Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryHB 2116 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to provide additional property tax relief for low-income senior citizens. It creates a 50% supplemental rebate on top of existing property tax rebates for seniors with household income ≤ $30,000 who live in cities other than first-class cities (e.g., Philadelphia), school districts, or second-class A cities. The bill changes income calculation by allowing property taxes paid on primary residences to reduce taxable income, and updates rebate schedules with annual inflation adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. These changes directly affect seniors aged 65+ with low fixed incomes who qualify for base property tax or rent rebates.

Maddy summaryHB 505 proposes restructuring how electricity companies operate in Pennsylvania by amending the state's public utilities code. It requires electric utilities to implement new energy efficiency and conservation programs for customers, directly affecting both utility companies and residential/commercial electricity users. Key provisions include mandating specific energy-saving measures and updating how utility programs are funded and administered. The bill aims to modernize the electric industry framework while expanding access to efficiency resources for consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 1881 updates Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to modernize requirements for pharmacy technicians and trainees, including new registration qualifications and supervision rules by licensed pharmacists. It adds specific protocols for pharmacies administering injectable medications, biologicals (like vaccines), and immunizations, while requiring detailed reports on vaccine administration. The bill also establishes new standards for clinical laboratory certificates and repeals outdated sections of the original 1961 law. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, trainees, and pharmacists who oversee vaccine and medication administration.

Maddy summaryHB 274 amends Pennsylvania's 1936 Unemployment Compensation Law to change eligibility rules for workers seeking benefits. It specifically expands eligibility for individuals fleeing domestic violence by removing barriers to claiming compensation in such cases. The bill also modifies how unemployment compensation rates and benefit amounts are calculated. These changes directly affect unemployed workers in Pennsylvania who qualify under the updated rules. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 372) symbolically recognizes December 2, 2025, as "World Nuclear Energy Day" in Pennsylvania. It highlights Pennsylvania's significant role in nuclear energy, noting the state produces 30% of its electricity from nuclear sources, supports 15,900 in-state jobs, and prevents over 37 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. The resolution cites historical milestones in nuclear energy and emphasizes the industry's economic contributions, including $2 billion in state GDP impact and $70 million in annual tax revenue. It does not enact new laws or alter regulations but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the sector's importance. This is a non-binding gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2099 establishes a new Delayed Payment Plan Program to help eligible Pennsylvania residents attend specific colleges by covering tuition costs in exchange for paying a portion of their future income. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), requires students to agree to remain in Pennsylvania for 10 years after graduation (or until tuition is repaid) and study in high-need fields. It uses a dedicated fund financed by state appropriations, private donations, and income payments from participants, with administrative costs capped at $400,000 in the first year. Initially targeting 15 community colleges and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology for the 2025-2026 academic year, it may expand to other state institutions starting in 2026-2027.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to audit all current incentives for public school district consolidation and shared services. The audit will examine why these incentives aren't being used (as no districts have voluntarily consolidated since 2009), review other states' approaches, and assess how to better incentivize consolidation for districts of specific enrollment sizes. The committee must issue a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year. This process does not create new policies but aims to inform future decisions about school district reorganization.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates December 13, 2025, as "Wreaths Across America Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial recognition, not a law with enforceable provisions, intended to honor the Wreaths Across America nonprofit's annual effort to place wreaths on veterans' graves. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania state recognition and awareness of this commemorative event. As a procedural measure, it does not impose new requirements or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHR 305 is a Pennsylvania legislative resolution designating November 2025 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" within the state. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but formally recognizes the month to promote public awareness about pancreatic cancer. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvanians by encouraging community events, education, and support for cancer research and patient advocacy during that period. It was adopted by the state legislature on November 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2025 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to address financial strain on school districts during budget disputes with the state. It requires the Commonwealth to reimburse school districts for costs incurred when borrowing money to cover operating expenses during a budget impasse. The bill establishes a new "School District Impasse Recovery Fund" to manage these reimbursements. This directly affects school districts facing funding delays and the state budget office responsible for disbursing funds. The provision creates a concrete mechanism for financial relief during budget standoffs, without altering existing funding formulas.