Rep. Dane Watro

Maddy summaryHB 1084 amends Pennsylvania's fee structure for corporate filings under Title 15, specifically adjusting the corporation bureau's fee schedule for business registrations and UCC filings. It directly exempts volunteer fire companies from paying certain fees and from solicitation requirements typically applied to new corporations. The bill streamlines administrative processes for these organizations by removing financial barriers related to incorporation and business filings. This change applies to all volunteer fire companies operating within Pennsylvania under the state's corporate statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1619 establishes a new regulatory program within the Department of Revenue to oversee "skill gaming" (games where skill determines outcomes, not chance). It requires businesses offering such games to obtain licenses, comply with specific zoning rules for where they can operate, and follow new operational standards. The bill imposes both criminal penalties for serious violations and civil penalties for lesser breaches. This directly affects skill gaming businesses, local governments managing zoning, and the Department of Revenue, which gains authority to issue licenses and enforce rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1581 amends Pennsylvania law to restrict the sale and possession of solvents and noxious substances that release toxic vapors, commonly misused for inhalant abuse. It specifically prohibits retailers from selling these products to minors if they suspect the product will be used for inhalant abuse, and bans possession for such misuse. Retailers violating the minor sales rule face a second-degree misdemeanor charge, while other violations carry a third-degree misdemeanor penalty. This bill directly affects retailers selling solvents and individuals attempting to misuse these substances for inhalant purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 14, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Army" within Pennsylvania. It commemorates the founding of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and recognizes Pennsylvania's historical role in the Army's formation, including its "Pennsylvania Line" units. The resolution also acknowledges Pennsylvania's large veteran population (nearly 700,000) and honors current and past Army service members. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to recognize this historical milestone.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws under Title 23. It clarifies definitions, establishes clearer rules for awarding primary physical custody, and requires courts to consider criminal convictions when making custody decisions. The bill also mandates parenting plans and specifies factors judges must evaluate, directly affecting parents, judges, and child welfare agencies involved in custody cases. The legislation was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases monthly pension payments for two groups of Pennsylvania veterans: 1) Blind veterans (defined as those with 3/60 or 10/200 vision or worse from service-connected injuries) now receive $200/month (up from $150). 2) Amputee/paralyzed veterans (with two limbs at ≥40% disability rating per VA standards) now receive $200/month (up from $150). Eligibility requires Pennsylvania residency at enlistment or current residence, honorable military service, and VA-certified disability. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1422 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify how mail-in voters must return their ballots. It requires that completed mail-in ballots be returned by 8:00 PM on election day via one of three methods: U.S. Postal Service to county election offices, in person at county election offices during regular hours, or at designated ballot return locations. Ballot return locations must be on county election premises or courthouses, monitored by election inspectors from both major parties, and equipped with video recording for public review. This bill directly affects mail-in voters and county election boards across Pennsylvania by standardizing ballot return procedures and accessibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1394 proposes to repeal the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, directly affecting estates and beneficiaries who would no longer be subject to this tax on inherited assets. The bill also modifies procedures for taxpayers to petition for a reassessment of taxes. Additionally, it updates existing provisions related to how government-issued obligations are treated for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1378 amends Pennsylvania's Conservation and Natural Resources Act to require that the Chief Forest Fire Warden serve as a Deputy Secretary within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The bill changes the appointment language to include this title but does not alter the Chief Forest Fire Warden's existing duties of preventing, controlling, and extinguishing forest fires. This amendment directly affects the department's internal structure by establishing a new leadership title for the position. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new felony offenses for assaulting emergency responders (like police, EMTs, or firefighters) by exposing them to fentanyl or its derivatives. Intentionally throwing fentanyl at a responder while they are on duty (and knowing they are a responder) is a felony of the second degree. Unlawfully possessing fentanyl and causing a responder to come into contact with it is a felony of the third degree. The law defines "emergency responder" using existing Pennsylvania law and takes effect 60 days after enactment.