Rep. Michael Stender

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania cities to levy an annual property tax of up to one-tenth of a cent (0.5 mill) specifically to fund local ambulance, rescue, and emergency services. Cities may use up to half the revenue from this tax for staff salaries and benefits, with council approval required to exceed this limit (though a resolution can waive the cap). If a city proposes a tax rate above 0.5 mill, it must submit the question to voters at the next municipal election occurring at least 60 days after the proposal. The law directly affects cities seeking to finance emergency services through property tax without voter approval for rates at or below 0.5 mill.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of April 6-12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the role of libraries, librarians, and library workers in communities across the state. The resolution highlights libraries' contributions to promoting reading, providing technology access, and supporting programs for all ages. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy changes or direct impact on legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 394 modifies Pennsylvania's existing tax credit program for municipal fire and emergency medical services volunteers. It allows the tax credit to offset current and future state tax liabilities, and requires municipalities to establish an alternative benefit (like a cash payment) for volunteers who owe no state tax. The credit remains in effect until the local government repeals it. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 396 creates an emergency certification pathway for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in Pennsylvania public schools. It allows two routes: (1) educators with valid out-of-state CTE certificates meeting Pennsylvania’s standards, or (2) individuals with at least four years of work experience in the teaching field plus industry certifications. Certificates issued under this bill are valid for eight years and convert to full certification after two years of classroom teaching with performance evidence. The bill directly affects CTE educators seeking quicker entry into Pennsylvania classrooms.

Maddy summaryHB 392 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require insurers to provide detailed written notifications when reimbursing policyholders for non-network emergency medical services (EMS). The bill mandates that these notifications include the service date, EMS agency name, itemized claim details, billing address, and a clear statement that funds must be used solely to pay the emergency medical bill (with fraud warnings for misuse). Insurers must also notify EMS agencies monthly about payments made to policyholders for non-network emergency care. This directly affects insurers (who must follow the billing rules) and policyholders (who receive the notifications). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 328 amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to require the Department of Environmental Protection to authorize stream clearing activities up to 250 feet from water obstructions (like dams) when issuing emergency permits during declared disasters. It directly affects Commonwealth agencies and local governments seeking emergency clearance for flood or safety risks. The bill mandates this 250-foot radius for emergency permits requested by these entities when a Federal, State, or county disaster emergency is officially declared. This change streamlines emergency response without altering standard permit requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 327 creates a new continuous maintenance permit for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and municipalities (including counties, cities, and townships) to maintain waterways, dams, and related infrastructure without needing repeated state approvals. To qualify, applicants must have no history of significant violations and agree to maintain specified areas under the permit. Permits last at least 10 years, require annual reports of maintenance activities by January 15 each year, and can be renewed automatically after 10 years of compliance. This streamlines routine upkeep while ensuring accountability through reporting and adherence to engineering standards.

Maddy summaryHB 338 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update attendance reporting requirements for charter, regional charter, and cyber charter schools. It requires all such schools to report unexcused absences annually to the state education department via the Pennsylvania Information Management System (PIMS). Additionally, cyber charter schools must report each student's weekly attendance directly to their district of residence starting in the 2024-2025 school year. These changes apply specifically to charter school attendance tracking, not to traditional public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 347 allows oil and gas companies to lease subsurface rights beneath Pennsylvania's state forests and parks for drilling, provided the drilling originates outside these areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) must review applications, with disapproval possible for environmental violations or projects causing significant harm, and companies can appeal denials to court. All lease revenue goes into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, with upfront payments specifically directed to a restricted account funding stream maintenance and clearing projects. The bill also cancels prior executive orders and policies restricting such leasing on state lands.

Maddy summaryHB 297 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to create new exemptions for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) used by emergency services. It allows police, fire, and emergency medical agencies to operate ATVs without registration when primarily used off-highway and only incidentally on public roads. The bill specifies different highway travel limits: up to 2 miles in higher-class counties (1st-3rd class) and up to 15 miles in lower-class counties (4th-8th class). These ATVs must still comply with visual/audible signal requirements for emergency vehicles. The change directly affects emergency departments in specific county classifications across Pennsylvania.