Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryHB 788 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to adjust tax rates for mutual thrift institutions (like credit unions and mutual banks) operating in the state. It gradually reduces their annual tax rate from 8.99% in 2025 down to 4.99% by 2033, with specific rates set for each year through 2033. The bill also extends the period for carrying forward net losses from three to ten years when calculating tax deductions. This directly affects mutual thrift institutions by lowering their tax burden over time and changing how they can offset past losses against current income.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 expands workers' compensation for firefighters diagnosed with cancer by creating a new presumption that the cancer is work-related if the firefighter: (1) served at least four years continuously in firefighting, (2) provides proof of direct exposure to listed carcinogens (via Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System for volunteers), and (3) had no cancer at the time of a pre-employment physical exam. It extends the claim window from 300 to 600 weeks after last employment for cancer claims, though the presumption only applies within the first 300 weeks of that extended period. The bill directly affects career and volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania who develop cancer linked to their job. This change simplifies claims for firefighters with documented occupational exposure while requiring specific evidence to establish eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it is a ceremonial observance acknowledging the historical significance of the Holocaust and the UN-established date. The resolution cites the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and the UN's 2005 designation of this date for global remembrance. Pennsylvania's recognition aligns with the UN resolution's purpose of honoring Holocaust victims and promoting human rights education.

Maddy summaryHB 2172 simplifies transferring a decedent's primary residence in small estates by allowing a "small estate primary residence affidavit" process. It directly affects surviving spouses, descendants, or ascendants of someone who died owning a primary residence valued at $150,000 or less, without requiring full probate. The bill establishes a county-based process where a sworn affidavit (with income verification below 120% of federal poverty guidelines to waive fees) can transfer the home, bypassing court-appointed administrators. The law expires seven years after implementation and includes a requirement for the Local Government Commission to study its effectiveness after five years.

Maddy summaryHB 1304 requires Pennsylvania to conduct annual stress tests on state pension systems for both education and state government sectors. The bill mandates that relevant boards submit test results - including scenario and sensitivity analyses - to the Governor, General Assembly, and Independent Fiscal Office by April 1 (education) or October 1 (state government). The Independent Fiscal Office must then produce a summary report by June 1 (education) or December 1 (state government), including a calculation of projected pension contributions relative to state revenues. This directly affects state pension systems, covering public employees and retirees, by establishing regular, transparent assessments of pension fund financial health.

Maddy summaryHB 1526 requires natural gas utilities in Pennsylvania to develop and implement prevention plans for pipeline deterioration. These plans must address risks from aging infrastructure to prevent failures. The bill directly affects gas utility companies operating in the state, mandating specific preventative measures under the Public Utilities code. It does not specify penalties or funding mechanisms, focusing solely on the requirement for prevention planning. The bill was referred to a committee but was laid on the table without further action.

Maddy summaryHB 1525 amends the Underground Utility Line Protection Law by updating definitions related to underground utility lines and protection standards. This bill directly affects utility companies, construction contractors, and local governments that manage or work near underground utility infrastructure. It does not create new requirements or penalties but clarifies terminology to improve consistency in applying the existing law. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on definition changes without altering enforcement or obligations. (2 sentences, as it is a definitional amendment)

Maddy summaryHB 2164 would create a program allowing family members of Pennsylvania medical assistance recipients to become certified complex care assistants. These family members would provide specific medical services at home - such as feeding, catheter care, and medication administration - under a registered nurse's supervision after completing 75 hours of training and passing a competency evaluation. The program targets recipients under 21, those eligible for private duty nursing, or those needing both services for medical reasons, with home health agencies reimbursed at a minimum of $45 per hour. It explicitly requires the services to supplement, not replace, existing private duty nursing under the medical assistance program.

Maddy summaryHB 2130 renames the Fort Duquesne Bridge on U.S. Route 279 over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh as the Franco Harris Bridge. This commemorative bill honors Franco Harris, the late Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back and community advocate, by renaming a specific bridge in his hometown. The bill does not create new policies or affect any regulations - its sole purpose is to rename the bridge. The legislation is procedural and has no direct impact on residents, businesses, or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2, 2026, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints and organs that impacts over 1.3 million Americans and carries significant health risks like higher heart attack rates. The resolution is symbolic - meaning it does not create new laws or funding, but rather formally recognizes the day to highlight the disease's challenges and connect to broader health awareness efforts. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by encouraging community recognition of rheumatoid arthritis through official state acknowledgment.