Rep. Pat Harkins

Maddy summaryHB 1678 adds a 45-mill tax plus a 5-mill surtax on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users within Pennsylvania. It directly affects digital advertising providers (e.g., companies running banner or search ads) but exempts broadcast and news media entities. The tax applies to revenue from ads shown on digital interfaces (websites, apps) where users are located in Pennsylvania, excluding sales of internet access, telecom hardware, and resale services. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 amends the state's Workers' Compensation Act to change how benefits for injured workers are calculated. The bill specifically addresses the computation of benefits and liability, directly affecting workers who suffer job-related injuries and their employers. Key provisions would adjust the formulas or methods used to determine compensation amounts. The bill was referred to the Labor & Industry committee on November 18, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Library Week" within the state. The measure serves as a commemorative recognition of the importance of libraries and library workers in the community. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but rather formally acknowledges the role libraries play in providing books, technology, and programs to residents across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 2233 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to exempt specific all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) used by emergency services from registration requirements. It directly affects police, fire, and emergency medical services agencies that operate ATVs as emergency vehicles during off-highway response or on closed streets for special events. The bill adds two key exemptions: ATVs used primarily off-highways (traveling ≤10 miles on public roads incidentally) and those operating on restricted streets for events, both exempt from the audible warning system requirement normally applied to emergency vehicles. Operators acting within official duties receive identical liability protections as standard emergency vehicle operators under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Loan Interest and Protection Law to ban prepayment penalties on residential mortgages taken out on or after its effective date. It directly affects homeowners with personal, family, or household loans by allowing them to pay off their mortgages early without incurring extra fees or charges. The law ensures that borrowers can clear their debt ahead of schedule without financial penalties, and the changes will become active 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and a dedicated Fund to provide cancer screening exams for eligible firefighters in Pennsylvania. The program defines eligible participants as firefighters from municipal, volunteer, or airport fire companies that meet specific criteria, such as having mutual aid agreements and responding to a minimum number of emergency calls. The Department of Health will issue benefits cards to these eligible individuals, allowing them to access medically necessary screenings using MRI or ultrasound at no cost to them. Additionally, the legislation outlines how the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund should be managed and disposed of within special funds.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates February 22, 2026, as "United States Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Champions Day" to honor the state's hockey teams' achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The resolution formally recognizes the athletes' gold medal victories and congratulates the teams on their performance, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, staff, and communities who contributed to their success. It is a commemorative measure intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the hockey teams rather than to change laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 18, 2026, as "Erie Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the historical events surrounding Erie's founding, including the 1795 land survey and 1805 borough establishment. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any specific group or program. The designation is purely ceremonial and applies statewide on that date. (HR 416, 2026 session)

Maddy summaryHB 453 clarifies definitions in Pennsylvania law related to emergency services. It adds a specific definition for "telecommunicator" (including 911 dispatchers and call takers) and expands the definition of "emergency responder" to explicitly include telecommunicators, medical personnel, and other emergency workers in multiple sections of law. This bill directly affects emergency service workers like dispatchers, firefighters, and medical personnel by formally including them under defined terms for mental wellness programs and mutual aid protocols. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment and does not create new policies or funding.