Rep. Dane Watro

Maddy summaryHB 1918 prohibits individuals or entities from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefits claims in Pennsylvania, directly affecting veterans' advocates, lawyers, and representatives who prepare or submit claims. It bans charging for services before a claim is formally filed, guarantees of specific benefits, excessive fees (citing federal fee guidelines), and referral payments. The bill requires written agreements outlining all fees before services begin and defines "compensation" broadly to include any financial benefit. Violations are classified as a third-degree misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study whether a senior military college could be established at the soon-to-close Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. The study would examine feasibility factors like infrastructure, costs, and educational needs, with findings to be reported to the state legislature. This action directly affects the campus's future use and state education planning decisions.

Maddy summaryHR 281 is a procedural resolution that forces the House Committee on Education to stop considering Senate Bill 9. It discharges the committee after 15 legislative days (since May 7, 2025) passed without the committee reporting the bill to the full House. This resolution does not change the content of Senate Bill 9; it only allows the full House to vote on the bill directly. The resolution itself is purely procedural and does not affect any policy or specific group of people.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 3, 2025, as "Manufacturing Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic recognition effort, not a law with legal requirements or direct impact on individuals or businesses. The resolution aims to highlight the importance of the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania's economy. It has been referred to the Labor & Industry committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1861 allows Pennsylvania public school districts to offer firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) training as credit-bearing courses for students aged 16 or older who are active members of a fire company or EMS agency. The bill specifies that courses must cover nationally recognized Firefighter I training or Pennsylvania-approved EMT training, as defined by existing state law. School districts may provide transportation and supervision for off-campus training but are not required to cover course fees or materials. This policy change directly affects high school students in emergency services groups and gives school districts the option to integrate these career-focused courses into their curriculum.

Maddy summaryHR 311 is a commemorative resolution designating January 2026 as "Law Enforcement Professionals Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors law enforcement officers at all government levels serving and protecting the Commonwealth. The resolution does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations - it is a formal statement of recognition by the Pennsylvania legislature. This procedural bill, referred to the Judiciary committee, directly affects all law enforcement professionals within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 999 proposes creating a commemorative bell monument on the State Capitol grounds to mark Pennsylvania's role in the U.S. founding and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation's creation. The bill directly affects the State Capitol landscape and honors Pennsylvania's historical contributions to the nation's founding. It is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or funding mechanisms, solely focused on designating a physical monument for public commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 1091 amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession laws, which determine who inherits property when someone dies without a will. It specifically adjusts the distribution shares for relatives other than a surviving spouse, such as children or parents, in cases where no spouse is alive. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify or change how these non-spouse heirs receive assets from an estate. This directly affects individuals who die intestate with surviving children or other relatives but no spouse, altering their inheritance rights under current law.

Maddy summaryHB 1423 amends Pennsylvania statutes governing how vacancies in district attorney offices (including assistants and detectives) are filled, and updates rules for municipalities operating under home rule or optional government plans. It specifically limits municipal authority to enact certain local laws and establishes new procedures for filling vacant elected municipal positions. The bill directly affects counties, cities, and townships with home rule status, as well as district attorney offices statewide. These changes aim to standardize vacancy procedures and clarify the scope of municipal powers under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 1342 amends fee structures under Pennsylvania's Conservation and Natural Resources Act, specifically adjusting fees and charges administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It directly affects users of state conservation programs, including park visitors, recreation permit holders, and businesses utilizing natural resource management services. The bill modifies existing fee schedules for specific conservation-related activities without creating new fees. This update aims to align fee levels with current operational costs for state conservation programs.