Rep. Bridget Malloy Kosierowski

Maddy summaryHB 990 amends Pennsylvania statutes to give boroughs and incorporated towns new authority over stormwater management. It requires municipalities to develop stormwater management plans and facilities, and allows them to charge fees based on property characteristics - particularly impervious surfaces like driveways, roofs, and pavement - which are presumed to benefit from stormwater systems. Property owners may qualify for fee exemptions or credits if they install approved stormwater facilities meeting "best management practices." The bill directly affects local governments (boroughs and incorporated towns) and property owners through new planning requirements and potential fees.

Maddy summaryHB 991 amends Pennsylvania's First Class Township Code to establish new storm water management authority for townships. It authorizes township boards to plan, construct, and maintain storm water facilities (like retention systems and piping) and acquire existing property owner systems through purchase or eminent domain. The bill requires townships to base fees for these systems on property characteristics, particularly impervious surfaces (e.g., roofs, driveways, parking lots), while allowing exemptions for properties with approved storm water management practices. All activities must comply with state storm water laws and approved watershed plans, directly affecting first-class townships and property owners paying associated fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1150 raises Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with annual increases thereafter. It also establishes a phased timeline for tipped employees: requiring higher base cash wages starting in 2025 (e.g., $5.00/hour after June 2025) and mandating that by July 1, 2029, employers must pay the full minimum wage without relying on tips. The bill ensures all tips received by employees remain their property and cannot be used by employers to meet minimum wage requirements. This directly affects most private-sector employers and tipped workers in Pennsylvania, particularly in hospitality and service industries.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 allows authorized entities like schools, childcare centers, or sports organizations to stock and use epinephrine delivery systems (e.g., auto-injectors) without requiring individual prescriptions for each person. It permits these entities to acquire devices under a single prescription from a healthcare provider, store them accessibly per FDA guidelines, and train designated staff to recognize anaphylaxis and administer the devices. Staff who complete approved training can use the devices in good faith for anyone showing signs of a severe allergic reaction, regardless of prior diagnosis or prescription. The bill also includes protections for individuals acting in good faith during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to increase annual limits on research and development (R&D) tax credits. It raises the total annual credit cap from $60 million to $120 million, with $24 million specifically reserved for small businesses (up from $12 million). Unused allocations for either small businesses or other qualifying businesses can roll over to the other group within the same fiscal year. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 966 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to strengthen consumer protections in health insurance. It requires insurance companies to pay penalties if over 50% of their denied health claims (excluding administrative denials) are later overturned through internal or external review processes. Penalties start at $50,000 for the first overturned claim and increase to $250,000 per claim for subsequent violations. Collected penalties must fund consumer protection activities, in addition to any other existing penalties. This directly affects health insurers operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 894 establishes the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Program (VETSS) to help veterans enter jobs in renewable energy and environmental sectors. The bill creates a Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Fund to provide grants to eligible employers - businesses focused on renewable energy (like solar, wind, or bioenergy) that hire veterans who completed approved apprenticeship training in fields such as electrician work, solar installation, or environmental maintenance. The Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program, overseeing training development and grant applications. This directly affects veterans seeking sustainability-sector careers and employers in renewable energy who hire them, with the goal of addressing environmental concerns like climate change through workforce development.

Maddy summaryHB 812 establishes a grant program to fund security improvements protecting hospital and emergency care workers from workplace violence. It directly affects hospitals and freestanding emergency medical facilities in Pennsylvania, which can apply for grants to implement violence prevention projects. The bill requires applicants to submit detailed plans with timelines, budgets, and measurable goals for reducing verbal/physical violence, with priority given to innovative, sustainable approaches. The Department of Health will administer the program, accept applications starting March 1, 2025, and manage the dedicated grant fund.

Maddy summaryHB 807 amends Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act to define "independent motor vehicle dealer" as a used vehicle dealer (excluding new vehicle, mobile home, or recreational vehicle dealers). It requires these dealers to complete mandatory training: 20 hours for initial licensing and 2 hours for renewals, with costs capped at $300 for initial licenses and $75 for renewals. Exemptions apply to dealers licensed for 10+ years or those already holding new vehicle dealer licenses. The State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers must develop and approve these courses within 180 days, with the training requirement taking effect one year after regulations are finalized.

Maddy summaryHB 588 amends Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to require registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to complete one hour of mandatory continuing education focused on older adult abuse recognition and reporting during each biennial license renewal period. This requirement applies to all license renewals (except initial licensure) and includes specific documentation rules, such as retaining certificates for five years and submitting them upon request. Failure to complete this hour may delay license renewal, trigger disciplinary action under existing penalties, or require remediation within six months. The bill directly affects nursing license holders in Pennsylvania seeking renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of their licenses.