Rep. Nikki Rivera

Maddy summaryHB 1312 updates Pennsylvania's death certificate process to include a nonbinary gender option. It allows individuals to pre-select their gender identity (female, male, or nonbinary) for use on their death certificate, which must be recorded if specified. If no pre-selection is made, the certificate will reflect the decedent's gender based on their official documents (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, or passport). Family members, spouses, or legal guardians can challenge the gender listed within 10 days by filing a court petition.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 creates a state-funded grant program to support organizations helping individuals navigate name changes while facing gender or sexual stereotype-based biases. It establishes the "Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Fund" with $2 million transferred from the General Fund, which will provide competitive grants to eligible nonprofits, counties, or local governments. These grants fund "eligible assistance programs" offering informational, legal, or emotional support for name change processes. The program requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer applications, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per award, prioritizing organizations serving communities outside major cities or launching new services.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 210) designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "National Public Works Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes public works professionals - including engineers, managers, and employees - who maintain infrastructure like roads, water systems, and public buildings. The resolution urges Pennsylvanians to participate in events honoring these workers and acknowledges their role in community health, safety, and quality of life. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1302, the Medical Debt Interest Act, caps the interest rate on unpaid medical bills at 6% for healthcare providers (like hospitals and doctors) and medical debt collectors in Pennsylvania. The bill prohibits charging more than 6% interest on medical debt and classifies violations as unfair business practices under existing consumer protection law, allowing individuals to seek court enforcement. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 allows Pennsylvania school buses to install extended stop signal arms on the left side, with specific size limits: the front extension cannot exceed 78 inches from the vehicle's left side (minimum 36 inches above ground), and the rear extension cannot exceed 32 inches (also minimum 36 inches above ground). These extensions must include flashing red lights and are permitted only when the bus is stopped for loading or unloading students. The bill permits these extended arms to temporarily exceed standard vehicle width limits during such stops. The Department of Transportation will create implementing regulations for this change, which takes effect in 60 days.

Maddy summaryHB 1327 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to strengthen penalties for election bribery and create a new offense for paying to induce voter registration. It makes offering money, goods, or lottery chances to influence voting a felony (with penalties up to $15,000 or seven years), while paying someone to register to vote becomes a misdemeanor (up to $10,000 or five years). This bill directly affects individuals who attempt to bribe voters or pay for registration to influence election participation. The provisions aim to deter improper election practices by criminalizing financial incentives tied to voting behavior or voter registration.

Maddy summaryHB 1317 increases Pennsylvania's annual cap on entertainment production tax credits from $100 million to $125 million. It also establishes new rules allowing the Department of Revenue to carry forward unused credits: up to 30% for the next fiscal year, 20% for the year after, and 10% for the third year. This directly affects film and entertainment producers seeking tax credits under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The changes apply to fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 643 modifies Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax provisions to establish fixed annual transfers of tax revenue. It requires $100 million in transfers for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2027, and $110 million for all subsequent fiscal years. This change directly affects individuals and entities paying real estate transfer taxes in Pennsylvania, as the specified amounts are deducted from the tax revenue pool. The bill specifies the exact dollar amounts and effective dates without altering the tax rate or adding new exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 110) formally recognizes April 2025 as "National Poetry Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a non-binding ceremonial resolution, not a law, and does not create new policies or affect any specific group. The resolution acknowledges the Academy of American Poets' established observance of National Poetry Month and highlights poetry's role in education and community culture, as noted in the resolution's preamble. It has no funding, regulatory, or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or penalties but formally recognizes and supports existing state and national efforts to reduce distracted driving. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to focus on driving safely and discuss distraction risks with others. It aligns with current awareness campaigns led by agencies like PennDOT and the State Police, which already provide safety resources. The designation applies broadly to all residents and drivers in the state.