Rep. Jim Haddock

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 2025 as "School Director Recognition Month" in Pennsylvania. It honors the 4,500 locally elected school directors who volunteer to lead public school districts, set educational standards, manage budgets, and advocate for students. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it is a symbolic gesture to acknowledge their service. The House will send a copy to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to support the recognition effort.

Maddy summaryHB 406 adds a new offense to Pennsylvania law for "kidnapping of animals" under Title 18. It specifically targets two actions: (1) intentionally taking dogs, cats, equines, swine, or cattle for resale, laboratory use, or animal fighting (a felony of the third degree), and (2) taking dogs, cats, or equines without permission for temporary use (a misdemeanor of the third degree). The bill directly affects individuals involved in animal trafficking, commercial handling, or unauthorized temporary possession of these animals. Penalties increase for repeat offenses under both categories.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to recognize women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, highlighting Pennsylvania's maternal mortality rate of 82 deaths per 100,000 live births and the significantly higher rate (163 per 100,000) for Black women. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but seeks to increase public and healthcare awareness about maternal health risks. It references existing efforts like the Maternal Mortality Review Committee established under Act 24 of 2018.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 43) symbolically recognizes April 2025 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania, marking the 24th anniversary of the observance in the Commonwealth. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages communities to support survivors, promote prevention education, and foster safer environments online and offline. The resolution emphasizes collective action to address sexual violence, referencing national awareness efforts and Pennsylvania's historical context. It has no direct impact on specific individuals or groups, as it is a ceremonial recognition by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 405 would require businesses with 200+ Pennsylvania employees to meet specific standards to receive state contracts, funding, or grants. Corporations would be ineligible if they violated federal labor laws (within 5 years), committed unfair labor practices (within 5 years), broke Pennsylvania's prevailing wage law (within 5 years), or failed to submit bylaws ensuring at least 20% of their governing board consists of employee-elected members. The bill applies only to new or renewed state contracts, funding, or grants approved after its effective date (60 days after enactment). This directly affects large corporations seeking state business by linking eligibility to labor compliance and employee representation requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 371 amends Pennsylvania's Keystone Opportunity Zone Act to add new requirements for businesses seeking tax exemptions, deductions, or credits. It directly affects businesses operating within designated Keystone zones that make capital investments exceeding $25,000 for construction, reconstruction, or facility repairs. The key provision mandates that 70% of workers on such projects must be "skilled craft laborers" (defined as those with relevant training or apprenticeship completion), and all workers must receive the state-mandated prevailing wage rate. Businesses must verify these requirements annually through the Department of Labor and Industry, enforcing existing Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act standards for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryHR 42 is a resolution passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives urging Congress to exempt Puerto Rico and other noncontiguous territories (like Alaska and Hawaii) from the Jones Act. The Jones Act requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be transported on vessels built, owned, and crewed by Americans. The resolution states this law imposes significant economic costs - $1.2 billion annually for Hawaii and $1.5 billion for Puerto Rico - by raising prices for goods and increasing the cost of living. It argues the current waiver process for emergencies, made more restrictive in 2023, hinders disaster response in these territories.

Maddy summaryHB 374 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to strengthen reporting requirements for campaign finance. It requires any individual or organization (including 501(c) groups) making independent expenditures over $100 in a year to report the candidate or ballot question they support, using the same forms as political committees. Additionally, it mandates that candidates, political committees, or organizations making contributions or independent expenditures over $500 after the final pre-election report must file a report within 24 hours via fax, mail, or in-person appearance. This bill directly affects candidates, political committees, and entities making significant campaign expenditures. The changes aim to increase transparency around late contributions and independent spending.

Maddy summaryHR 29 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study implementing a campaign contribution reporting system requiring donations to be reported within 24 hours of receipt. The study will identify necessary technology, best practices, and potential penalties for late reporting, while establishing an advisory committee with members appointed by legislative leaders and experts in campaign finance and technology. The Commission must issue a final report with recommendations to the House of Representatives within one year of the resolution's adoption. This resolution does not change current law but seeks to evaluate a faster reporting system to improve transparency for voters.

Maddy summaryHB 317 requires creators and distributors of AI-generated content in Pennsylvania to watermark at least 30% of images, text, simulations, or videos with 50% opacity and the label "Artificial Intelligence Generated Material." It directly affects individuals and businesses producing AI content, with exceptions for film/TV productions using AI for visual effects without involving specific individuals or with their written consent. Violations carry a $1,000 fine for a first offense and $10,000 for repeat offenses within five years. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.