Rep. Craig Fishbein

Maddy summarySB 259 would restore the religious exemption for school immunizations, allowing parents to exempt their children from required vaccines based on religious beliefs. It directly affects school-aged children and their families who hold religious objections to vaccinations. The bill amends state law to reinstate this exemption, which had been removed from current immunization requirements. As a result, schools would once again be required to accept religious exemption forms as a valid alternative to vaccination.

Maddy summarySB 149 would create a reciprocal licensing agreement between this state and other states for skilled trades. It directly affects licensed workers in trades like plumbing, electrical work, or welding who wish to practice in another state. The bill would allow these workers to transfer their licenses without needing to retake exams or complete additional training in the new state. The purpose is to simplify interstate mobility for skilled trade professionals while maintaining licensing standards.

Maddy summarySB 304 prohibits electric distribution companies from adding a combined public benefits charge to customers' electricity bills. This bill directly affects residential and business electricity customers who currently pay this fee. The key provision bans the charge by amending state law to prevent utilities from collecting it. The policy change is a direct restriction on how utilities can bill customers, without specifying which programs previously funded by the charge.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 7 proposes amending the state constitution to require four specific legislative leaders - Senate President Pro Tempore, House Speaker, Senate Minority Leader, and House Minority Leader - to sign emergency certified bills and resolutions before they can be filed. This procedural change would apply only to bills or resolutions designated as "emergency certified," altering the legislative filing process for such measures. It does not affect public policy or citizen rights but modifies internal legislative requirements. The resolution is a procedural amendment focused on signature protocols for emergency measures, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 8) proposes amending the state constitution to require public hearings for any bill or resolution introduced during a special session of the General Assembly. It directly affects the legislature by mandating that all special session legislation undergo a public hearing before proceeding. The key provision would change the constitutional process, requiring these hearings for all special session bills rather than allowing them to move forward without public input. This is a procedural change affecting how the legislature handles special session legislation, not a substantive policy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes amending the state constitution to prohibit the General Assembly from enacting tax increases or new taxes that apply to past tax periods (retroactive taxes). It directly affects the legislature's ability to pass such tax changes and impacts taxpayers who might otherwise face unexpected tax bills for prior years. The key provision would add a constitutional restriction preventing retroactive tax measures. This is a procedural proposal, not a law, requiring voter approval to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summarySB 160 requires all public colleges and universities in the state to adopt campus free speech policies that comply with federal and state constitutional protections. The bill mandates that these policies explicitly align with existing free speech rights, without restricting protected expression. It directly affects every institution of higher education receiving state funding, ensuring their speech policies meet constitutional standards. The law does not change speech rules but requires institutions to formally document policies meeting legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5034 creates a personal income tax deduction of up to $2,000 for volunteer firefighters, fire police officers, and ambulance members who receive stipends from their local municipality, fire department, or ambulance association. This deduction directly affects volunteer emergency personnel who earn these stipends as part of their service. The bill amends tax code to allow these individuals to subtract the stipend amount (capped at $2,000 annually) from their taxable income. The policy provides a concrete tax benefit for qualifying volunteers without changing broader tax rates or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5036 requires colleges and universities to include non-affiliated victims (those not students or employees) in investigations of intimate partner violence when the accused is a student or employee. Specifically, schools must notify victims about investigations, allow them to participate, explain roles in the process, and share findings discovered during the investigation. This bill directly affects victims of intimate partner violence who are not connected to the educational institution where the accused is enrolled or employed. The policy changes aim to ensure these victims have a voice in proceedings that impact them, without altering the investigation's legal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 5011 exempts veterans from paying the "Passport to the Parks" fee when registering a motor vehicle in the state. This bill directly affects veterans who register vehicles, removing a specific fee they would otherwise pay during the registration process. The key provision amends existing law to automatically exclude veterans from this fee requirement during motor vehicle registration. The change applies to all veterans at the time of vehicle registration, without requiring additional applications or documentation.