Rep. Nikki Rivera

Maddy summaryHB 1729 would require online platforms in Pennsylvania to verify the age of users and set default privacy settings for children under 18, blocking strangers from messaging, viewing profiles, tagging, or transacting with them without parental approval. For children under 13, parents must approve all new connections and financial transactions, and can view their child's activity on the platform. The bill also prohibits platforms from using deceptive design features ("dark patterns") that undermine these protections and bans discrimination against minors in service quality or pricing. This applies to social media, gaming, and other platforms allowing public profiles and user interaction.

Maddy summaryHB 1599 requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to join regional electricity grid operators (regional transmission organizations, or RTOs). It mandates that these companies submit annual reports by February 1st detailing all votes they cast or had affiliates cast at RTO meetings during the previous year. The reports must include a 20-100 word explanation of how each vote serves the public interest. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment, aiming to increase transparency in utility decision-making within regional grid management.

Maddy summaryHB 1358 updates Pennsylvania's lodging laws to directly protect hotel employees. It requires hotels to safeguard workers from retaliation for reporting safety issues or violations, replacing vague existing rules with specific protections. The bill imposes fines on hotels that violate these new safeguards, targeting employers who fail to prevent retaliation. This law affects all Pennsylvania hotels and lodging businesses, focusing on concrete changes to employee safety and enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 129 updates specific definitions within Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (enacted in 1968). It clarifies terms used in the law to improve consistency in how consumer protection rules are applied. This change directly affects businesses operating under the law and consumers seeking to understand their rights under the statute. The bill focuses solely on refining terminology, not altering substantive consumer protections or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1717 amends Pennsylvania law to exempt records held by volunteer emergency medical services (EMS), fire, and rescue companies from public access under the Right-to-Know Law. The exemption applies to these volunteer organizations as defined in existing statutes, directly affecting their operational and personnel records. However, if a volunteer group contracts with a Commonwealth or local agency, the Right-to-Know Law’s section 506(d) still applies to those records. The bill creates a clear exception for contracted services while otherwise shielding most volunteer emergency service records from public disclosure. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 15-19, 2025, as "Clean Energy Week" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial designation with no new policies, funding, or direct impact on residents or businesses. The resolution highlights Pennsylvania’s existing clean energy sector - including solar, wind, and geothermal resources - and notes the state’s growth in clean energy jobs and production. It does not alter laws or create new obligations; it solely aims to recognize ongoing efforts in the clean energy field.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 24, 2025, as "World Polio Day" in Pennsylvania to honor global efforts against polio. It is a symbolic gesture with no binding policy changes or direct impact on individuals or organizations. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies. The bill was referred to the Health committee and later laid on the table without further action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 21-28, 2025, as "Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research and Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by aiming to increase public awareness and understanding of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease, to support better diagnosis and treatment options. As a symbolic resolution, it does not include funding or regulatory changes but seeks to elevate focus on IPF through official recognition. The bill was referred to the Health committee and later laid on the table, halting further progress.

Maddy summaryHR 253 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to create a task force and advisory committee focused on improving access to drug and alcohol treatment for people with substance use disorders. The task force, composed of four legislative members appointed by leadership, will work with an advisory committee of 26 stakeholders - including health officials, treatment providers, law enforcement, recovery advocates, and individuals in recovery - to examine barriers to treatment, review existing policies, and gather input from families and communities. The committee will analyze prevention services, recovery support, and quality care factors, then submit recommendations to the legislature within one year. This resolution does not change current law but establishes a process to inform future policy decisions on substance use disorder treatment access.

Maddy summaryHB 1709 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require institutions of higher education to provide employment certification for adjunct and part-time faculty. This bill directly affects part-time and adjunct professors at colleges and universities, who often lack formal job security documentation. The key provision mandates that schools issue written certification confirming employment terms, such as hours and contract duration, for these faculty members. The bill aims to create clearer employment records for part-time educators under the state's higher education framework. It was referred to the Education committee on July 9, 2025.