Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryHB 273 allows Pennsylvania counties to adopt a property maintenance code (either by referencing a nationally recognized standard or creating their own) to address neighborhood blight. It requires counties to follow specific notice and publication procedures for adopting the code and permits them to appoint inspectors who can collect fees for enforcement. Counties may only enforce their code in areas where municipalities lack their own property maintenance ordinance, and must have a formal agreement with a municipality to enforce it within that municipality. The bill also establishes a Municipal Codes Enforcement Grant Program and a municipal neighborhood mitigation fund to support blight-reduction efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize community colleges' role in the state's education and economy. It highlights that community colleges serve over 240,000 students - many from low-income or minority backgrounds - provide affordable pathways to degrees, and partner with over 2,000 employers to train workers for high-demand jobs like nursing and truck driving. The designation is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 34 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month." It encourages excavators and homeowners to call 8-1-1 (or 1-800-242-1776) before digging to locate underground utility lines, as required by Pennsylvania's One Call Act. The resolution highlights the Pennsylvania One Call System's role in preventing injuries, environmental damage, and utility disruptions, noting it handles over 1 million annual requests. It does not create new laws or funding but promotes existing safety practices through public awareness.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 33) designates April 2025 as "Limb Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the challenges faced by people with limb loss, including emotional, physical, and financial impacts. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge this month, celebrate individuals living with limb loss, thank caregivers, and honor military amputees. It directly affects the public by promoting awareness of a condition impacting over 2 million Americans, as noted in the resolution's supporting facts.

Maddy summaryHB 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Pennsylvania's current Legislative Reapportionment Commission - which includes legislative leaders - with an Independent Redistricting Commission. The new commission would draw state legislative and congressional district boundaries after each federal census, following specific redistricting criteria outlined in the amendment. This change aims to reduce partisan influence by removing direct legislative control over redistricting. The bill does not detail the exact criteria but requires the commission to adhere to them when creating district maps.

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 summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating April 18, 2025, as "Erie Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates historical milestones in Erie's founding, including the 1795 land survey that established the city and its 1805 incorporation as a borough. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition. It does not impact any individuals, groups, or government programs. The designation applies statewide for ceremonial purposes only.

Maddy summaryHB 990 amends Pennsylvania statutes to give boroughs and incorporated towns new authority over stormwater management. It requires municipalities to develop stormwater management plans and facilities, and allows them to charge fees based on property characteristics - particularly impervious surfaces like driveways, roofs, and pavement - which are presumed to benefit from stormwater systems. Property owners may qualify for fee exemptions or credits if they install approved stormwater facilities meeting "best management practices." The bill directly affects local governments (boroughs and incorporated towns) and property owners through new planning requirements and potential fees.

Maddy summaryHB 991 amends Pennsylvania's First Class Township Code to establish new storm water management authority for townships. It authorizes township boards to plan, construct, and maintain storm water facilities (like retention systems and piping) and acquire existing property owner systems through purchase or eminent domain. The bill requires townships to base fees for these systems on property characteristics, particularly impervious surfaces (e.g., roofs, driveways, parking lots), while allowing exemptions for properties with approved storm water management practices. All activities must comply with state storm water laws and approved watershed plans, directly affecting first-class townships and property owners paying associated fees.

Maddy summaryHB 325 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to clarify how school districts must present tax relief information to property owners. It adds a definition of "conspicuous" requiring notices to use larger text, contrasting colors, or special formatting that a reasonable person would notice. The bill mandates that school districts include a specific, conspicuous notice with tax bills for homestead and farmstead property owners, explaining that their tax reduction comes from casino gaming revenue (State Gaming Fund) under state law, not from the school district's actions. This affects all Pennsylvania property owners eligible for homestead/farmstead exclusions and the school districts that issue their tax bills, effective for taxable years after December 31, 2025.