Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryHB 1036 adds a new exemption in Pennsylvania vehicle registration fees for active volunteer first responders. It allows volunteer emergency medical, fire, and rescue service members to pay a $10 processing fee instead of the full registration fee for vehicles they own and primarily drive while responding to emergencies. The exemption applies only to one passenger car or light truck per person and requires the volunteer to be the vehicle's owner and principal driver. This change directly affects volunteer emergency service organizations and their members who use personal vehicles for official emergency responses.

Maddy summaryHB 1029 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Labor Relations Act to clarify worker protections and union election processes. It defines "employe" more broadly (excluding independent contractors) and bans agreements that prevent workers from joining class or collective lawsuits. Employers must post notices about labor rights and provide detailed voter lists for union elections within two business days of a board order. The bill also adds new unfair labor practices, including coercing workers to sign agreements that limit their right to pursue collective claims. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers, employers, and labor organizations involved in union representation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 138) orders Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission to study civic education in the state and develop cost-effective recommendations to improve it. It directly affects Pennsylvania students and schools by requiring an analysis of current civics assessments (under Act 35 of 2018), comparisons with high-performing states, and strategies to strengthen civic education across three pillars: knowledge, skills, and action. The study must include evaluations of existing assessment methods, successful models from other states, and approaches to boost student engagement, with a report due within 18 months. The resolution does not change laws but aims to inform future policy based on evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 974 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to clarify how agencies assess the specificity of written public records requests. It requires agencies to consider three factors when determining if a request is specific enough: the burden on the agency to locate records within time limits, potential privacy or proprietary harm to third parties, and compliance with federal or state disclosure laws. This change directly affects agencies handling public records requests and requesters seeking information under the law. The bill does not alter who can request records or basic submission methods, but refines the process for evaluating request clarity. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the month to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer, emphasizing the importance of early screening and prevention based on current health data. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to prioritize screenings and adopt preventive health habits. It aligns with national awareness efforts and references recent medical recommendations for screenings starting at age 45.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows housing authorities in specific Pennsylvania jurisdictions - including second-class counties, second-class cities, second-class A cities, and third-class cities - to appoint their own police officers. These officers would have the same authority as municipal police on housing authority properties and adjacent areas, including enforcing order under local laws. To qualify, officers must complete the same training and certification required for municipal police under state law and maintain that certification. The bill expands housing authorities' security capabilities without altering their core mission of providing low-income housing.

Maddy summaryHB 964, the Victims of Violence Safe Employment Act, provides eligible Pennsylvania employees with up to 160 hours of protected leave when they or a defined family member experience a "qualifying act" of violence - including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking this leave, and employees can sue if they face adverse actions like termination or demotion for using it. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners, caregivers, and others with significant emotional ties, and "qualifying acts" cover both criminal and non-criminal violent conduct. It requires employers to allow the leave without penalty, with penalties for violations including fines and legal liability.

Maddy summaryHB 966 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to strengthen consumer protections in health insurance. It requires insurance companies to pay penalties if over 50% of their denied health claims (excluding administrative denials) are later overturned through internal or external review processes. Penalties start at $50,000 for the first overturned claim and increase to $250,000 per claim for subsequent violations. Collected penalties must fund consumer protection activities, in addition to any other existing penalties. This directly affects health insurers operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It officially recognizes March 9-15, 2025, as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the impact of multiple sclerosis (affecting over 24,000 Pennsylvanians) and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It has no binding effect or funding provisions - it simply encourages public awareness and support for the cause.

Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Pennsylvania schools to accept U.S. currency as payment for admission to school-sponsored activities, such as athletic events, assemblies, or field trips. It applies to all school entities, including public school districts, charter schools, and private schools participating in school activities. The bill mandates that cash must be accepted when fees are charged, while allowing schools to also accept other payment methods like credit cards. It defines "cash" as U.S. coins and paper money recognized as legal tender and clarifies that schools may refuse payments in large denominations that exceed the fee amount.