Rep. Tim Twardzik

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires insurance companies to directly reimburse non-network emergency medical services (EMS) agencies for 911 emergency calls within 45 days at 350% of the Medicare ambulance rate for the same service in the same area. EMS agencies must register with the state annually to qualify for direct payments, and insurers cannot demand contracts to facilitate this reimbursement. The insurer's payment covers the full service cost (excluding the patient's copay, coinsurance, or deductible), so EMS agencies cannot bill patients for the remaining amount. This law applies only to non-network EMS providers offering 911 emergency medical services, unless preempted by federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 1035 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act by adding specific definitions for "advanced recycling" and related terms. It clarifies that plastic waste and waste tires processed through advanced recycling (using methods like pyrolysis) are no longer classified as "municipal waste" or "residual waste" under the law. This change directly affects facilities using advanced recycling technology, reducing their regulatory burden under existing waste management rules. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 13-19, 2025, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors 911 dispatchers (also called public safety telecommunicators) who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies and support emergency responders. The resolution recognizes their critical role in ensuring community safety through their professionalism and dedication during high-pressure situations. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 962 allows eligible organizations, such as charities and non-profits, to conduct virtual raffles and drawings using electronic payments like credit cards or mobile apps. The bill requires organizations to verify that participants are physically in Pennsylvania, are at least 18 years old, and provide accurate identity information through methods like government ID checks. It also restricts how winners are announced - only simple internet-based conferencing (e.g., Zoom) without animations, images, or slot machine technology can be used. These rules aim to modernize virtual game operations while ensuring compliance with state and federal gambling laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 19, 2025, as "The Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors THON for raising over $17 million during its 2025 event to support the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, which provides financial and emotional aid for pediatric cancer patients and funds cancer research. The resolution recognizes THON's role as the world's largest student-run philanthropy event, which has raised over $200 million since 1977 for childhood cancer care.

Maddy summaryHB 971 prohibits vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking in designated bicycle lanes, with an exception for temporarily stopping to avoid emergency vehicles. This rule directly affects drivers who might park or stop in bicycle lanes, such as in urban areas or near bike paths. The bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code (Title 75) by adding this specific prohibition to the existing "rules of the road" section. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Pennsylvania schools to accept U.S. currency as payment for admission to school-sponsored activities, such as athletic events, assemblies, or field trips. It applies to all school entities, including public school districts, charter schools, and private schools participating in school activities. The bill mandates that cash must be accepted when fees are charged, while allowing schools to also accept other payment methods like credit cards. It defines "cash" as U.S. coins and paper money recognized as legal tender and clarifies that schools may refuse payments in large denominations that exceed the fee amount.

Maddy summaryHB 33 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to clarify definitions and strengthen oversight of testing labs and practitioners. It defines key terms like "independent laboratory" (requiring no ties to marijuana businesses) and "approved laboratory" (testing medical marijuana samples under department approval). The bill gives the Department of Health new authority to impose conditions on medical practitioners, such as limiting certifications or requiring supervision, to protect patient safety. These changes directly affect medical marijuana patients, healthcare providers who certify them, and labs testing products for quality and safety. The updates aim to improve accountability in the program through clearer rules for lab accreditation and practitioner oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates English as the official language of Pennsylvania and requires state and local government official documents and actions to be in English. It prohibits government policies that favor non-English languages or diminish English's role, while explicitly exempting public safety, health, and justice situations where other languages are necessary. The legislation also restricts the use of state funds to promote or demonstrate preference for languages other than English, with exceptions for foreign language instruction, Native American language preservation, and international commerce. Private businesses and individuals retain the right to use any language they choose, and the law does not apply when federal law requires otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 115) designates April 2025 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group; instead, it symbolically recognizes the importance of religious liberty and faith in Pennsylvania's history and values. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to "celebrate their faiths freely and openly" through public displays, prayer, and thanksgiving during April 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or binding requirements.