Rep. Jonathan Fritz

Maddy summaryHB 1041 allows a single business to hold both a brewery license and a limited distillery license at the same physical location in Pennsylvania. The bill requires that the areas for each operation be clearly separated (though they may overlap), specifies that both licenses must operate within permitted hours, and states that citations for violations can apply to either or both licenses. This directly affects breweries and distilleries seeking to combine operations under one roof, particularly those allowing on-premise consumption. The law modifies existing Liquor Code provisions (Sections 446 and 505.4) to formalize these dual-license arrangements. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1033 prohibits healthcare providers from performing gender transition procedures on minors under 18, including surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers. It also requires government health programs (like Medicaid) and health insurance policies to stop covering these procedures for minors. The bill defines "gender transition procedures" to include genital/nongenital surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers. Individuals aged 18 or older are not affected by the ban and may continue receiving such care.

Maddy summaryHB 998 exempts drivers of small school buses (carrying 11-15 passengers, including the driver) from needing a school bus driver endorsement or commercial driver's license. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s vehicle code to remove these requirements for buses transporting students to or from public, private, or parochial schools or school-related events. This directly affects school bus drivers operating smaller vehicles under the specified passenger capacity. The key provision eliminates a licensing hurdle for these specific school transportation roles, aligning with existing exemptions for similar vehicle types. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 932 allows licensed businesses (manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, or retailers) to ship up to 768 ounces (6 cases) of beer or malt beverages monthly directly to Pennsylvania residents aged 21+ for personal use, not resale. It requires a $250 registration fee, proof of an out-of-state alcohol license, and a Pennsylvania sales tax license. Shippers must label packages with "CONTAINS ALCOHOL: SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED" and use licensed delivery services. The bill also limits shipments to 96 ounces per brand annually and clarifies it doesn’t alter existing distributor agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 712 requires local telecommunications companies in Pennsylvania to immediately report any 911 system outages to the Public Utility Commission upon discovery. This bill directly affects telecom providers operating 911 services, mandating timely reporting to ensure the Commission is notified of service failures. The key provision (Section 1501.2) specifies that failure to report constitutes a violation of existing service standards under Title 66. The bill does not alter 911 system functionality but establishes a reporting obligation for outages. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 699 requires Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission to create new rules governing double utility poles (where multiple companies share one pole). It mandates annual registration for companies attaching infrastructure to poles, sets timelines for migrating facilities to new poles, and establishes procedures for compensating pole owners for relocation costs and removing abandoned attachments. The bill directly affects utility companies (electric, cable, telecom) and pole owners, requiring them to follow standardized processes for pole use, migration, and removal. Key provisions include annual registration, surety bonds for cost reimbursement, and civil penalties for noncompliance with the new rules. The legislation aims to address safety, efficiency, and aesthetics concerns related to long-term double-pole use.

Maddy summaryHB 530 modifies Pennsylvania's criminal codes to adjust penalties for property damage crimes and create a new process for removing trespassers. It reclassifies criminal mischief as a felony if financial damage exceeds $1,000 (for building entry) or $5,000 (for public services), and as a misdemeanor for smaller losses. The bill also establishes a formal procedure allowing property owners to request law enforcement to remove trespassers by submitting a signed affidavit proving the person isn't a tenant, has been asked to leave, and lawful eviction occurred if applicable. This directly affects property owners seeking to remove unauthorized occupants, tenants facing potential unlawful removal, and law enforcement officers handling such requests. The law requires officers to provide individuals removed a chance to prove lawful occupancy and prohibits violations of Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 94 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow parents or guardians of school-aged children to opt their child out of school-imposed face covering or mask requirements. This applies when masks are required due to health department mandates (like those under the Disease Prevention and Control Law) or school board policies. Schools must provide a simple online opt-out form without requiring an excuse and must prohibit discrimination against students who opt out, including exclusion from activities or locations. The bill directly affects parents, guardians, and schools in Pennsylvania, changing how mask mandates are implemented in educational settings.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 updates the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's authority to set fees for fishing licenses, permits, and issuing agents. The bill allows the commission to adjust specific amounts for various licenses, such as resident annual and senior resident lifetime licenses, as well as different tourist and replacement options, by referencing existing administrative rules. It also establishes fixed fees for special permits, including those for trout fishing and charter boat guides, while capping transaction costs for the automated licensing system at one dollar. This legislation directly impacts anglers and fishing businesses by defining the current fee structure and providing the legal framework for the commission to manage these costs.