Rep. Mark Gillen

Maddy summaryHB 1817 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a specific offense for interfering with or impeding first responders - such as police, firefighters, or paramedics - while they are performing emergency duties. The bill would add this as a new provision under the section on obstructing governmental operations, defining prohibited actions like physically blocking, threatening, or hindering emergency personnel. This change would make such interference a distinct criminal violation, potentially subjecting offenders to penalties under state law. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1818 proposes a constitutional amendment in Pennsylvania that would establish a fundamental right for all citizens to carry, own, and transfer firearms without any licensing, permits, or government restrictions. It would remove all existing requirements for carrying firearms openly or concealed, possessing, purchasing, or transferring firearms, including for self-defense devices. The bill must pass both legislative chambers and then be approved by voters in a general election to become part of the state constitution. As of now, it has only been referred to the Judiciary Committee and is not yet law.

Maddy summaryHB 1807 requires Pennsylvania Medicaid enrollees aged 18 or older (who are physically and mentally capable of work) to work 20 hours weekly or complete 12 monthly job training activities to maintain coverage. Non-compliance results in temporary loss of Medicaid eligibility (3, then 6, then 9 months), with penalties applying after a second year of employment. The bill includes exemptions for full-time students, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, those receiving Supplemental Security Income, and others in specific circumstances. It mandates annual federal waiver applications to implement these requirements, starting March 1, 2026. The policy directly affects working-age adults on Medicaid who do not qualify for exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1803 establishes an Advisory Council focused on PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), conditions affecting children's health. The bill defines the council's responsibilities, including providing guidance to state health officials on these conditions. This council will be created within the state government, with members appointed to address medical, research, and support needs. The bill does not amend existing laws but creates a new advisory structure to improve care for children impacted by PANDAS and PANS.

Maddy summaryHB 1786 updates Pennsylvania's unclaimed property procedures under the Fiscal Code. It requires finders of unclaimed property to register certificates and mandates clearer notice and publication of property lists held by the Commonwealth. The bill clarifies how the state manages and disposes of abandoned property, directly affecting property finders and the state treasury. These changes aim to improve transparency and efficiency in returning unclaimed assets to rightful owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to allow special antique, classic, and collectible license plates. It directly affects owners of qualifying historic vehicles who wish to display these specialized plates. The key provision amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish clear categories and requirements for these plate types. The bill is currently in the Transportation committee after being referred on August 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new sales and use tax exemption for specific agricultural and horticultural products in Pennsylvania. It excludes from tax the retail sale or use of fruit seeds, vegetable seeds, fruit plants, vegetable plants, fruit trees, and other seeds, plants, or trees intended for human consumption. This change directly affects retailers selling these items and consumers purchasing them for personal gardening or food production. The exemption becomes effective 60 days after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1782 designates September 17 as "Constitution Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the federal observance established in 1962. The bill encourages publicly funded schools and universities to hold educational programs about the U.S. Constitution on that date but explicitly states it does not require employers to treat the day as a paid holiday or official holiday. This is a symbolic designation without new mandates or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1758 removes existing rules that prevented employers from disciplining or terminating volunteer firefighters, ambulance staff, or rescue squad members who missed work for emergency calls. It replaces these provisions with a new tax credit program for employers who hire volunteer emergency responders (including firefighters, ambulance personnel, and rescue squad members). The tax credit, available to both private businesses and government entities, helps offset costs associated with employing these volunteers. This bill directly affects volunteer emergency responders and their employers across Pennsylvania by shifting from disciplinary protections to a financial incentive.

Maddy summaryHB 1761 prohibits water utilities and municipal authorities from charging "standby fees" to specific groups. It directly affects volunteer fire companies, nonprofit rescue squads, and nonprofit ambulance services (if they own/occupy buildings with fire protection systems and pay for them), as well as residential property owners with automatic fire protection systems. The bill defines a "standby charge" as an extra fee beyond the actual cost of water service for fire protection systems, and bans this practice. Existing charges for affected groups will continue until the next billing cycle after the law takes effect. The law amends both municipal and utility statutes to enforce this prohibition.