Rep. Michael Stender

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 Veterinary Medicine Practice Act to update definitions and clarify the roles of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. It establishes specific criteria for what constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine and defines the scope of work allowed for veterinary technicians and nurses under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The legislation also introduces new requirements for biennial continuing education and outlines rules for record-keeping and inspections by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Additionally, the bill sets forth penalties for violations and includes exemptions for certain activities, such as embryo transfer by animal owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify how tow trucks can transport disabled vehicles and combinations without violating standard size and weight limits. It allows a tow truck to move a wrecked vehicle or a group of up to three vehicles within 75 miles of the accident site, provided the route is safe and practical. While these exemptions apply to the combined length and weight of the tow truck and the disabled vehicle, drivers must still obey any specific restrictions on bridges or highways. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws governing the National Guard Youth Challenge Program to clarify how it is managed and monitored. It mandates that the program be staffed with necessary employees and allows the department to create rules for its operation. Additionally, the legislation requires the program to undergo an annual audit by an independent certified public accountant to ensure financial oversight. These changes directly affect the administration of the youth program and the state agencies responsible for its supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a new junior driver's license for 16 and 17-year-olds in Pennsylvania, which automatically converts to a regular license at age 18. Under the proposed rules, junior drivers would generally be prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, spouse, or guardian. However, the legislation creates an exception allowing these drivers to drive during those hours for school-sponsored activities if they possess a letter from the school confirming the event. If a junior driver is stopped by police without this letter but can later prove they had it, the charges would be dismissed. The law also defines terms like "school-sponsored activity" to include events such as field trips, athletic activities, and club meetings.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 11, 2026, as the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks within the state. The measure formally honors the victims, their families, and the first responders who sacrificed their lives during the events and subsequent recovery efforts. Additionally, it recognizes the service of military personnel involved in the global war on terrorism and encourages Pennsylvanians to remember the historical significance of the day.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates state laws to make it illegal to operate a watercraft if a person has completed a diversion program for a similar boating offense within the last 10 years. It also clarifies that evidence of alcohol or drug levels found more than two hours after driving a boat can still be used to prove impairment. Finally, the legislation adjusts how penalties are graded based on the number of prior offenses and whether an accident occurred.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of U.S. Route 222 in Berks County as the Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., Memorial Highway. The legislation honors two firefighters who died in the line of duty while conducting a missing person search along that road in April 2026. To implement this designation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain official signs bearing the memorial names for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 4, 2026, as "Knoebels Amusement Resort Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Knoebels Amusement Resort, a family-owned park in Elysburg that opened on July 4, 1926. The resolution recognizes the park's history, including its origins as a picnic destination and its growth into a major attraction with over 50 rides and games. It highlights the Knoebel family's long-standing connection to the land and the park's resilience through various natural challenges, including multiple flooding events. The designation serves as a symbolic celebration of the resort's century of operation and its contribution to Pennsylvania's tourism and entertainment industry.