Rep. Doyle Heffley

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's construction code review process by delaying the evaluation of the 2024 International Code Council codes and initiating a special review of the 2015 edition. Starting in 2027, the bill requires the state council to examine current building codes and create alternative economic standards aimed at lowering construction costs. The process includes a public comment period, a technical committee review, and three public hearings held in Harrisburg and other regions to gather input before any changes are made.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for unintentionally causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It directly affects drivers who kill someone while impaired, raising the penalty from a second-degree felony to a mandatory first-degree felony. The law also sets specific minimum prison terms, such as five years for a first offense and longer sentences for repeat offenders or those with prior DUI convictions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the late actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and is celebrated for his film career and contributions to American culture. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a ceremonial recognition of Stewart's Pennsylvania ties and legacy. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected by this designation.

Maddy summaryHR 259 is a Pennsylvania House resolution designating August 24, 2025, as "Ukrainian Independence Day" in the state. It commemorates Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union and acknowledges Pennsylvania's defense contributions, including munitions support for Ukraine. The resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to maintain support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or directly affect individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act to clarify how minors can participate in student-learner and apprenticeship programs, allowing them to work in these roles as long as it complies with existing federal laws. It also permits high school graduates who have finished such programs to continue working in those occupations without additional restrictions beyond federal standards. To ensure consistency, the legislation cancels specific outdated regulations and requires the Department of Labor and Industry to develop new rules within a year or have the old rules expire in three years.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 6, 2026, as "German American Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's historical German heritage and its ongoing relationship with Germany. The measure highlights key milestones, such as the founding of Germantown in 1683 and the significant role German immigrants played in the state's early development and economy. By officially recognizing this date, the House of Representatives aims to celebrate the contributions of the 2.6 million Pennsylvanians with German ancestry and the strong trade ties between the two nations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to allow state and local officials to issue permits for parades and special events on public highways without requiring sponsors to provide financial protection for elected officials. Under the new provision, a permit cannot be denied solely because a sponsor refuses to indemnify participating politicians, provided all other event requirements are met. The change directly affects event organizers and local government bodies by removing a specific administrative hurdle in the permitting process. The legislation will become effective 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, a legal agreement designed to allow licensed respiratory therapists to practice in other member states without needing separate licenses for each location. The legislation establishes a framework where a therapist's home state retains primary regulatory authority while granting temporary practice privileges in other states to improve patient access and support military families. Key provisions include creating a central data system to track licenses, defining strict rules for handling disciplinary actions across state lines, and setting requirements for criminal background checks and jurisprudence exams. By adopting this compact, the state aims to streamline administrative processes and address workforce shortages while maintaining public safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1929 designates an annual "Charlie Kirk Day" in Pennsylvania for commemoration. The bill requires the governor to issue a yearly proclamation recognizing Charlie Kirk, though the bill does not specify his role or contributions. This is a procedural, symbolic measure with no policy changes, funding, or direct impact on residents or programs. It remains pending in the Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania to build their own baseload power generation and pay for all costs to connect that power to the grid, regardless of distance. It mandates that electric distribution companies cooperate with these data centers by planning for their energy needs and prohibiting cross-subsidization of their rates with other customers. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for long-term power contracts used by default service providers and gives the state commission authority to define what qualifies as a hyperscale data center.