Rep. Nikki Rivera

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 summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to clarify how the General Assembly conducts its annual sessions. It mandates that the legislature must meet at noon on the first Tuesday of January each year and requires the Governor to call a special session if a general appropriation bill is not passed by the end of the fiscal year. The measure also outlines the specific steps needed to put this change on the ballot for voter approval after it passes both houses of the General Assembly.

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 amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to establish a specific rule for enacting the state budget. It directly affects the General Assembly and the Commonwealth's fiscal operations by requiring lawmakers to remain in session on weekdays until a general appropriation bill is passed if one is not completed by the end of the current fiscal year. The key provision mandates continuous legislative activity to prevent a lapse in funding for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that state operations can continue without interruption. This change formalizes the process for budget enactment to address potential delays in passing necessary financial legislation.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as Public Works Week to honor the contributions of public works professionals in the state. The bill directly affects engineers, contractors, inspectors, and other workers who maintain essential community services like streets, water systems, and waste collection. By officially recognizing this time period, the resolution aims to raise public awareness about the critical role these workers play in keeping communities safe and functional, especially during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 13, 2026, as "Gold Shield Family Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. The resolution directly affects the relatives of fallen police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, corrections officers, and other public safety personnel. It serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these families, aligning with a similar federal designation from the previous year. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead establishes an official date for recognition and remembrance within the state.