Rep. Jim Haddock

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act to create a specific exception for government agencies. It requires public utilities to share emergency response plans and other records with federal or state authorities, such as the National Transportation Safety Board, when there is a reasonable belief of a safety risk or potential harm. The legislation ensures that agencies receiving this information can use it without fear of violating confidentiality rules or triggering public record requests under the Right-to-Know Law. The changes apply to all public utilities in the state and take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 establishes a new grant program called Solar for Schools to fund solar energy projects at educational institutions. The bill also creates a legal framework requiring owners of solar facilities on leased land to provide financial guarantees that cover the cost of removing the equipment when it stops producing electricity. These financial assurances must remain in place even if the facility is sold to a new owner, ensuring that the original landowner is protected. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Department of Community and Economic Development to manage these grants and outlines specific rules for solar agreements to prevent future cleanup costs from falling on property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's military affairs laws to update the list of partners involved in the state's veterans outreach programs. Specifically, it replaces the term "county directors" with "veteran and community outreach partners" who work under the PA VETConnect Program or other department-administered initiatives. The change aims to broaden the scope of recognized collaborators in community engagement efforts for veterans. This legislative update is an editorial adjustment to the existing statutes rather than a new policy initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding abandoned and unclaimed property to improve how the state finds original owners. It requires the Treasury Department to work with state agencies like the Department of Revenue and the Department of State to share data and verify owner information at least once a year. These changes aim to make the process of locating owners more efficient by formalizing cooperation between different government departments. The legislation also includes provisions for handling income earned after property is paid out and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to regulate political spending by corporations, specifically targeting those with significant foreign ownership or influence. It defines a "foreign-influenced corporation" as one where a single foreign investor owns at least 1% of equity, multiple foreign investors collectively own 5% or more, or a foreign entity participates in political decision-making. Under the new rules, these specific corporations are prohibited from making any contributions or expenditures to support or oppose candidates, ballot measures, or political parties. To ensure compliance, any corporation making a political contribution must certify within seven days that it does not meet the foreign-influenced criteria, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 for individuals who violate these restrictions. The law explicitly excludes domestic corporations from these restrictions and does not limit news media reporting or editorial content.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the PA SITES Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities, redevelopment authorities, and other local organizations develop competitive sites for businesses to locate or expand within the state. It authorizes the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority to issue up to $500 million in bonds to fund regional planning efforts and the redevelopment or revitalization of both industrial and nonindustrial properties. The program is designed to reduce development risks by providing financing for these projects, with repayment covered by specific pledged revenues rather than general state funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Pennsylvania public and private schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at every interscholastic athletic event, including practices. It mandates that schools create a written emergency action plan for sudden cardiac events, which must include a list of trained staff and detailed steps for responding to a medical emergency. The legislation also updates teacher certification requirements to include CPR and AED training, replacing previous rules that focused on CPR instruction alone.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require public utilities to give customers at least 60 days' notice before changing their rates. Under the new rules, companies must send clear, plain-language notices to customers and other interested parties, highlighting proposed changes on the outside of mailings. The bill also mandates that utilities file updated rate schedules with the state commission and allows the commission to grant exceptions to the notice period for good cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public utilities to provide customers with clear instructions on how to submit comments regarding proposed rate changes or system acquisitions. Under the new rules, the Public Utility Commission must accept these consumer comments via mail or through an accessible online platform. The legislation aims to streamline the process for utility customers to participate in regulatory decisions affecting their services. It applies to all public utilities operating in the state and will become effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide financial reimbursement grants to eligible farms and agribusinesses. The program specifically targets projects that utilize new technologies or methods to improve energy efficiency, water quality, production processes, biosecurity, and farm management systems. To oversee the initiative, the legislation creates a new Agriculture Innovation Board composed of representatives from government agencies, higher education, cooperatives, financial institutions, and the legislative branches. Eligible applicants include individuals with anticipated agricultural sales over $2,000 annually or processors with sales exceeding $10,000, as well as service providers and entities utilizing agricultural commodities for product creation.