Rep. Michael Stender

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2026, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the service and sacrifice of police officers who have died in the line of duty and aligns Pennsylvania with the federal observance dates established by Congress. It does not create new laws, funding, or operational requirements but serves as a symbolic recognition of law enforcement contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 2238 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to submit an annual financial report by October 1st detailing all expenditures from the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, including payments to local EMS agencies, compliance documentation, and corrective actions for noncompliant recipients. If the report is late, administrative funds for the department are withheld, but funding for local EMS providers (like ambulance services and fire departments) remains protected. The Auditor General must verify the report's accuracy, and false certifications carry penalties. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in how EMS funds are managed, directly affecting the Department of Health and local emergency medical services providers.

Maddy summaryHB 2221 designates Bridge Key 52427 on Pennsylvania Route 970 over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Bradford Township, Clearfield County, as the Ashley E. Woolridge Memorial Bridge. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name on the bridge. This commemorative measure honors Ashley E. Woolridge, a WWII pilot and local community member, as documented in the bill's findings. The designation takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2213 establishes a regulatory framework for "skill video gaming" in Pennsylvania, directly affecting businesses that operate or distribute gaming systems. The bill requires licenses from the Department of Revenue for operators, distributors, and establishments, imposes fees, and mandates a central reporting system to track transactions like "coin in/out" and jackpots. Key provisions include banning access for people under 18, prohibiting "miniature casinos," requiring security measures for players, and creating criminal penalties for operating unlicensed systems or distributing to minors. It aims to eliminate illegal gambling devices disguised as skill-based games while leveraging the State Lottery's existing experience in retail gaming oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 710 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle financial responsibility rules by requiring drivers to prove they can cover accident costs. It directly affects Pennsylvania drivers who need to show proof of financial responsibility (like insurance) when registering vehicles or after incidents. The key change is creating an online verification system to replace paper documents, allowing real-time checks by law enforcement and state agencies. This simplifies the process for drivers and officials while ensuring compliance with existing financial responsibility standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2205 prohibits the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission from using eminent domain to acquire property for turnpike projects. The bill repeals a section allowing the commission to obtain possession of condemned property and amends the law to explicitly forbid condemnation by the commission for any purpose. This change directly affects property owners near turnpike corridors, requiring the commission to seek land through voluntary agreements instead of forced acquisition. The bill does not apply to ongoing or pre-existing condemnation cases that began before its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Pennsylvania's property tax exemption for veterans. It would extend the exemption to veterans with a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or equivalent federal program), including those unable to work due to service-connected disabilities. The exemption would also cover unmarried surviving spouses of eligible veterans, including those whose spouses died in action, as POWs, or were declared missing in action. Local governments could choose to offer partial tax exemptions to veterans with lower disability ratings. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryHB 238 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to establish requirements for obtaining REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents applying for or renewing driver's licenses by mandating specific identity and residency documentation during the application process. The bill formalizes the state's process for verifying these documents to meet federal REAL ID standards, ensuring licenses are accepted for federal purposes like air travel and accessing government facilities. This policy change updates existing licensing procedures without altering federal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 amends Pennsylvania's definition of "delinquent act" in juvenile court proceedings. It specifically excludes certain serious crimes from being classified as delinquent acts when committed by minors aged 15 or older, including murder, rape, robbery with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. The bill also excludes repeat offenses where a minor was previously adjudicated delinquent for similar violent crimes, summary offenses, and crimes already handled in criminal court. This change directly affects minors aged 15+ accused of these excluded offenses, shifting their cases to criminal court instead of juvenile court. The policy change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 defines "cell-cultured protein" (lab-grown meat made from animal cells grown outside the animal) and prohibits its manufacturing, sale, delivery, holding for sale, or offering for sale in Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects companies developing or selling lab-grown meat products within the state. Key provisions establish a legal definition for this emerging food technology and ban all commercial transactions involving it. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment, creating a clear regulatory restriction on this specific food product type.