Rep. Tina Pickett

Maddy summaryHB 346 requires Pennsylvania public fund managers to assess geopolitical risks - such as those from war, terrorism, or international tensions - before investing in assets domiciled in foreign countries or with significant economic ties to them. Fund managers must adopt investment policies evaluating supply chain risks and foreign asset proportions, while coordinating with existing laws like the 2010 Protecting Pennsylvania's Investments Act. The bill mandates an annual public report listing all foreign investments as of June 30, published online by December 31 each year. This directly affects Pennsylvania’s public funds, including pension and investment accounts, by adding a standardized risk evaluation step to their investment processes.

Maddy summaryHB 330 requires Pennsylvania state agencies that use federal funds to join the federal "Do-Not-Pay Initiative" by verifying payments through an online system and reviewing payment data to prevent errors. Agencies must submit annual reports detailing improper payments identified or prevented, associated savings, and weaknesses in financial controls. The law mandates participation within two years of the bill's effective date and requires reports to be shared with state oversight bodies and the legislature. It directly affects all Commonwealth agencies managing federal funds by adding new verification and reporting obligations to reduce payment errors.

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 326 repeals Pennsylvania's current law on "drug delivery resulting in death" and replaces it with a new offense covering both death and serious bodily injury caused by drug delivery. It classifies causing death as a first-degree felony (with a maximum 40-year prison sentence) and causing serious injury as a third-degree felony, while adding a defense for those who delivered drugs without receiving payment. The bill also increases fines for arson committed for profit and updates the definition of "crime of violence" to include the new drug delivery offense. These changes directly affect individuals who distribute drugs leading to harm and impact how courts prosecute such cases.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the importance of career and technical education (CTE) programs through a state-wide observance. The resolution highlights CTE's role in providing students with skills, credentials, and pathways to stable careers, noting that approximately 68,576 students (12% of high school grades) participated in CTE programs in 2024. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by raising public awareness of CTE's value to students, businesses, and the state's economy.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 19) commemorates Jim Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Nation member and Olympic champion, by designating May 28, 2025, as "Jim Thorpe Day" within the state. The resolution details Thorpe's legacy as a 1912 Olympic pentathlon and decathlon gold medalist (later reinstated), his foundational role in professional football, and his induction into the Football Hall of Fame. It has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or groups, as it is a symbolic designation. The resolution serves solely to honor Thorpe's historical contributions and cultural significance.

Maddy summaryHB 311 amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to expand exemptions for agricultural vehicles. It adds a new exemption (Section 1302(2.3)) allowing commercial farm equipment to operate without registration when transported within 50 miles of the owner's business to a nearby farm. This exemption automatically waives the requirement for an official vehicle inspection certificate under Section 4703(b)(2.2). The bill directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses transporting equipment for farm use within the specified distance. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 245 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to streamline complaint procedures and eliminate local human relations commissions. It shortens response deadlines for employers (from 30 to 20 days), adds a provision allowing defendants to seek reimbursement for attorney fees if claims are dismissed, and explicitly prohibits local commissions from operating. The bill directly affects employers, employees filing discrimination complaints, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), which now handles all enforcement. Key changes include replacing local commission authority with centralized PHRC oversight and clarifying that only "disparate treatment" claims - proven by a pattern of discriminatory decisions - can be filed under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 234 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to establish a fee structure for storm water management facilities, systems, and plans. Townships may charge reasonable, property-based fees that cannot exceed costs required by federal and state storm water regulations. The bill requires townships to offer exemptions or credits for properties with approved storm water facilities or for agricultural operations using USDA-approved best management practices. This change directly affects townships and property owners by creating a standardized approach to funding storm water infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 235 amends Pennsylvania law to allow municipal stormwater authorities to establish rates based on property characteristics, such as the installation and maintenance of approved stormwater management practices. The bill specifically permits authorities to set rates considering features like land use, while requiring practices to be approved and inspected by the authority. It also includes an exception for agricultural operations, allowing rates to be based on USDA or state-approved conservation practices. This change gives local governments more flexibility in funding stormwater management programs through targeted rate structures.