Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations laws to redefine marriage as a civil contract between two individuals, removing the previous legal requirement that it be between one man and one woman. It directly affects couples by eliminating state barriers to same-sex marriage and repeals the specific provision that declared such unions void within the Commonwealth. The legislation also updates the statutory definition of marriage to reflect this inclusive language while removing the section that stated it was public policy to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's existing law to strengthen legal protections for individuals who donate food to charitable or religious organizations. It clarifies that donors are immune from civil or criminal liability if they donate food in good faith after a reasonable inspection confirms it is safe to eat. However, this immunity does not apply if the donor was negligent, reckless, intentionally harmful, or knew the food was contaminated. The legislation also explicitly covers donations of food that is not easily sold due to appearance, age, or expiration dates, while maintaining the government's right to regulate such food.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Administrative Code to update definitions and powers for Pennsylvania's Energy Development Authority. It clarifies what counts as a "project" and "cost" for energy initiatives, specifically including expenses for energy audits, environmental surveys, and infrastructure resilience. The legislation also changes how the Authority's board is structured, reducing the number of governor-appointed members from nine to five and adjusting the voting requirements for board decisions. These changes aim to streamline the Authority's governance while expanding its scope to support various energy-related activities.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders Office within the Department of Aging to coordinate state efforts for people affected by these conditions. The office will oversee existing programs, identify service gaps, manage grants, and update the state's strategic plan every five years based on expert advice. To support this work, the law also establishes a large advisory committee made up of government officials, healthcare providers, researchers, and individuals with personal experience caring for those with dementia. This committee will guide the office's activities, review progress, and ensure that the state's approach remains current and effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Keystone Fresh Program to increase the amount of locally grown food served in Pennsylvania school meals. It establishes a grant system administered by the Departments of Education and Agriculture to reimburse school districts for purchasing local fruits, vegetables, grains, and other minimally processed foods. The program prioritizes funding for schools that source from veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged groups, new farmers, or those using sustainable agriculture techniques. A separate fund is also created to support the administration of these initiatives, aiming to improve child nutrition and provide economic benefits to local producers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to regulate political spending by corporations, specifically targeting those with significant foreign ownership or influence. It defines a "foreign-influenced corporation" as one where a single foreign investor owns at least 1% of equity, multiple foreign investors collectively own 5% or more, or a foreign entity participates in political decision-making. Under the new rules, these specific corporations are prohibited from making any contributions or expenditures to support or oppose candidates, ballot measures, or political parties. To ensure compliance, any corporation making a political contribution must certify within seven days that it does not meet the foreign-influenced criteria, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 for individuals who violate these restrictions. The law explicitly excludes domestic corporations from these restrictions and does not limit news media reporting or editorial content.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the PA SITES Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities, redevelopment authorities, and other local organizations develop competitive sites for businesses to locate or expand within the state. It authorizes the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority to issue up to $500 million in bonds to fund regional planning efforts and the redevelopment or revitalization of both industrial and nonindustrial properties. The program is designed to reduce development risks by providing financing for these projects, with repayment covered by specific pledged revenues rather than general state funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update how medical assistance is handled for individuals who are incarcerated. It requires the state to temporarily suspend health coverage when a recipient is sent to a correctional facility and to automatically restore it upon their release, provided they still meet standard eligibility rules. Starting in January 2026, the law allows counties to voluntarily join a new reentry program that offers substance use disorder treatment before release and a 30-day medication supply after release. Counties must formally apply and demonstrate the capacity to support these services before participating, while the state department retains the authority to approve or deny requests based on program readiness.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Child Advocate within Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to protect the interests of children. The Governor will appoint a Child Advocate who must have at least six years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree, and the office will operate independently of the department regarding decision-making. The Advocate and their staff are required to complete specific trainings on topics like trauma-informed care and crisis intervention, and they are designated as mandated reporters for suspected child abuse. Additionally, the bill defines the scope of child health, safety, and well-being programs, which include preventing abuse, providing foster care, and offering early intervention services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require public utilities to give customers at least 60 days' notice before changing their rates. Under the new rules, companies must send clear, plain-language notices to customers and other interested parties, highlighting proposed changes on the outside of mailings. The bill also mandates that utilities file updated rate schedules with the state commission and allows the commission to grant exceptions to the notice period for good cause.