Rep. Scott Conklin

Maddy summaryHB 426, the Native Habitats at Commonwealth Facilities Act, requires Pennsylvania state agencies to prioritize native plants (untreated with systemic insecticides) in landscape projects at state facilities. Agencies must consider environmental benefits like supporting pollinators, reducing soil erosion, and conserving water when planning such projects. The bill defines a "pollinator meadow" as an area with at least 50% native wildflowers, including milkweed seed, and protected from insecticides. This applies to Commonwealth agencies (e.g., state departments and offices) but excludes judicial and legislative bodies, and also sets duties for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding pollinator habitats.

Maddy summaryHB 138 amends Pennsylvania laws governing adoption proceedings and juvenile cases. It changes the legal grounds for ending parental rights before an adoption petition is filed and updates how courts handle children deemed dependent (in need of care). The bill specifically targets procedures in domestic relations (Title 23) and court processes (Title 42) related to these cases. No specific new provisions or changes are detailed in the provided context beyond the title's description of its scope. The bill is currently under review by the Children & Youth committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates the week of September 12 through 18, 2026, as "Neonatal Nurses Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to honor the work of neonatal nurses who provide specialized care to newborn infants, particularly those in intensive care units with complex health needs. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge the skills and dedication of these healthcare professionals.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2026 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of early detection and screening for men. The bill includes background information on prostate cancer statistics, symptoms, and recommended screening ages based on risk factors, but it does not create new laws or require specific actions from individuals or organizations. Its primary effect is symbolic, aiming to raise public awareness rather than implementing concrete policy changes or funding programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of September 21 through 27, 2026, as "Rail Safety Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of train collisions and trespassing on railroad tracks. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic resolution to encourage safety education during the specified period. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the nonprofit organization Operation Lifesaver.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fee in Pennsylvania courts to help fund support services for children who are victims of specific sexual offenses and crimes against minors. When a person is convicted, pleads guilty, or enters a diversion program for these crimes, they must pay a fee ranging from $250 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the offense. The collected money goes into a state fund that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency uses to provide grants to children's advocacy centers. Courts are required to allow defendants who cannot afford the fee to pay it in installments, and the bill ensures that any restitution owed to victims is paid before this fee is collected.

Maddy summaryHB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for the sale of kratom products in Pennsylvania, requiring businesses to register with the Department of Health and prohibiting the sale of synthetic kratom varieties. It mandates that retailers verify customers are at least 21 years old using electronic ID scanners and strictly forbids sharing this data, while also enforcing specific labeling and child-resistant packaging requirements. Additionally, the legislation imposes a tax on natural kratom products and outlines penalties for violations, aiming to standardize oversight and protect public health.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" to honor the work of emergency medical personnel. The measure directly affects first responders, EMTs, paramedics, and other healthcare providers who deliver critical care across the state. By officially recognizing this specific time period, the resolution aims to highlight the importance of emergency medical services without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that officially recognizes July 4, 2026, as Independence Day in Pennsylvania to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States. It highlights Pennsylvania's historical significance in the nation's founding, including its role in the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of these events rather than creating new laws or funding.