Rep. Carol Hill-Evans

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Pennsylvania State Song Commission to study the history of the current state song, gather public submissions for a new song, and propose changes. The commission would directly affect Pennsylvania residents by potentially recommending a new official state song. Key provisions include conducting historical research, soliciting song submissions from the public, and submitting recommendations to the legislature. The bill is procedural, focusing on the process of reviewing the state song rather than changing it immediately. (Note: This bill was laid on the table in the Senate and did not advance to becoming law.)

Maddy summaryHB 1637 clarifies definitions for gambling devices under Pennsylvania law, directly affecting businesses selling gaming equipment and law enforcement. It defines "amusement games" as devices offering only noncash prizes (like free food or low-value merchandise) with no cash redemption, and "slot machines" as devices that can pay cash, redeemable tokens, or merchandise through chance. The bill specifies that certified gaming devices, antique machines, and true amusement games are excluded from the slot machine definition. This creates clearer legal boundaries to distinguish lawful amusement devices from illegal gambling equipment. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1635 amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to protect the privacy of large lottery winners. It requires that personal details (like name and address) of anyone winning $1 million or more remain confidential and not part of public records. However, basic information such as the winner's city/township, county, and prize amount must still be publicly disclosed. Winners can also choose to voluntarily waive this confidentiality if they wish. The Department of Revenue will create rules to implement these new privacy protections.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 188) symbolically recognizes May 6, 2025, as "World Asthma Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups or policies; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The resolution was referred to the Health committee, reported as committed, and ultimately laid on the table (stalled) on June 23, 2025, under House Rule 71. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 1633 establishes regulations for shared electric low-speed scooters in Pennsylvania. It allows certain cities (second-class, second-class A, or third-class) to create programs with scooter companies, requiring safety rules like a 15 mph speed limit, mandatory nighttime lighting, and prohibitions on use on freeways or sidewalks in business districts. Companies must carry $2 million in liability insurance and provide complaint hotlines for abandoned scooters. The bill directly affects participating cities, scooter operators, and riders using these scooters.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Bridge Key 28737 - located at 13th Street over Bushkill Creek in Easton, Northampton County - as the Honorable James F. Prendergast Memorial Bridge. It honors James F. Prendergast, a WWII Marine Corps veteran (Navy Cross recipient), Easton lawyer, and 20-year Pennsylvania State Representative (1958-1978). The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install signs displaying the new name on the bridge. It is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1636 amends Pennsylvania's sports wagering laws by adding a specific definition for "E-Sports event" as organized video game competitions where skill determines outcomes. It updates the definition of "Sporting event" to explicitly include e-Sports events alongside traditional sports and motor races. This change directly affects sports betting operators and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, as it expands the types of events eligible for wagering under current regulations. The bill makes no new rules or taxes but clarifies which competitions qualify for sports wagering. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1631 amends Pennsylvania's bankruptcy exemption rules for court-ordered debts (judgments and liens) under Title 42 of the state statutes. It would directly affect Pennsylvania residents filing for bankruptcy who have outstanding judgments or liens against them, such as from unpaid debts or court rulings. The bill's key provision changes how certain assets are protected during bankruptcy proceedings, specifically adjusting the exemption limits for these types of debts. This creates a concrete policy change in how bankruptcy filers can shield assets from creditors holding judgments or liens. The bill was recently referred to the House Commerce Committee on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1639 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to exempt certain highly automated vehicles from requiring a certificate of compliance. The bill specifically applies to vehicles equipped with automated driving systems that still need a human driver present to take over driving tasks or respond to intervention requests. This change makes it lawful to operate such vehicles on Pennsylvania highways without the additional certification, as long as a human driver is available to assume control. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1642 amends Pennsylvania's judicial statutes to prohibit state courts, law enforcement, and officials from assisting with legal actions involving "reproductive health care services" that are lawful in Pennsylvania. Specifically, it blocks Pennsylvania courts from ordering service of documents or issuing subpoenas for cases outside the state related to such services (including abortion care), prevents officers from arresting individuals for out-of-state offenses involving these services, and requires governors to withhold extradition for such cases. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" broadly to cover medical, surgical, or counseling services related to pregnancy, contraception, or abortion that are legal in Pennsylvania. These changes apply only to cases involving services permitted under Pennsylvania law, not to all out-of-state legal matters. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.