Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates state laws to clarify which inmates are ineligible for early release programs, specifically short sentence parole and certain parole eligibility rules. It directly affects prisoners convicted of specific serious offenses, such as incest, open lewdness, and crimes involving child sexual abuse material, by ensuring they cannot access these accelerated release options. The legislation also standardizes the term "child sexual abuse material" throughout the statutes to replace older references to "child pornography." Additionally, the bill makes minor editorial changes to correct references within the legal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Right-to-Know Law to require organizations that receive taxpayer money or are regulated by government agencies to provide public records. Specifically, it mandates that any entity receiving grants, loans, or appropriations, or falling under the jurisdiction of a state or local agency, must comply with existing public record disclosure rules. The amendment clarifies the scope of entities subject to these transparency requirements by adding a new section to the statute. This change ensures that publicly funded and regulated organizations are held to the same open records standards as other public bodies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands public health insurance coverage in Pennsylvania to include rapid whole genome sequencing for infants under one year old who have complex or acute illnesses of unknown cause. To qualify, the child must be in an intensive care unit and show specific symptoms, such as multiple organ anomalies or severe metabolic issues, that suggest a genetic origin. The testing must be ordered by a doctor who determines that a quick molecular diagnosis is essential for guiding treatment, with results expected within fifteen days. While the genetic data will primarily be used to help doctors treat the patient, the law also allows for its use in scientific research if the parent or guardian gives explicit consent. Additionally, the bill ensures that families can access their test results for use in other medical settings and retain the right to withdraw consent for research at any time.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to create a new "limited license" specifically for natural hair braiders, allowing them to operate legally without a full cosmetology license. It defines natural hair braiding as techniques that create tension on hair roots, such as twisting or weaving, while explicitly excluding the use of dyes or chemical treatments. Under the new rules, individuals can obtain this specialized license by completing three hundred hours of training or by proving three years of prior practice, and they are permitted to work in licensed salons. The legislation also clarifies that practicing cosmetology without a license remains illegal and establishes specific sanitary and educational requirements for schools and teachers.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state retirement funds and the State Treasurer from boycotting or divesting from Israel. It also bars state funding for any higher education institution that engages in such boycotts or divestment actions. The law defines these actions as financial penalties against the Israeli government or its commercial activities and applies to direct and indirect investments, while exempting certain individual employee savings plans. Compliance with the law must still follow existing fiduciary duties and prudent investing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires parental consent before schools can offer specific types of virtual mental health services to students. It defines these services as online peer support groups, counseling from non-licensed individuals, and behavioral health support provided by artificial intelligence. The law also clarifies that it does not protect unlicensed individuals from legal penalties if they provide services outside of their professional scope. While the bill establishes these consent rules, it does not change the list of licensed professionals who can currently provide mental health care.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 72 in Swatara Township as the Senator David J. Arnold, Jr., Memorial Bridge to honor his service. The legislation officially names the structure after the late state senator, who previously served as Lebanon County's district attorney and later as a state senator. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state's Tax Reform Code to modify how sales and use tax is calculated. Specifically, it changes a single word in the statute to alter the conditions under which discounts are applied. The text requires the Finance and Appropriations committees to review the change before it can become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to increase penalties for driving while a license is suspended or revoked due to alcohol or drug offenses. It allows judges to impose short jail sentences of up to 90 days for first-time offenders and raises fines, while also clarifying that these penalties do not prevent defendants from working or receiving probation. The legislation further mandates that individuals seeking a limited driving license must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and self-certify ownership of the cars they intend to operate. Additionally, it requires ignition interlock vendors to report any device violations to the state within a specific timeframe to ensure continued compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes minor adjustments to Pennsylvania's vehicle laws, specifically targeting rules regarding racing on highways and the handling of impounded vehicles. It seeks to remove the word "intentional" from a specific provision, clarify language about controlled or uncontrolled substances, and change the authority responsible for certain vehicle matters from municipalities to counties. These changes aim to refine how traffic enforcement and penalties are applied without altering the fundamental structure of the state's vehicle code.