Rep. Carol Hill-Evans

Maddy summaryHB 2076 establishes a regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create rules for project approvals, environmental safeguards, and well operations. The bill creates a Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support industry growth and imposes civil penalties for violations of the new regulations. It directly affects geothermal developers (who must comply with DEP rules) and the DEP (which must implement the regulations). Key provisions include defining geothermal resources, setting standards for well operations, and ensuring environmental protections for projects.

Maddy summaryHB 2106 amends Pennsylvania's guardianship procedures for people alleged to be incapacitated. It requires courts to provide clear, simple-language notices to the person in question about the hearing's purpose, potential loss of rights, and their rights, along with the petition details. The bill specifies who must be notified (like relatives, service providers, and others with a genuine interest in the person's well-being) and clarifies hearing procedures, including when hearings can be closed or held at the person's residence. This directly affects individuals facing guardianship proceedings, their families, and service providers.

Maddy summaryHB 558 caps residential rental application fees at $20 per applicant and restricts landlords from charging more for background checks that must include criminal history and credit score checks. It directly affects residential landlords and tenants in Pennsylvania by limiting fee amounts and specifying how fees may be used. The bill exempts commercial or nonresidential properties from these fee limits. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1077 establishes the Commission on Children's Vision within Pennsylvania's Department of Education and Department of Health to address children's vision care needs. The commission will develop statewide plans and low-cost programs for vision screenings, follow-up exams, and glasses for students who need them, while coordinating with local vision care providers. It must issue annual reports by December 31 detailing program achievements, trends in unmet vision care needs, and recommendations for improving access. The commission, composed of state education/health officials and 12 vision care professionals, will not receive compensation but will receive administrative support from the departments. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania schoolchildren requiring vision care and the state departments responsible for health and education services.

Maddy summaryHB 1752 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education to conduct a feasibility study on alternatives to the Keystone Exams, which are standardized tests students must pass to graduate high school. The study will evaluate whether other assessment methods could replace the current exam system for graduation requirements. This bill does not change existing testing rules but mandates a review process to inform potential future policy decisions. The findings must be reported to the Pennsylvania legislature for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 2486 requires Pennsylvania public schools to create and share mental health support policies for students. The bill mandates that educators in grades six through twelve receive four hours of mental health training every five years. Additionally, the state Department of Education will develop model policies, training materials, and a curriculum to guide schools in identifying student needs and providing appropriate support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania schools participating in the School Safety and Security Grant Program to create electronic records tracking traumatic events and adverse childhood experiences for students. These records, overseen by a mental health professional or trained administrator, will include information from law enforcement, medical providers, and school support services, organized into three tiers of access to protect sensitive data. The legislation strictly limits how this information can be used, prohibiting its use for student admissions or in criminal proceedings while ensuring confidentiality. Schools must develop individualized support plans based on these records to better assist students affected by trauma, with access granted only to authorized staff and parents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's child protective services agencies to notify school principals, guidance counselors, or mental health professionals when a student has recently experienced a traumatic event. The law mandates that these agencies create specific procedures to share this information while strictly prohibiting the disclosure of confidential case details. By enabling schools to monitor affected students, the measure aims to ensure they can provide appropriate support without compromising privacy. The regulations will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to increase the maximum allowable rate for local services taxes from $52 to $156 per year. It also grants political subdivisions the authority to exempt residents with low income from this tax, requiring exemptions for those earning under $12,000 if the tax rate exceeds $10, and for those earning under $15,600 if the rate exceeds $52. The changes directly affect cities, boroughs, townships, school districts, and other local governments that levy these taxes, as well as the residents who pay them. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to officially recognize the week of May 3 through 9, 2026, as 'National Travel and Tourism Week' within the state. It does not change any laws or allocate money, but instead serves to honor the importance of the travel industry, which supports over 514,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity for Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the state's tourism contributions to the economy and its role in celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.