Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to ban government agencies from signing nondisclosure agreements related to data centers. The law prohibits any contract that restricts the public from accessing information about the construction, development, or location of these facilities. If an agency signs such an agreement, the contract is considered void and unenforceable. The bill defines a data center as a facility used to process, store, or transmit data using computers and software.

Maddy summaryHB 2146 modifies Pennsylvania's open meetings law to clarify when government agencies can take action on unlisted agenda items. It creates specific exceptions for minor administrative approvals that arise unexpectedly, such as urgent legal filings, small purchases under $10,000 (based on current thresholds), grant applications with deadlines, or minor permit approvals. Agencies must obtain and publicly disclose a legal opinion confirming an item qualifies under these exceptions before acting. This directly affects state and local agencies holding public meetings, ensuring transparency while allowing limited flexibility for time-sensitive matters. The bill does not change core meeting notice requirements but adds defined exceptions for minor, non-financial actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania residents to voluntarily donate $5 when they renew their driver's licenses or vehicle registrations online. The funds collected will go exclusively to the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to help provide communication access services for those individuals. The donation is optional and will be added to the regular renewal fee, with annual reports required to track how much money is raised and how it is spent.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 27, 2026, as "Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day" within the state. The measure honors families of military service members who died in the line of duty, acknowledging the grief and sacrifice experienced by parents, siblings, and children. By setting a specific date, the bill aims to create an official day of recognition for these families, following the national tradition established by Congress and the White House.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 27, 2026, as Gold Star Mother's Day within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the sacrifice of mothers who lost sons or daughters in military service and honors their ongoing contributions to their communities. By recognizing this specific date, the resolution aims to provide a day of remembrance for Gold Star Families in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates November 2026 as National Epilepsy Awareness Month to highlight the condition and reduce societal stigma. The measure directly affects the state legislature and the public by formally recognizing the month for educational purposes. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote understanding of epilepsy among Pennsylvanians.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 2026 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month within the state of Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public understanding of the disease by encouraging educational programs and support initiatives for those affected. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement to highlight the importance of early detection and research.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of safety on the state's waterways. It directly affects all boaters, including those using powerboats and personal watercraft, by encouraging them to review safety rules such as wearing life jackets and avoiding alcohol. The resolution does not change any laws or create new requirements but serves as a symbolic reminder of existing safety standards and available educational resources. By promoting these practices, the bill aims to raise public awareness about the risks of boating and the steps needed to prevent accidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that officially designates May 2026 as "National Bike Month" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state's residents and cycling community by formally acknowledging the month to promote cycling as a healthy and practical mode of transportation. The resolution highlights existing state assets, such as over 2,400 miles of trails and various cycling clubs, while encouraging the safe use of public roads and trails. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize and celebrate the state's cycling culture.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for small businesses in Pennsylvania that help employees pay for health insurance purchased through the state exchange. To qualify, a business must have 50 or fewer employees and make contributions toward health reimbursement arrangements for their workers. The credit is calculated based on the first $1,000 of contributions per employee and can be applied to reduce the business's state tax liability. Companies claiming the credit must submit detailed forms to the Department of Revenue listing employee information and insurance provider details.