Rep. Kathy Rapp

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 378) designates December 17, 2025, as "Sustainable Forestry Initiative Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the 30-year work of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Pennsylvania's SFI Implementation Committee (PA SIC). It recognizes their efforts in promoting sustainable forestry practices, training over 8,000 professionals, and supporting Pennsylvania's forest-based communities and economy through voluntary, science-based stewardship programs. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally honors their contributions to forest sustainability.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the Vietnam War Veteran Sgt. Calvin G. Maguire Memorial Bridge. The legislation formally names the structure, which carries State Route 4013 over the Norfolk Southern Railroad and 8th Avenue, to honor Sgt. Maguire, a local resident who was killed in action during his service in Vietnam. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates February 22, 2026, as "United States Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Champions Day" to honor the state's hockey teams' achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The resolution formally recognizes the athletes' gold medal victories and congratulates the teams on their performance, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, staff, and communities who contributed to their success. It is a commemorative measure intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the hockey teams rather than to change laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 11, 2026, as the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks within the state. The measure formally honors the victims, their families, and the first responders who sacrificed their lives during the events and subsequent recovery efforts. Additionally, it recognizes the service of military personnel involved in the global war on terrorism and encourages Pennsylvanians to remember the historical significance of the day.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates June 2026 as "Life Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the four-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The measure calls on churches, businesses, and communities across the state to celebrate this date and reaffirm the protection of unborn lives. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not create new laws or policies but serves to recognize a specific timeframe for public observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify attendance rules for charter and cyber charter schools while protecting students from unfair penalties. It requires cyber charter schools to define how students are marked present for online classes, specifically mandating that students be visible on camera during live lessons and complete weekly benchmarks for independent work. The legislation also prohibits school districts from counting absences as unexcused when students miss school due to a lack of transportation or when they arrive late to a single class, and it establishes a formal appeal process for parents to contest these determinations. Additionally, the bill strengthens reporting requirements, mandating that cyber charter schools submit data on student attendance and weekly benchmark completion to the state department.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 4, 2026, as "Knoebels Amusement Resort Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Knoebels Amusement Resort, a family-owned park in Elysburg that opened on July 4, 1926. The resolution recognizes the park's history, including its origins as a picnic destination and its growth into a major attraction with over 50 rides and games. It highlights the Knoebel family's long-standing connection to the land and the park's resilience through various natural challenges, including multiple flooding events. The designation serves as a symbolic celebration of the resort's century of operation and its contribution to Pennsylvania's tourism and entertainment industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates sentencing laws in Pennsylvania to impose stricter penalties for specific serious crimes, including second-degree murder, the murder of unborn children, and the murder of law enforcement officers. Under the new rules, defendants convicted of these offenses would face a minimum prison term of 35 years, with life imprisonment without parole becoming mandatory if a judge finds the person directly caused the death or was an active participant in the killing. The legislation also expands the definition of "crime of violence" to include these offenses, which could lead to harsher sentences for individuals with prior criminal records. Additionally, the bill requires courts to consider victim impact statements and various factors related to the crime and the defendant's history when deciding on life sentences.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2026, as "The Blessing of the Balers Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates a story about a farmer whose equipment was fixed after a priest prayed over it. The bill has no legal effect beyond naming the date and expressing good wishes to farmers. It is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" within the state. The measure aims to honor healthcare workers and hospitals by encouraging residents to show appreciation for their services and urging state representatives to visit local facilities. While it highlights the significant economic and community contributions of hospitals, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the healthcare system's role in Pennsylvania.