Rep. Jim Haddock

Maddy summaryHB 66 creates a Pennsylvania program providing $5,000 semester stipends to residents enrolled in accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) programs with a 3.0+ GPA. It directly affects students pursuing social work careers by funding their education through paid internships. The program requires internships at state-approved facilities to meet clinical training and licensing requirements, with stipends adjusted annually for inflation. Funding is contingent on available state budget resources, administered by the Department of Human Services.

Maddy summaryHB 68, the State-Owned Vehicle Assignment Limitation Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state officials (members of the General Assembly) from being assigned or leasing state-owned vehicles for official use, effective 60 days after enactment. The bill directly affects legislators who previously received state vehicles, banning new assignments while allowing current users to retain their vehicles until they leave office or return the vehicle. Exceptions apply for emergency response duties requiring vehicle use. The law aims to restrict the use of public funds for personal vehicle assignments by lawmakers, with no new leases or assignments permitted after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 105 clarifies Pennsylvania's inheritance tax law by explicitly stating that up to $100,000 of a decedent's estate is exempt from tax, with this exemption apportioned among all inheritances based on each inheritance's share of the total estate. The bill does not change the exemption amount but ensures the law clearly specifies it as $100,000. This affects Pennsylvania residents who inherit property, as the exemption reduces the taxable portion of their inheritance. The provision takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 48 creates a special "arts" vehicle registration plate in Pennsylvania for $41 extra per year (on top of standard fees), available for passenger cars, motor homes, trailers, and trucks under 14,000 pounds. The $15 portion of this fee is dedicated to the newly established Arts Promotion Fund. This fund, managed by the Council on the Arts, provides grants for arts programs, with spending estimates requiring Governor approval. The bill directly affects vehicle owners who choose the arts plate and supports arts funding through a dedicated revenue stream.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or provide funding but formally recognizes endometriosis - a condition affecting about 10% of women - as a significant health issue. The resolution urges federal lawmakers to increase research funding for endometriosis, review Medicare/Medicaid billing codes to ensure fair reimbursement for surgical treatments, and establish a national awareness month. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by promoting public and medical awareness of endometriosis symptoms and diagnosis challenges, though it has no binding effect on state or federal policy.

Maddy summaryHB 65 modifies Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to clarify that certain relatives (spouses, children, parents) must financially support indigent family members receiving medical assistance for long-term care. The bill requires these relatives to cover costs if they received assets, property, or income from the indigent person below fair market value within five years before the assistance application, or if they refuse to cooperate with eligibility processes. Exceptions include cases where a child was abandoned by a parent for ten years during minority, or if transfers comply with federal or state asset transfer rules. The amount owed is capped at the lesser of six times the relative's excess monthly income or the actual cost of the medical services, with potential full elimination of liability by state regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 25 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to extend deadlines for school districts to adopt budgets and levy property taxes. It changes the budget adoption deadline from 15 to 30 days after the state enacts basic education funding legislation (for reimbursement of the prior year), and the tax levy deadline from 20 to 35 days for most districts. This affects all public school districts in Pennsylvania, providing more time to finalize financial plans without altering the existing 25-mill property tax rate cap. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Pennsylvania State Capitol grounds to honor military members who died in service and their families. The monument, designed by Woody Williams and Kenton Blackwood, will consist of four black granite slabs featuring inscriptions and scenes representing homeland, patriotism, family, and sacrifice. The MI Charitable Foundation is designated to fund and manage the construction and ongoing maintenance of the site, while the Department of General Services will assist in preparing the location and facilitating the project. The specific location is defined as the area south of the Forum Building, east of the Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, and north of Walnut Street.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to establish a new road user charge specifically for electric vehicles. The new fee, set to begin on April 1, 2025, is designed to generate revenue for state roads and bridges, while also updating motorcycle inspection requirements. The legislation takes effect immediately upon approval, with most other provisions becoming active within 60 days.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates November 2024 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of early detection and support for those affected by the disease. The bill serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage public education about pancreatic cancer risks, symptoms, and the ongoing efforts of organizations seeking a cure. It does not allocate funding or change laws but instead expresses the House's support for awareness programs and research initiatives.