Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryHB 963 creates a new tax credit program in Pennsylvania for employers covering educational expenses of apprentices. It allows employers to claim tax credits for up to $3,500 per qualifying apprentice toward tuition, books, and lab fees at eligible PA schools. To qualify, apprentices must be PA residents, at least 16, enrolled full-time in a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, and employed by the claiming employer in Pennsylvania. The Department of Revenue administers the program, requiring electronic applications and setting eligibility criteria for schools and apprentices. This policy directly affects PA employers in registered apprenticeship programs and their apprentices pursuing postsecondary training.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 138) orders Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission to study civic education in the state and develop cost-effective recommendations to improve it. It directly affects Pennsylvania students and schools by requiring an analysis of current civics assessments (under Act 35 of 2018), comparisons with high-performing states, and strategies to strengthen civic education across three pillars: knowledge, skills, and action. The study must include evaluations of existing assessment methods, successful models from other states, and approaches to boost student engagement, with a report due within 18 months. The resolution does not change laws but aims to inform future policy based on evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows housing authorities in specific Pennsylvania jurisdictions - including second-class counties, second-class cities, second-class A cities, and third-class cities - to appoint their own police officers. These officers would have the same authority as municipal police on housing authority properties and adjacent areas, including enforcing order under local laws. To qualify, officers must complete the same training and certification required for municipal police under state law and maintain that certification. The bill expands housing authorities' security capabilities without altering their core mission of providing low-income housing.

Maddy summaryHB 964, the Victims of Violence Safe Employment Act, provides eligible Pennsylvania employees with up to 160 hours of protected leave when they or a defined family member experience a "qualifying act" of violence - including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking this leave, and employees can sue if they face adverse actions like termination or demotion for using it. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners, caregivers, and others with significant emotional ties, and "qualifying acts" cover both criminal and non-criminal violent conduct. It requires employers to allow the leave without penalty, with penalties for violations including fines and legal liability.

Maddy summaryHB 966 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to strengthen consumer protections in health insurance. It requires insurance companies to pay penalties if over 50% of their denied health claims (excluding administrative denials) are later overturned through internal or external review processes. Penalties start at $50,000 for the first overturned claim and increase to $250,000 per claim for subsequent violations. Collected penalties must fund consumer protection activities, in addition to any other existing penalties. This directly affects health insurers operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 362 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to authorize the Energy Development Authority to administer federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for the Solar for All Program. It directs the Authority to distribute funds for residential solar installations, storage, and upgrades to qualifying households across all Pennsylvania counties, prioritizing rural, suburban, and urban communities. The bill specifically prohibits using funds for solar panels or parts made with forced labor (defined as work performed under threat of penalty without voluntary consent) and requires the Public Utility Commission to protect non-participating ratepayers from cross-subsidization. This creates a clear administrative framework for implementing the federal program while adding labor and ratepayer safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It officially recognizes March 9-15, 2025, as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the impact of multiple sclerosis (affecting over 24,000 Pennsylvanians) and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It has no binding effect or funding provisions - it simply encourages public awareness and support for the cause.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 29, 2025, as "22nd Amendment Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates Pennsylvania's ratification of the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on April 29, 1947, which established presidential term limits. The resolution has no legal effect and serves only as a ceremonial observance. It does not alter any laws or impact any individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's REAL ID Compliance Act to exempt residents aged 65 or older from all fees when applying for a driver's license or photo ID card. Under Section 3.1(a), eligible seniors only pay standard costs for the license or ID, not the full administrative fees. The exemption applies to all fee-related administration under the existing REAL ID law. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 939 amends Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act to include minors working as content creators (such as social media influencers, vloggers, and streamers) under the same protections as those in performing arts. The bill requires employers to establish a trust account holding at least 15% of a minor's earnings (above $2,500) for their benefit, managed by a fiduciary, with the parent or guardian setting up the account before employment. This applies when a minor's content creation is "substantial," defined as being the principal subject of the content or creating content for 10+ days in a 30-day period. The law directly affects minors in digital content creation and their employers, ensuring earnings are partially safeguarded for their future.