Rep. Nikki Rivera

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called aggravated assault of an insured, which applies specifically to the chief executive officers of health insurers. Under the law, a CEO would be guilty of this offense if they deny a medically necessary benefit to a patient, and that denial directly causes serious bodily injury or death to the patient. The legislation defines "health insurer" to include various types of medical coverage providers while excluding policies like dental, vision, and workers' compensation plans. If passed, the bill would take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence to oversee and report on vocational training programs across Pennsylvania. The commission will consist of state officials and representatives from industry groups, tasked with setting guidelines for credit transfer between schools and assessing workforce needs. Additionally, the legislation establishes a grant program to provide equipment for building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship initiatives at community colleges. It also mandates that community colleges offer annual youth camps in construction and building trades to seventh and eighth-grade students to introduce them to these career paths.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces two main changes to Pennsylvania law: it exempts gun safes and gun locks from sales and use tax, and it creates a new criminal offense for failing to securely store firearms. Under the new provisions, firearm owners must keep their weapons locked in a designated safe or with a locking device when not in use, with stricter penalties if a minor or unauthorized person is likely to be present. The legislation also establishes civil liability for owners whose unsecured firearms cause injury or property damage and requires retailers to post notices about secure storage laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies that gun cabinets do not qualify as gun safes and defines specific terms like "securely store" and "unauthorized user" to guide enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 15, 2026, as "Court Appointed Special Advocates Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the work of the state's Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. The bill directly affects CASA volunteers and staff who provide free advocacy for abused and neglected children within the court system. By officially recognizing the date of the program's incorporation, the measure aims to highlight the contributions of these trained volunteers who help ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth. The resolution serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. It does not change laws or allocate funding, but instead encourages government agencies, schools, businesses, and residents to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness. The resolution calls for communities to promote accessible mental health services and reduce stigma around mental health conditions. It is a symbolic measure intended to highlight the importance of mental health without implementing new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1611 revises Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to create a uniform statewide system for reporting and investigating abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of older adults. It directly affects vulnerable elderly Pennsylvanians and their caregivers by establishing mandatory reporting protocols and prohibiting financial exploitation. Key provisions include requiring local agencies to use a standardized reporting system, clarifying definitions of abuse and exploitation, and ensuring protective services are available to those at risk. The bill also updates funding mechanisms and penalties for violations, aiming to improve coordination and response across all counties.

Maddy summaryHB 1913 would amend Pennsylvania's judicial procedure laws (Title 42) to clarify what arguments about damages are permissible in court. The bill specifically addresses "rights and immunities" in civil cases, potentially changing how parties can present damage claims during litigation. This amendment would directly affect plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits seeking monetary compensation. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's teacher certification rules and funding for a specific education grant program. It caps the fees charged for reviewing teacher certification applications at $50 and directs those funds to a state account used for recruiting educators. Additionally, the legislation allows the Department of Education to use up to $300,000 annually from existing funds to award grants under the Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program. The bill also mandates a one-time transfer of approximately $1.4 million from a restricted fund to the same talent recruitment account. These changes directly affect teachers seeking state certification and the administration of the telepresence education initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to help Pennsylvania school districts and career and technical schools update their educational materials. Eligible schools can apply for funding to buy digital platforms or printed curricula that include lesson plans, multimedia content, and tools for tracking student progress. The amount each school receives is calculated based on its student enrollment and the total state funding available for the program. To qualify, schools must receive a recommendation from their local occupational advisory committee and certify that the funds will be used for approved curriculum modernization.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify and streamline the process for neighboring municipalities to merge or consolidate into a single entity. It establishes specific definitions for agreements between city councils and allows residents to propose mergers through a petition process if the councils do not agree. Key provisions include creating a required transitional planning committee with representatives from each involved city to manage the merger, standardizing how local laws are enforced, and setting clear deadlines and procedures for court review. The legislation also repeals older, conflicting rules regarding merger agreements and ensures that any new combined city can qualify for state grants.