Rep. Nikki Rivera

Maddy summaryHB 1365 establishes Pennsylvania's Medication-Induced Movement Disorders Screening Education Program within the Department of Health. The program requires the development of educational materials for healthcare providers and the public about symptoms and screening for involuntary movement disorders caused by long-term mental health medications. It mandates the Department of Health to create electronic resources posted online and distribute guidance to facilities serving high-risk populations, including coordination with agencies like Mental Health Services and the Department of Aging. The bill focuses on raising awareness and standardizing screening practices, with implementation required within 60 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to make a one-time payment to medical assistance managed care organizations by December 31, 2027, to help increase payments to providers for medical equipment and supplies. The total amount available for distribution is calculated by taking the total funds these organizations paid to providers for such items in 2024 and adding 10% to that figure. Once the department distributes its share, the managed care organizations must pass along 10% of the 2024 payment amounts to each participating provider within 30 days. The law applies specifically to individuals enrolled in the medical assistance program and the healthcare providers and organizations that serve them.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as Preeclampsia Awareness Month to highlight a serious pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. The bill aims to increase public knowledge about the condition, which can lead to seizures, strokes, and organ failure if not managed properly. By recognizing this month, the House intends to encourage pregnant individuals to learn about warning signs and seek timely medical care. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement of support for maternal health awareness.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new regulatory framework for skill video gaming devices in Pennsylvania, requiring the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to oversee their operation. It defines "covered devices" as electronic machines that accept value and offer payouts while simulating slot machines, but explicitly excludes traditional slot machines, family entertainment center games, and pure multiplayer video competitions. The legislation mandates that these devices connect to a central computer system for real-time auditing of financial transactions and operational details. Additionally, the bill outlines specific duties for the Gaming Control Board and sets penalties for violations of the new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates April 14, 2026, as "Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Officer Day" and recognizes April 12-18, 2026, as "National Animal Control Appreciation Week" within the state. It formally acknowledges the work of animal control and cruelty officers who investigate animal abuse, protect animals from harm, and handle stray or abandoned animals. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition with no funding or new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 411) symbolically designates February 2026 as "Blood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it is a formal recognition intended to raise public awareness about blood cancers (like leukemia and lymphoma), which impact residents across all ages and communities. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to educate themselves about blood cancers, support affected families, and advocate for better awareness and care. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but aims to foster community solidarity around this health issue.

Maddy summaryHB 1826 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act by updating key definitions to clarify anti-discrimination protections in employment. It lowers the minimum employee threshold for businesses to be considered "employers" from four to two workers, expanding coverage to more small businesses. The bill also explicitly includes religious, charitable, and similar organizations as employers for discrimination based on race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability - previously excluded for these categories. Additionally, it revises the definition of "employee" to focus on employer control over work while maintaining exclusions for casual domestic workers and family employees (e.g., parents, spouses, or children).

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 993 creates an official logotype for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will develop this logotype and establish an application process and eligibility guidelines for businesses to use it. A veteran-owned business is defined as one where at least 51% of the ownership is held by a veteran. The bill also establishes a penalty for fraudulently claiming veteran status to use the logotype and creates a Veteran-Owned Business Coordinator to assist veteran entrepreneurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania municipalities to install automated road safety monitoring systems in school zones to issue citations for traffic violations. Local governments may contract with private vendors to manage these systems and collect fines, which are set at $40 for each violation. The legislation establishes that the registered vehicle owner is liable for the penalty and requires detailed notifications to include photographic evidence and appeal instructions. Additionally, the bill mandates a 30-day grace period where municipalities can issue written warnings instead of fines to educate drivers before enforcement begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to officially include linear generators in the state's list of alternative energy sources. It defines linear generators as systems that convert linear motion directly into electricity without flames or sparks, capable of operating on various fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and biogas. By adding this technology to the "Tier I" category, the legislation ensures that electricity produced by these generators counts toward the renewable energy goals set for electric distribution and supply companies. The changes apply to existing and future energy production methods and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.