Rep. Kathy Rapp

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and their families. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to increase public understanding of the disease and support ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by those living with ALS and the importance of continued medical investigation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the late actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and is celebrated for his film career and contributions to American culture. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a ceremonial recognition of Stewart's Pennsylvania ties and legacy. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected by this designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 53 in Houtzdale Borough as the Cpl. Melvin Philip "Dutch" Henry Memorial Bridge to honor a local veteran. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying this new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act includes background details about Cpl. Henry's life, military service, and heroic status, but its primary function is to formally rename the infrastructure rather than change any operational policies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates 2025 as "The Year of the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America" in Pennsylvania to honor the organization's 90-year history of service to faith, family, and country. It is a ceremonial measure expressing the state's recognition of the Catholic War Veterans' contributions, including their work with Pennsylvania's veterans community and their national service since 1935. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies - it is purely symbolic, with no direct impact on legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2442 amends Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act to allow the Department of Agriculture to issue temporary operating licenses to applicants seeking retail food facility permits. To qualify, applicants must prove they have submitted a complete public water system permit application and provide certified lab tests showing their water system meets federal standards. The temporary license remains valid only while the permit application is pending and automatically expires if the permit is issued, denied, or if the applicant fails to submit required compliance tests every six months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals applying for or receiving public assistance in Pennsylvania to participate in an identification program that includes placing their photograph on electronic benefit cards and may involve fingerprinting. County officials would be tasked with verifying this photographic identification before issuing any aid to ensure proper recipient verification. The law aims to update administrative procedures within the Human Services Code by mandating these specific identification methods for all assistance recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program and a trade career-incentive tax credit for Pennsylvania residents pursuing specific skilled trade careers in higher education. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per academic year to students enrolled in approved courses such as carpentry, welding, plumbing, or electrical work, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress and have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Recipients must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania for 36 months in an in-demand occupation after completing their degree, with the scholarship amount prorated based on years of service and requiring repayment if they fail to meet these requirements. Additionally, the bill establishes a tax credit for business firms that hire graduates from these trade programs, though specific credit amounts and eligibility details are not fully detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHR 362 is a procedural resolution that directs the House to discharge the Committee on Education from further consideration of House Bill 158, allowing HB 158 to move directly to the full House floor for a vote. This action bypasses the committee's review process, which typically requires committee approval before a bill can be debated on the floor. The resolution was placed on the calendar under Rule 53 on October 29, 2025, signaling it will now proceed to a floor vote. This change affects the legislative workflow for HB 158 but does not alter the content or policy of HB 158 itself.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill expands the PA EDGE tax credit program to include companies extracting critical minerals from produced water, which is wastewater from oil and gas wells. The legislation defines "critical minerals" as materials essential for national security and energy systems, and sets a $1 million minimum investment requirement for facilities to qualify for tax credits. To receive the credit, companies must use Pennsylvania-produced water for extraction, hire local workers, and comply with state procurement laws. The Department of Revenue will review applications and approve tax credits for eligible projects that meet all specified criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2248 designates May 20 as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the late actor, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and starred in iconic films like *It's a Wonderful Life* and *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*. The bill is purely commemorative, with no requirement for employers to grant paid leave or treat the day as a legal holiday. It includes legislative findings about Stewart's life, career, military service, and legacy, including his 1985 Presidential Medal of Freedom. The designation applies annually without imposing new obligations on individuals or organizations.