Rep. Nikki Rivera

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2026 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of early detection and screening for men. The bill includes background information on prostate cancer statistics, symptoms, and recommended screening ages based on risk factors, but it does not create new laws or require specific actions from individuals or organizations. Its primary effect is symbolic, aiming to raise public awareness rather than implementing concrete policy changes or funding programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of September 21 through 27, 2026, as "Rail Safety Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of train collisions and trespassing on railroad tracks. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic resolution to encourage safety education during the specified period. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the nonprofit organization Operation Lifesaver.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fee in Pennsylvania courts to help fund support services for children who are victims of specific sexual offenses and crimes against minors. When a person is convicted, pleads guilty, or enters a diversion program for these crimes, they must pay a fee ranging from $250 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the offense. The collected money goes into a state fund that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency uses to provide grants to children's advocacy centers. Courts are required to allow defendants who cannot afford the fee to pay it in installments, and the bill ensures that any restitution owed to victims is paid before this fee is collected.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pause efforts to pass federal laws that would block states from regulating artificial intelligence. The bill highlights both the economic benefits and potential risks of AI, noting that Pennsylvania has already enacted state-level protections for issues like deepfakes and AI-generated harmful content. It asserts the state's authority to create its own AI regulations and asks federal officials to stop threatening legal action against state AI laws or withholding funding from states that pass such regulations. The resolution directs Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to advocate for a regulatory approach that respects state authority while protecting public welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to create and implement virtual power plant programs by July 1, 2027, which allow customers with eligible energy technologies like solar panels or batteries to participate in grid services. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will review and approve these proposals within 180 days, requiring companies to set enrollment targets and include mechanisms for existing demand response programs. Participants can receive compensation for providing services such as peak load reduction, voltage support, and emergency grid services, with special provisions for low-income customers and disadvantaged communities to receive enhanced upfront payments. The program will establish operational rules for when and how often grid events can occur, including limits on event duration and advance notice requirements, while allowing customers to disenroll without penalties for nonperformance.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 11, 2026, as "25th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, Day" in the state. The measure formally recognizes the victims of the 2001 attacks, including civilians, military personnel, and first responders who lost their lives. It serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than establishing new laws or funding. The resolution aims to honor the memory of those affected and reaffirm the state's commitment to remembering the events and their legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicaid programs and private health insurance plans to cover bone density screenings, preventive care, and treatments for osteoporosis specifically linked to menopause. It directly affects postmenopausal women, particularly those with low income who rely on Medicaid, by ensuring access to these services without cost barriers. The key provision mandates that both public medical assistance programs and private insurers include these osteoporosis-related services in standard coverage. This expands existing coverage to explicitly address menopause-related bone health needs.

Maddy summaryHR 368 is a resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study changes in commercial property values across the Commonwealth. The study will assess the financial impact of these changes on local governments and school districts, and provide recommendations based on its findings. This resolution does not create new laws but initiates an official review process to inform future fiscal decisions. It directly affects local governments and school districts by examining how property value shifts may influence their budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 2028 amends Pennsylvania law to establish permitted uses for public spaces (like parks or sidewalks) and clarifies when local governments can be sued for actions affecting the public. It directly affects local governments (cities, counties) and individuals or groups seeking to use public areas for events or activities. The key provision creates specific exceptions to government "sovereign immunity," meaning governments can be held liable in court for certain actions under defined circumstances. This changes how public space access is regulated and sets clearer rules for when government entities face legal accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed health insurers in Pennsylvania from increasing costs such as premiums, copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for specific health care services that were already covered under a policy. The law applies to individual and group health insurance plans but excludes self-funded employer plans and other limited benefit policies. Insurers may still raise costs if a service was obtained through fraud or if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues a warning about safety or if a drug manufacturer announces a discontinuance. Violations of these rules would be treated as unfair trade practices and could result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the insurer.