Rep. Dane Watro

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 11, 2026, as "25th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, Day" in the state. The measure formally recognizes the victims of the 2001 attacks, including civilians, military personnel, and first responders who lost their lives. It serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than establishing new laws or funding. The resolution aims to honor the memory of those affected and reaffirm the state's commitment to remembering the events and their legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands fee exemptions in Pennsylvania for volunteers serving in fire companies or nonprofit emergency medical services agencies. Under the new provisions, these individuals would no longer pay the standard vehicle registration fee, though they would still be required to pay a $11 processing fee to cover administrative costs. The legislation also clarifies that such exemptions are limited to one passenger car or truck per volunteer, ensuring the benefit applies only to a single vehicle per person.

Maddy summaryHB 1941 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify that drivers must obey authorized personnel directing traffic, such as police officers or emergency responders. This directly affects all drivers operating vehicles in Pennsylvania when encountering such personnel. The key provision specifies that drivers must comply with directions given by these authorized individuals to ensure traffic safety during emergencies or traffic control. The bill aims to strengthen existing traffic laws by making the requirement for obedience explicit and enforceable.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates February 22, 2026, as "United States Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Champions Day" to honor the state's hockey teams' achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The resolution formally recognizes the athletes' gold medal victories and congratulates the teams on their performance, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, staff, and communities who contributed to their success. It is a commemorative measure intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the hockey teams rather than to change laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle registration rules to allow special plates for individuals with specific disabilities and their immediate family members. It defines eligibility for these plates based on conditions such as blindness, limited mobility, respiratory issues, or heart disease, while also including parents and spouses of those who qualify. The legislation permits each eligible applicant to receive up to two special plates for their own vehicles and allows motorcycles to display an access decal instead of a full plate. These changes would officially designate the vehicles as being used by people with disabilities, with the new rules taking effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence to oversee and report on vocational training programs across Pennsylvania. The commission will consist of state officials and representatives from industry groups, tasked with setting guidelines for credit transfer between schools and assessing workforce needs. Additionally, the legislation establishes a grant program to provide equipment for building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship initiatives at community colleges. It also mandates that community colleges offer annual youth camps in construction and building trades to seventh and eighth-grade students to introduce them to these career paths.

Maddy summaryHB 2599 amends Pennsylvania's firearm laws to require a valid license for anyone carrying a concealed firearm on their person or inside a vehicle, with specific exceptions for those who already hold a valid license from another state or the federal government. The bill establishes that carrying a concealed firearm without a license is a third-degree felony for those with a prior criminal record, while reducing the penalty to a first-degree misdemeanor for first-time offenders. It also clarifies that individuals must present their license or proof of eligibility to law enforcement upon request and sets the law into effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify attendance rules for charter and cyber charter schools while protecting students from unfair penalties. It requires cyber charter schools to define how students are marked present for online classes, specifically mandating that students be visible on camera during live lessons and complete weekly benchmarks for independent work. The legislation also prohibits school districts from counting absences as unexcused when students miss school due to a lack of transportation or when they arrive late to a single class, and it establishes a formal appeal process for parents to contest these determinations. Additionally, the bill strengthens reporting requirements, mandating that cyber charter schools submit data on student attendance and weekly benchmark completion to the state department.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 4, 2026, as "Knoebels Amusement Resort Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Knoebels Amusement Resort, a family-owned park in Elysburg that opened on July 4, 1926. The resolution recognizes the park's history, including its origins as a picnic destination and its growth into a major attraction with over 50 rides and games. It highlights the Knoebel family's long-standing connection to the land and the park's resilience through various natural challenges, including multiple flooding events. The designation serves as a symbolic celebration of the resort's century of operation and its contribution to Pennsylvania's tourism and entertainment industry.