Rep. Manny Guzman

Maddy summaryHB 1324 creates a new criminal offense for bullying in Pennsylvania, defined as committing specific crimes (like assault or property damage) with the intent to harass, intimidate, or cause fear. It directly affects individuals who commit these acts with bullying intent, classifying the offense as a misdemeanor (typically third-degree for minor crimes, or one degree higher for more serious offenses). Sentencing enhancements for severe cases are directed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing. The bill excludes labor disputes and constitutionally protected activities from coverage. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 643 modifies Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax provisions to establish fixed annual transfers of tax revenue. It requires $100 million in transfers for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2027, and $110 million for all subsequent fiscal years. This change directly affects individuals and entities paying real estate transfer taxes in Pennsylvania, as the specified amounts are deducted from the tax revenue pool. The bill specifies the exact dollar amounts and effective dates without altering the tax rate or adding new exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or penalties but formally recognizes and supports existing state and national efforts to reduce distracted driving. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to focus on driving safely and discuss distraction risks with others. It aligns with current awareness campaigns led by agencies like PennDOT and the State Police, which already provide safety resources. The designation applies broadly to all residents and drivers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1280 requires pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy technician trainees in Pennsylvania to complete annual medication error prevention training. The training covers key topics like medication categories, overdose management, proper storage, and the "six principles" of medication administration (correct drug, dose, person, time, method, and documentation). Participants must score at least 80% on an exam and demonstrate knowledge of medication names, purposes, side effects, and special instructions to receive certification. New pharmacists licensed in Pennsylvania for less than five years must complete this training twice yearly until they meet the five-year threshold.

Maddy summaryHB 1264 allows the Pennsylvania Adjutant General to lease portions of Fort Indiantown Gap to private businesses or nonprofits that meet specific criteria. These businesses must directly benefit military personnel, veterans, their families, and the local community, with all revenue deposited into the new Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund. The bill establishes clear selection criteria for lessees, prioritizing businesses offering services that support the military community and local residents. It also limits administrative or judicial review of leasing decisions to streamline the process. This bill primarily affects Fort Indiantown Gap personnel, veterans, their families, and local businesses seeking to operate on the installation.

Maddy summaryHB 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Pennsylvania's current Legislative Reapportionment Commission - which includes legislative leaders - with an Independent Redistricting Commission. The new commission would draw state legislative and congressional district boundaries after each federal census, following specific redistricting criteria outlined in the amendment. This change aims to reduce partisan influence by removing direct legislative control over redistricting. The bill does not detail the exact criteria but requires the commission to adhere to them when creating district maps.

Maddy summaryHB 764 establishes the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, a program that provides grants to support the construction, renovation, or expansion of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and retail food businesses in underserved low-income and moderate-income communities across Pennsylvania. The initiative prioritizes projects located in, owned by, or primarily serving Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, as defined by population data from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will administer the program, develop eligibility guidelines, and ensure grants promote local food systems, job creation, and the use of Pennsylvania agricultural products. The bill also creates a dedicated "Fresh Food Financing Initiative Restricted Account" to hold program funds.

Maddy summaryHB 998 exempts drivers of small school buses (carrying 11-15 passengers, including the driver) from needing a school bus driver endorsement or commercial driver's license. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s vehicle code to remove these requirements for buses transporting students to or from public, private, or parochial schools or school-related events. This directly affects school bus drivers operating smaller vehicles under the specified passenger capacity. The key provision eliminates a licensing hurdle for these specific school transportation roles, aligning with existing exemptions for similar vehicle types. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "National Transit Worker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the work of approximately 16,800 public transit employees (including bus/train operators, drivers, and maintenance staff) who support over 237 million annual trips for Pennsylvania residents. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages the public to thank transit workers for their role in connecting communities to jobs, healthcare, and education. It specifically highlights concerns about safety risks transit workers face, including recent incidents of violence. The resolution is symbolic and non-binding, limited to Pennsylvania's House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 776 requires Pennsylvania high school students to score at least 60% on a civic knowledge assessment to graduate or earn a general equivalency diploma, starting in the 2028-2029 school year. The bill amends the Public School Code to add this graduation requirement, which applies to all students except those with an individualized education program (IEP) if their IEP specifies an exemption. The assessment measures knowledge of civic topics like government structure and citizenship. This policy directly affects all Pennsylvania public high school students seeking graduation or a general equivalency diploma.