Rep. Jim Haddock

Maddy summaryHB 329 modifies Pennsylvania's school funding formula to adjust how state funds are distributed to school districts starting in fiscal year 2025-2026. It creates a new "Senior Citizen Tax Freeze" program (Section 504.1), allowing eligible seniors (65+ who own their homes) to freeze school property taxes at their base payment level, preventing increases beyond that amount. Seniors must apply within 45 days of tax due dates, provide proof of ownership and payment, and the state will reimburse school districts for tax increases above the base amount starting April 2025. The program is funded through the existing Property Tax Relief Reserve Fund, with payments made annually from that fund. This directly affects seniors owning homesteads in Pennsylvania school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 320 amends Pennsylvania's public utility law to strengthen notice requirements for rate changes. It requires utilities to provide 60 days' advance notice to the Public Utility Commission and customers about proposed rate changes, using plain language in all customer communications. The bill mandates that rate change notices must clearly highlight the change on mail envelopes or exteriors, and all changes must be filed as new or updated tariffs. This directly affects utility companies (like gas, electric, and water providers) and their customers by increasing transparency around billing adjustments. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 24 designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to honor women who have died from pregnancy or childbirth complications. The resolution aims to raise public and healthcare awareness about maternal mortality, particularly highlighting racial disparities where Black women in Pennsylvania face a maternal mortality rate of 163 deaths per 100,000 live births - over twice the rate of other groups. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages community and healthcare engagement through designated awareness activities. This symbolic gesture aligns with Pennsylvania’s existing Maternal Mortality Review Committee efforts established under Act 24 of 2018.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the importance of career and technical education (CTE) programs through a state-wide observance. The resolution highlights CTE's role in providing students with skills, credentials, and pathways to stable careers, noting that approximately 68,576 students (12% of high school grades) participated in CTE programs in 2024. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by raising public awareness of CTE's value to students, businesses, and the state's economy.

Maddy summaryHB 286 allows Pennsylvania seniors meeting specific criteria to lock their property tax payments at the "base year" amount. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old (or meet widow/widower/disabled criteria), live in their home for 10+ years, and have household income under $45,000 annually. Political subdivisions would implement the program through annual applications requiring proof of ownership, tax payment history, and income eligibility. The Department of Revenue would track participation and submit a legislative report by 2030.

Maddy summaryHR 21 is a Pennsylvania House Concurrent Resolution (not a bill) calling for an Article V constitutional convention. It requests Congress to convene a limited convention to consider two specific proposals: (1) term limits for U.S. House and Senate members, and (2) term limits for U.S. Supreme Court Justices. The resolution is procedural - it does not enact term limits but initiates the process for states to collectively seek a convention. It explicitly states Pennsylvania has no obligation to support any resulting constitutional amendment. This action aligns with Pennsylvania's intent to join other states in exploring these topics through the Article V process.

Maddy summaryHB 233 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change rules for charter school board membership. It prohibits local school board members from serving on charter school boards in their district (Section 1716-A(b)) and bars individuals receiving compensation from local school boards from serving on charter school boards if they were involved in the charter's approval (Section 1716-A(b.1)). The bill also requires local school boards to appoint a member to each charter school board (Section 1716-A(b.4)). These changes directly affect charter school boards, local school board members, and employees involved in charter school oversight. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 226, the Protection of Patients and Medical Personnel from Health Care Facility Retaliation Act, prohibits healthcare facilities from retaliating against patients or medical personnel who file complaints, report issues, or participate in investigations. It creates rebuttable presumptions that negative actions (like discharge or demotion) taken within 120 days of a complaint by medical staff or 180 days for patients are retaliatory unless proven otherwise. Violators face civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, potential license suspension, and criminal misdemeanor charges for willful violations, with remedies including reinstatement, lost wages, and legal costs for affected individuals. The law directly affects patients, healthcare workers, and facilities operating under Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to set annual contribution limits for political campaigns. It caps individual donations to a single candidate at $10,000 per calendar year and limits political action committee (PAC) contributions to $20,000 per candidate annually. These restrictions apply directly to donors and PACs supporting candidates for any office within Pennsylvania. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 281 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs for men aged 40+ who are at high risk. High-risk individuals include those with a family history of prostate cancer, genetic factors, or physician-determined medical need. The law mandates annual coverage for screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams, eliminating deductibles or copays. It applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed 180 days after enactment, with full implementation in 60 days. This directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and Pennsylvania residents meeting the specified risk criteria.