Rep. Jim Haddock

Maddy summaryHB 325 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to clarify how school districts must present tax relief information to property owners. It adds a definition of "conspicuous" requiring notices to use larger text, contrasting colors, or special formatting that a reasonable person would notice. The bill mandates that school districts include a specific, conspicuous notice with tax bills for homestead and farmstead property owners, explaining that their tax reduction comes from casino gaming revenue (State Gaming Fund) under state law, not from the school district's actions. This affects all Pennsylvania property owners eligible for homestead/farmstead exclusions and the school districts that issue their tax bills, effective for taxable years after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 407 creates a new criminal offense for unauthorized location tracking in Pennsylvania, making it illegal to install or use technology (such as apps or devices) to monitor someone's location without their consent. Exceptions include law enforcement during investigations, parents tracking minor children, guardians monitoring incapacitated persons, and other specific scenarios like fleet vehicle tracking with proper consent. The bill does not change existing stalking laws but adds this new provision to address technology-enabled harassment. It directly affects individuals who might use location-tracking tools to harass others, while clarifying permitted uses for safety and legal purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 50) symbolically designates March 25, 2025, as "Greek Independence Day" within the state. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals. The resolution honors Greek heritage and historical ties between Greece and the U.S., referencing Greek-American contributions to Pennsylvania's culture and history. As a commemorative gesture, it has no binding effect or practical impact on residents or government operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1046 establishes the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a nomination committee to select the appointee. The Governor appoints the Poet Laureate from a shortlist of three nominees provided by the committee (which includes education, arts, and humanities representatives), with the Laureate serving a two-year term and performing ceremonial duties like reading poems at the Governor's inauguration and legislative sessions, all without pay but with travel expenses reimbursed. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by creating a state position to promote poetry and literary arts through official events.

Maddy summaryHB 322 requires Pennsylvania utility companies to include clear instructions for customers to submit comments on proposed rate changes or system acquisitions. Specifically, utility notices must detail how to comment via mail, email, or a publicly accessible website. This affects all residential and business customers who receive utility billing notices. The bill changes the process for customer feedback but does not alter rate decisions or service terms. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 establishes a legal framework for community solar programs in Pennsylvania, allowing multiple subscribers (including renters and low-income households) to share ownership of solar facilities and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. The bill requires electric distribution companies to implement these programs, mandates prevailing wage standards for solar installation workers, and sets protections to ensure subscribers receive guaranteed savings. It directly affects utility companies, community solar organizations, and subscribers - particularly those who cannot install rooftop solar due to housing constraints or income limits. Key provisions include preventing single subscribers from owning over 50% of a facility, requiring at least 50% of capacity to serve small subscriptions (25 kW or less), and ensuring ratepayer costs are managed responsibly.

Maddy summaryHB 541 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to expand who can verify lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible license plates. It allows trained staff in state legislators' district offices (after department-approved training) and contracted messenger service employees to serve as authorized representatives for this purpose. The bill directly affects vehicle owners needing to replace plates by adding these new verification options. It does not change fees, timelines, or the core registration process, only specifying who may complete the verification step.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 amends Pennsylvania's Motor License Fund allocation rules for the Pennsylvania State Police. It sets a 2025-2026 funding cap at 68% of the 2016-2017 level ($125 million) and eliminates all future appropriations for this purpose starting in fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill directly affects the State Police budget and the Motor License Fund, which is funded by vehicle registration fees. This is a procedural budget adjustment with no new policy changes, solely modifying existing funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 1115 sets limits on the reserve funds that cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania can hold at the end of each school year. Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, these schools must keep general unspent reserves below 8% of total budgeted expenditures, combined funds set aside for specific purposes below 4%, and total reserves below 12%. The bill defines key terms like "funds set aside for specific purposes" to clarify how the limits apply. It directly affects cyber charter schools, which are publicly funded online schools operating under Pennsylvania's charter system.

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.