Rep. Mike Cabell

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to require agencies to submit a specific analysis alongside any proposed regulations related to fuel, energy, or electricity. The new provision mandates that these agencies explain how their rules might increase electricity costs and discuss the potential negative impacts on low-income residents. By adding this requirement, the legislation ensures that the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and relevant legislative committees receive more detailed information during the review process. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's fishing and hunting laws to provide special license benefits for state corrections officers and law enforcement officers. It allows these eligible residents to purchase an annual fishing license for just one dollar and grants them a resident hunting license with a one-dollar fee. To qualify, officers must provide employment documentation proving they work in these roles within the Commonwealth. The legislation also sets the specific costs for these discounted licenses and allows the state commission to create regulations to implement the changes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill authorizes the Department of Corrections to issue electronic control gloves to corrections officers, with mandatory distribution required for officers working in units housing inmates who have received disciplinary sanctions and are segregated from the general population. The legislation mandates that the department create public written policies for the use, training, maintenance, and storage of these devices and requires all officers to complete an approved training course before receiving them. Additionally, the bill defines electronic control gloves as gloves with electrodes that emit less than 500 volts to temporarily immobilize or restrain individuals and requires their use to comply with existing state guidelines on law enforcement use of force.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 2024 as MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare genetic condition that primarily affects boys. The bill aims to increase public understanding of the disorder's symptoms, which include severe gastrointestinal issues, frequent respiratory infections, and treatment-resistant seizures, while also noting its strong link to autism. By officially recognizing this month, the legislation seeks to draw attention to the challenges faced by affected families and the ongoing research into potential future treatments.

Maddy summaryHB 2444 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update definitions and rules for games of chance, specifically allowing for new types of electronic pull-tab systems and games. The bill clarifies what constitutes an electronic pull-tab device and game, explicitly prohibiting them from simulating casino-style games like slots or blackjack, while also defining other game formats such as event games and progressive pull-tab games. It establishes new prize limits, setting a general maximum of $10,000 per individual prize and a separate limit of $20,000 for jackpots in progressive or subset pull-tab games. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter regulations on distributor licenses and manufacturer registration, requires licensed organizations to undergo audits by the Auditor General, and outlines penalties for license revocation.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 1684 updates state laws regarding child custody by establishing clearer definitions for terms like "equal parenting time" and "supervised physical custody." The bill introduces a rebuttable presumption that shared physical custody and equal parenting time are in a child's best interest during temporary custody orders, requiring courts to maximize time with each parent unless specific factors suggest otherwise. It also outlines new procedures for obtaining temporary custody orders based on affidavits and agreements, while expanding the list of factors judges must consider, including any criminal convictions of the parents. These changes aim to standardize how courts evaluate custody arrangements and ensure that parenting plans are explicitly detailed in legal orders.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges federal leaders to address improper payments of Critical Skill Incentives at the Department of Veterans Affairs. It highlights that the Office of Inspector General found nearly $11 million was incorrectly used to give bonuses to over 180 senior executives instead of supporting employees with high-demand skills. The document calls for swift corrective action to recover these funds and improve oversight to prevent future misuse of taxpayer money.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax laws by adjusting personal income tax rates and eliminating a specific tax on the gross receipts from the sale of electric energy. It requires electric utilities to pass the savings from these tax changes directly to consumers through reductions in state tax surcharges, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 for companies that fail to do so. Additionally, the legislation mandates that $6 million annually be transferred to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill also establishes a revenue-neutral reconciliation rule that will remain in effect until the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding the accuracy and testing of speed timing devices used by law enforcement, such as radar guns and laser meters. It requires that all mechanical, electrical, and electronic devices be approved by the Department of Transportation and tested for accuracy within one year before they are used in a traffic violation case. The legislation also allows the official certification of these devices to be submitted electronically by technicians, streamlining the administrative process. By clarifying these testing standards and procedures, the bill aims to ensure that evidence used in traffic court is based on properly calibrated equipment.