Maddy summaryHB 1297 amends Pennsylvania's Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to require bias and discrimination training for appraisers before certification or renewal, covering topics like housing discrimination history, fair housing laws, and implicit bias. The bill prohibits appraisers from basing property valuations on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, or source of income, with penalties including voided appraisals, license suspension, and fines. It also mandates an annual statewide audit of appraisal practices to identify discrimination patterns and requires the board to report findings to the legislature and state agencies. This directly affects licensed real estate appraisers and aims to address systemic bias in property valuation.
Rep. Liz Hanbidge
Sponsored bills
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 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 summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or penalties but formally recognizes and supports existing state and national efforts to reduce distracted driving. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to focus on driving safely and discuss distraction risks with others. It aligns with current awareness campaigns led by agencies like PennDOT and the State Police, which already provide safety resources. The designation applies broadly to all residents and drivers in the state.
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.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) through a symbolic designation, highlighting the disease's impact - such as its fatal neurodegenerative nature, average 2-5 year survival after diagnosis, and lack of cure - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS, acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and families, and honor ongoing research efforts. As a procedural resolution, it does not alter any existing policies or provide financial support.
Maddy summaryHB 502 establishes the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board within the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This board is tasked with creating a statewide process for siting large-scale electric generation and energy storage facilities (25+ megawatts for generators, 10+ megawatts for storage). Companies proposing such facilities can seek a "certificate of reliable energy supply" from the board. This certificate aims to ensure efficient development of new energy resources while protecting human health, safety, and the environment. The board comprises representatives from state agencies, labor, and industry, and has the authority to approve or deny applications for these certificates.
Maddy summaryHB 503 establishes the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Program, creating a state-run "cap-and-invest" system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector. The program requires the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct Pennsylvania-run auctions for CO2 allowances, with specific rules for eligible participants, such as electricity generators and financial institutions. Revenue from these auctions will be directed into several designated accounts, including those for consumer protection, energy transformation, workforce enhancement, and low-income support. Upon the program's establishment, Pennsylvania would cease participation in other carbon auction programs related to the electric generation sector.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 33) designates April 2025 as "Limb Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the challenges faced by people with limb loss, including emotional, physical, and financial impacts. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge this month, celebrate individuals living with limb loss, thank caregivers, and honor military amputees. It directly affects the public by promoting awareness of a condition impacting over 2 million Americans, as noted in the resolution's supporting facts.
Maddy summaryHB 1270 amends Pennsylvania's Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to require health care practitioners to offer blood lead testing for children before they turn nine months old, replacing the previous 24-month deadline. If a child hasn't been tested by nine months, practitioners must offer testing by age two, and by age six if still untested. The bill also mandates that practitioners assess lead exposure risks and obtain written parental consent before testing. This change directly affects children under 18, their parents, and health care providers in Pennsylvania who treat young children.