Rep. Aaron Bernstine

Maddy summaryHB 439 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly define "race" as including hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as locs, braids, or afros), and "religious creed" as including head coverings or hairstyles tied to religious practice. Employers cannot prohibit these features unless they prove the rule is necessary for health/safety, non-discriminatory, job-specific, and applied equally. The law does not prevent employers from enforcing general safety rules or anti-harassment policies that apply fairly across all employees. This directly affects employers and employees in Pennsylvania workplaces by clarifying protections against discrimination related to appearance.

Maddy summaryHB 2055 requires Pennsylvania police officers to complete a mandatory basic tactical operations course as part of their certification training. The course covers practical skills like safe building entry, team communication during operations, threat identification under stress, and scenario-based training focused on officer safety and lawful force use. This new requirement applies specifically to police officers seeking certification under Pennsylvania's municipal police training rules. Completion of this course becomes a prerequisite for certification, directly affecting all new and existing officers needing to maintain their certification status.

Maddy summaryHB 2054 would provide temporary financial and operational assistance to Pennsylvania's emergency response systems. It directly affects the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Pennsylvania State Police, and the Office of State Treasurer by requiring them to implement specific support measures. The bill establishes duties for these agencies to manage and distribute this temporary aid, though it does not specify the exact emergency scenarios or funding amounts. As a substantive law-and-justice bill, it focuses on operational structure rather than broad policy changes. (Note: The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee referral stage as of November 19, 2025.)

Maddy summaryHR 371 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study whether creating a shared training facility at Fort Indiantown Gap for the Pennsylvania National Guard and State Police is feasible. It would assess practical, financial, and operational aspects of establishing this joint facility. The Commission must issue a final report with findings and recommendations after completing the study. This resolution directly affects the National Guard and State Police by potentially enabling a new training site, but it does not create the facility itself.

Maddy summaryHB 2039 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a process for the state to seek federal demonstration authority under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). It requires the Department of Education to develop an innovative assessment system - potentially including competency-based or performance-based evaluations - through public hearings and a 30-day comment period before May 1, 2026. The bill mandates submitting a federal application by that date to replace or supplement current standardized testing requirements. This procedural bill directly affects Pennsylvania public schools by enabling a new framework for measuring student achievement, pending federal approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2029 is a joint resolution proposing constitutional amendments to Pennsylvania's election process for judicial positions. It aims to change how justices, judges, and justices of the peace are elected, address vacancy procedures, and define their tenure terms. The bill directly affects judicial officers and voters, as it would alter election rules for these roles and require voter approval for any constitutional changes. If passed by the legislature, it would need to be ratified by Pennsylvania voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2015 designates a specific bridge (Bridge Key 5662 on PA Route 866 over the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River in Catharine Township, Blair County) as the "Sergeant Edward Vernon McChessney Memorial Bridge." This bill is purely commemorative, honoring a named individual by renaming the bridge. It does not create new policies, affect regulations, or alter funding. The bill is currently in the Transportation committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 2000 designates a specific section of highway in Pennsylvania as the "Pennsylvania and National Medal of Honor Highway" to honor Medal of Honor recipients. It directly affects the highway corridor by renaming it, replacing a previous designation. The bill's key provision is the repeal of the prior highway name, formally establishing this new commemorative name through legislative action. This is a ceremonial measure with no funding or policy changes beyond the highway's official designation.

Maddy summaryHB 1962 prohibits state agencies from providing funding or entering contracts with individuals or entities that provide or are affiliated with abortion-related activities. It requires people enrolled in medical assistance programs to certify they are not engaging in such activities. The bill also mandates the Department of Human Services to establish procedures for verifying these attestations and enforcing the restrictions. These provisions directly impact state-funded programs, healthcare providers receiving state contracts, and medical assistance beneficiaries. The bill is currently under review by the Health committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1956 amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act by updating key definitions within the law. This change directly affects how the Act's anti-discrimination protections are interpreted and applied in cases involving protected characteristics. The bill focuses solely on clarifying terminology, without introducing new restrictions or requirements. It is currently in the early stage of the legislative process, having been referred to the State Government committee on October 17, 2025.