Rep. Carol Hill-Evans

Maddy summaryHB 1855 requires most employers to provide paid leave to employees who need time off due to climate-related emergencies, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or extreme weather events. It establishes a state-funded Climate-related Emergency Paid Leave Fund to reimburse employers for the cost of this leave. The Department of Labor and Industry would administer the fund, set eligibility criteria for employees, and manage employer reimbursement processes. This bill directly affects employees in climate-impacted areas and their employers, creating a new paid leave requirement tied to weather emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1629 requires Pennsylvania public employers to create safety plans protecting outdoor public workers, including sanitation staff, crossing guards, utility workers, and park maintenance crews. It mandates risk assessments, quarterly incident reviews, and mandatory violence prevention training within 30 days of hire - covering de-escalation, reporting, and legal rights - refreshed every two years. Employers must establish confidential incident reporting systems, provide paid leave for recovery after violent incidents, and offer counseling or legal support. The bill also requires data collection on workplace violence and creates enforcement mechanisms, including fines for non-compliance and protections against retaliation for reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Pennsylvania's medical assistance rules for nursing home residents. It allows eligible individuals to keep more of their personal money by adjusting how personal needs costs (like toiletries or small purchases) are deducted from their benefits. The key provision modifies the deduction calculation so residents' own funds aren't reduced when covering these daily expenses. This directly affects nursing home residents qualifying for state medical assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1857 requires businesses to disclose when they use artificial intelligence in specific consumer interactions, such as loan applications or medical consultations. It gives consumers the right to request a human review for decisions that significantly impact them, like denials of services or critical financial actions. The Attorney General would enforce these requirements, including potential penalties for noncompliance. This bill directly affects businesses using AI in consumer-facing services and empowers consumers with transparency and review options.

Maddy summaryHB 1852 changes the 1971 Tax Reform Code to redirect revenue from the hotel occupancy tax into a dedicated Tourism Promotion Fund. This affects hotels and tourism businesses that pay the occupancy tax, as their payments will now support marketing efforts. The key provision creates a specific fund to finance advertising, promotions, and initiatives aimed at attracting visitors to the state. The bill directs these funds toward boosting tourism marketing and economic development in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1853 amends Pennsylvania's licensing law for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. It updates definitions, licensing procedures, and board powers while adding a specific restriction: it prohibits the use of the title "Licensed Recreational Therapist" for professionals not meeting the defined standards for these licensed roles. The bill directly affects current license holders and applicants in these specific mental health professions within Pennsylvania. Key provisions include clarifying board functions, licensing requirements, out-of-state license endorsement rules, and adding penalties for unauthorized title use.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to create a new tax credit for teachers. The bill directly affects eligible K-12 teachers by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability. Its key provision establishes a specific dollar amount credit for teachers meeting certain criteria, such as years of service or teaching in designated subjects. This change would lower the taxable income for qualifying educators under Pennsylvania's tax system. The bill is currently in the Finance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 257 updates Pennsylvania laws across multiple transportation and gaming areas. It creates new rules for minor driver licensing (including junior licenses and learners' permits), adds penalties for drug delivery on transit, and allows operating controlled substance injection sites near public transit infrastructure. The bill also adjusts interactive gaming taxes, establishes a new highway funding account for state routes, and defines terms for sustainable mobility programs. These changes directly affect drivers (especially minors), transit operators, gaming businesses, and local transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Department of Health to collect comprehensive data on sickle cell disease across the U.S. to better understand its impact on patients and communities. It aims to improve access to treatments by using this data to inform policy decisions. The bill directly affects patients with sickle cell disease and healthcare systems serving affected communities. (1 sentence summary as it's a procedural resolution)

Maddy summaryHB 1829 requires Pennsylvania public schools to disclose information about sports opportunities available to students and to conduct an annual evaluation of these opportunities. The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to mandate these requirements for all public school districts in the state. Key provisions include the annual disclosure of details about sports programs (such as team offerings and participation opportunities) and the annual review process to assess accessibility and availability. This policy change would require schools to regularly report on and evaluate their athletic programs.