Rep. Morgan Cephas

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 197 is a commemorative resolution that recognizes and honors the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It acknowledges their more than a century of commitment to social activism, academic excellence, and civic engagement in the Commonwealth, specifically on the occasion of "Delta Day" at the State Capitol.

Maddy summaryHB 1357 amends Pennsylvania's tax code to allow employees to deduct overtime pay from their taxable income when filing personal income tax returns. The bill defines "overtime pay" as compensation earned for hours worked beyond 40 per week (per federal standards) and requires employers to withhold tax on this amount. Employees who received overtime in 2026 or later can subtract the full overtime amount from their taxable income, potentially resulting in a tax refund if the deduction lowers their liability below zero. This directly affects Pennsylvania employees who earn overtime and employers who withhold taxes on such earnings. The changes apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1345 would expand Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover FDA-approved treatments for menopause symptoms, including hormonal and non-hormonal drugs, devices, and behavioral therapy, for eligible low-income residents. The bill specifically requires coverage for all defined menopausal symptoms - such as hot flashes, bone density loss, and sleep disturbances - as well as treatments for menopause following a hysterectomy. It mandates that the state seek federal approval via a plan amendment or waiver to implement these changes. This policy directly affects enrolled medical assistance recipients experiencing menopausal symptoms, ensuring they receive covered care without additional out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryHB 308 establishes new workplace health and safety standards specifically for public employees in Pennsylvania, including those working for the Commonwealth, counties, cities, schools, and public institutions. It creates the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review Board, grants the Secretary of Labor new enforcement powers for workplace inspections, and requires public employers to meet safety standards comparable to those in the private sector under federal OSHA. The bill imposes penalties for violations, prohibits employer retaliation against employees reporting safety concerns, and mandates recordkeeping and reporting procedures. This legislation directly affects all public employees across Pennsylvania who previously lacked consistent state-level safety protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 amends Pennsylvania's Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to require bias and discrimination training for appraisers before certification or renewal, covering topics like housing discrimination history, fair housing laws, and implicit bias. The bill prohibits appraisers from basing property valuations on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, or source of income, with penalties including voided appraisals, license suspension, and fines. It also mandates an annual statewide audit of appraisal practices to identify discrimination patterns and requires the board to report findings to the legislature and state agencies. This directly affects licensed real estate appraisers and aims to address systemic bias in property valuation.

Maddy summaryHB 1192 establishes a "Mothers Treatment Court Pilot Program" within Pennsylvania's minor courts, targeting mothers involved in the criminal justice system who require substance abuse or mental health treatment. The bill requires the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to create guidelines within six months for identifying eligible mothers, addressing their specific needs, and collecting data on program outcomes. Counties implementing the program must track participant referrals, charges, outcomes, and report annually - without personally identifiable information - to a public website. This pilot program, initially limited to minor courts, aims to provide court-supervised treatment alternatives rather than standard criminal penalties for qualifying mothers.

Maddy summaryHR 190 is a resolution designating April 7-11, 2025, as "Health Equity Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about health inequities affecting marginalized communities, including those based on race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to support efforts advancing health equity across all communities and sectors. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally recognizes the need for systemic change in health access.

Maddy summaryHB 411 adds a new supplemental annuity for eligible Pennsylvania state retirees, starting July 2025. It applies to retirees who retired before July 2, 2001, have specific service credit (excluding certain classifications), and are receiving monthly payments on July 1, 2025. The amount equals a percentage (ranging from 15% to 24.5%) of their July 2025 monthly annuity, based on their retirement date. The benefit is paid automatically unless retirees opt out, and the cost will be funded over 10 years starting July 2026. This bill does not apply to survivors or retirees with certain service types.

Maddy summaryHB 764 establishes the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, a program that provides grants to support the construction, renovation, or expansion of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and retail food businesses in underserved low-income and moderate-income communities across Pennsylvania. The initiative prioritizes projects located in, owned by, or primarily serving Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, as defined by population data from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will administer the program, develop eligibility guidelines, and ensure grants promote local food systems, job creation, and the use of Pennsylvania agricultural products. The bill also creates a dedicated "Fresh Food Financing Initiative Restricted Account" to hold program funds.

Maddy summaryHR 181 is a symbolic resolution recognizing April 11-17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, specifically highlighting that Black women in Pennsylvania face maternal mortality rates twice as high as White women (148 vs. 74 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020) and that 93% of pregnancy-related deaths in the state are preventable. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but uses official recognition to spotlight these inequities, citing data on higher rates of complications and preventable deaths among Black mothers across Pennsylvania. It directly focuses attention on Black women in the state, particularly in high-impact areas like Philadelphia and Allegheny County.