Rep. Chad Reichard

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It officially recognizes March 9-15, 2025, as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the impact of multiple sclerosis (affecting over 24,000 Pennsylvanians) and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It has no binding effect or funding provisions - it simply encourages public awareness and support for the cause.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes emergency medical services (EMS) providers - including paramedics, first responders, dispatchers, and volunteers - for their 24/7 lifesaving work. The resolution has no policy or funding changes; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of EMS teams' contributions to public health and safety. It directly affects Pennsylvania EMS personnel by honoring their service during this designated week.

Maddy summaryHB 958 amends Pennsylvania's 1978 Storm Water Management Act to update the Department of Environmental Resources to the Department of Environmental Protection and clarify its responsibilities. The bill requires the department to provide technical assistance to local governments for implementing storm water plans and conduct annual water quality testing of surface waters, with backup options for testing if resources are limited. It also streamlines the approval process for watershed storm water plans and clarifies grant eligibility for municipalities and counties to cover storm water management costs. These changes directly affect local governments, small storm sewer systems, and the state environmental department in managing storm water infrastructure and water quality.

Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Pennsylvania schools to accept U.S. currency as payment for admission to school-sponsored activities, such as athletic events, assemblies, or field trips. It applies to all school entities, including public school districts, charter schools, and private schools participating in school activities. The bill mandates that cash must be accepted when fees are charged, while allowing schools to also accept other payment methods like credit cards. It defines "cash" as U.S. coins and paper money recognized as legal tender and clarifies that schools may refuse payments in large denominations that exceed the fee amount.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 119) designates February 24 through March 2, 2025, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in the state. It symbolically recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about eating disorders, which affect millions and have high mortality rates. The resolution urges the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials, healthcare providers, and residents to observe the week with educational activities and promote early intervention resources. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, serving solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of the issue.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution formally recognizes March 17, 2025, as "St. Patrick's Day" within the state. It acknowledges Irish Americans' military contributions during the Revolutionary War, citing historical records showing they comprised 40-50% of the Continental Army by 1778. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, celebrating cultural heritage. It directly affects Pennsylvanians of Irish descent (over 15% of the state's population) through this official recognition. The resolution does not alter any laws or provide funding.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 115) designates April 2025 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group; instead, it symbolically recognizes the importance of religious liberty and faith in Pennsylvania's history and values. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to "celebrate their faiths freely and openly" through public displays, prayer, and thanksgiving during April 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or binding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude sales and use taxes on firefighting equipment purchased by paid or volunteer firefighters using their own money. To qualify for this tax exemption, firefighters must present a department-issued identification card at the time of purchase, which the Department of Revenue will issue to individuals holding approved certifications. The legislation defines firefighting equipment as items designed to extinguish, control, or stop fires or protect users and property from fire hazards. This change directly affects individual firefighters and retailers selling firefighting gear, while establishing new administrative procedures for identification card issuance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most construction and land development projects to obtain an erosion and sediment control permit from Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before starting earth disturbance work (like clearing land or building). It sets a 45-day deadline for DEP to process permits, or 20 days if a licensed engineer submits the application, and mandates clear written reasons for denials. The DEP must also submit an annual report to the legislature by January 31st, detailing permit applications, approvals, processing times, staff workload, and fees collected by industry sector. This directly affects construction companies, developers, and the DEP, which must manage permits and reporting under new timelines and transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 109) urges the U.S. Congress to establish "Patriots' Day" as a federal holiday. It specifically references the historical significance of the April 19, 1775, battles at Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy (now Arlington) as the start of the American Revolution. The resolution notes that several states (including Massachusetts since 1894, Maine since 1907, and Connecticut since 2018) already observe Patriots' Day on the third Monday in April. As a resolution, it does not create the holiday itself but formally requests Congress take action.