Rep. Justin Fleming

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Radiation Protection Act to update definitions and establish new fees for nuclear facilities and radioactive material transport. It clarifies the definition of independent spent fuel storage installations and requires operators of nuclear power reactor sites to pay annual fees to the Department of Environmental Resources, with specific amounts set for sites that still store spent fuel. Additionally, the legislation mandates that shippers of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive materials pay a fee for each vehicle, railroad, or barge shipment moving through the state. The bill also introduces a cost recovery mechanism for shut-down reactors, allowing the agency to charge owners for incident response costs if all spent fuel has been moved to approved dry cask storage. These changes aim to generate revenue for radiation safety programs and emergency preparedness without altering the core regulatory authority of the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2252 makes it a crime to share someone's intimate image without consent, including AI-generated images that falsely depict them in nudity or sexual conduct. It directly affects individuals whose intimate images are shared non-consensually, whether the images are real or artificially created using AI or photo editing. The law establishes misdemeanor penalties (from second to first degree) based on factors like the victim's age, the sharer's intent (e.g., to harass, profit, or cause harm), and whether multiple images were shared. This bill updates Pennsylvania's sexual offenses law to specifically address the growing threat of AI-generated intimate images, ensuring they face the same legal consequences as real non-consensual image sharing.

Maddy summaryHB 2084 establishes the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing scholarships for tuition, fees, and room and board to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending college. It directly affects two groups: students under 24 (or active military) who must be Pennsylvania residents, have a high school diploma, and complete the FAFSA; and adult learners 24 or older seeking reeducation with similar requirements. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency administers the program and a dedicated fund, covering tuition up to the state's maximum in-state rate and room and board based on agency standards. The program applies to community colleges, state-owned institutions, state-related universities, and Thaddeus Stevens College.

Maddy summaryHB 37 modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code to change how counties process absentee and mail-in ballots. It requires county election boards to pre-canvass all such ballots received before election day at least seven days prior, with 48-hour public notice posted online. The bill also mandates that counties begin reviewing ballots at 7 a.m. on election day without interruption until all ballots received by that time are processed. These changes directly affect county election offices, candidates, and voters who use absentee or mail-in ballots, while aligning with funding requirements for the Election Integrity Grant Program.

Maddy summaryHB 377 adds tianeptine - a medication sometimes misused as an opioid substitute - to Pennsylvania's list of prohibited substances under the Controlled Substance Act. It makes it illegal for unregistered individuals or unlicensed practitioners to manufacture, deliver, or possess tianeptine with intent to distribute. Violators face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and anyone handling tianeptine without proper authorization under state drug laws. This amendment updates existing penalties to address emerging misuse of tianeptine.

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 summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to update the language used in enforcement notices issued by local zoning authorities. The change clarifies that failing to comply with such a notice within the specified time frame constitutes a violation and allows the notice to explicitly state that additional penalties may accrue for each day the violation continues. This provision directly affects municipalities, zoning hearing boards, and property owners by making the consequences of non-compliance more transparent in official communications. The bill takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to establish a formal process for reviewing connections between renewable energy systems and the electric grid. It requires electric distribution companies to determine at a scoping meeting whether a feasibility, impact, or facilities study is needed and mandates that these studies be completed within 90 days. Upon finishing the study, the utility must agree to perform any necessary grid upgrades, providing a timeline and cost estimates that are subject to commission approval. If the utility fails to complete these upgrades on time or within the estimated budget, the customer can use a dispute resolution process, and the commission may enforce penalties against the utility.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" within the state to honor the anniversary of the final abolition of slavery in the United States. The measure formally recognizes the historical significance of June 1865, when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Texas, and encourages residents to observe the day with ceremonies and educational programs. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create a paid state holiday or alter employment laws but serves to acknowledge the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of African American descendants.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to modernize how the state handles tax liens by introducing an electronic filing system and a centralized online repository. It directly affects the Department of Revenue, taxpayers, and creditors by requiring the department to post tax liabilities to a public website within seven days of a final assessment. The new system allows the department to maintain a searchable database of liens without needing to refile or revive them, while still requiring physical recording with county officials only when the state seeks to execute against specific property. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the priority of tax liens during judicial sales and establishes procedures for enforcing liens against out-of-state property.