rather than solely federal authority. As a procedural amendment to existing law, it does not create new policy but formalizes current practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify funding rules for cyber charter schools. It mandates that these schools cannot charge tuition to students who live in or outside the state, with one specific exception. Under this exception, a local school district does not have to pay the tuition for its own students if those students attend an outside cyber charter school instead of the district's own online program. To qualify for this exemption, the district's online program must meet specific standards set by the state department, such as offering in-person orientation, verifying residency, tracking attendance, providing technical support, and assigning case managers for special education needs. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1800 would repeal the current legal provisions in Pennsylvania that recognize marriage between people of the same sex by removing specific sections from the domestic relations code. The bill directly affects same-sex couples currently married in Pennsylvania, as it would eliminate the statutory basis for their marriages. Key provisions include amending definitions in the preliminary sections of the code and striking down existing language that addresses same-sex marriage. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a state-funded paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers needing time off for health issues, childbirth, or family care. It establishes a dedicated state fund to cover leave costs, creates an advisory board to guide implementation, and assigns oversight to the Department of Labor. The program would directly affect employees in the state who qualify for these leave types, requiring employers to provide the benefits. The bill also specifies penalties for businesses failing to comply with the new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to allow individuals to switch insurance companies without being denied coverage or facing higher prices due to their health status or medical history. It specifically applies to people aged 65 or older who are already enrolled in Medicare and wish to change their current supplement plan within 60 days of their birthday while keeping the same type of coverage. Under the new rules, a new policy issued under these conditions must take effect on the first day of the month that is at least 30 days after the application is signed, and the changes will become effective on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 requires commercial data centers in Pennsylvania to pay fees to the state. These fees fund a new Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund, which boosts assistance for low-income households struggling with energy costs. The bill also mandates that data centers meet specific renewable energy targets and allows them to recover certain operational costs through regulated rates. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Department of Human Services are tasked with implementing these requirements and managing the fund.