Rep. Mark Gillen

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 1105 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to undergo regular zero-based budget reviews, mandating that every program be justified from scratch at least once every five years. Starting in 2026, the Secretary of the Budget must review approximately one-fifth of the state budget annually, with agencies required to submit detailed plans explaining each program's legal basis, estimated impacts if discontinued, and itemized costs for maintaining services at both minimum and current levels. This directly affects all state agencies and the Budget Secretary, shifting budget decisions away from incremental adjustments to past spending. The bill aims to eliminate outdated programs by requiring agencies to prove the necessity and cost-effectiveness of each activity through specific documentation, not just historical spending patterns. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1124 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to protect eligible seniors from losing property tax or rent rebates due to automatic Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). It directly affects seniors currently receiving these rebates who exceed income limits solely because of COLAs. The bill modifies the definition of "income" to specifically state that seniors eligible as of December 31, 2024, remain eligible if their income limit is exceeded only due to Social Security COLAs. This exception applies until December 31, 2028. The change ensures these seniors maintain their rebate eligibility during temporary income spikes caused by federal COLAs.

Maddy summaryHB 1112 allows Pennsylvania electric utility customers to request traditional electromechanical analog meters instead of smart meters. Customers can elect this option by notifying their utility company, and if the utility has already installed smart meters, they may charge the customer for the switch - amortized over 12 months - but cannot impose additional fees. The bill directly affects residential and commercial electricity customers who prefer analog meters for privacy or cost reasons. It defines "electromechanical analog meters" as devices with no wireless capabilities, no power line transmission/reception, and specific safety features, while ensuring costs are recovered through approved utility rates.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 160) urges Congress to amend the PACT Act to include veterans exposed to toxic substances at Camp Carroll military base in South Korea. It specifically seeks to extend the PACT Act's health benefits - which currently cover veterans exposed to toxins at other sites - to veterans who served at Camp Carroll during the Vietnam War era and developed related illnesses like cancer or diabetes. The resolution cites a 2011 report confirming chemical burial at Camp Carroll and notes these veterans remain excluded from PACT Act benefits despite documented health impacts. It does not create new law but formally requests congressional action to correct this exclusion.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow military-connected students to enroll in schools before establishing residency. Specifically, it requires school districts to permit children of active-duty military members (with official transfer orders) to enroll immediately upon providing military orders and proof of intent to move (e.g., lease, home purchase contract). The bill mandates that schools accept transferred credits with their original grades for GPA calculations and requires families to submit residency proof within 45 days of the military transfer date. This directly affects military families relocating within Pennsylvania, ensuring continuity in education during relocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to help agricultural landowners install wildlife deterrent fencing. Eligible landowners who have experienced verifiable crop damage from wildlife (documented through at least 10% loss, physical evidence, and an in-person assessment) can receive 50% cost-sharing for approved fencing. The Department of Agriculture will administer the program, verifying damage and overseeing construction to meet specific wildlife-targeted standards. Funding is set at $4 million for the first year and $2 million annually thereafter, sourced from the Game Fund, with unspent funds after 2036 returned to the Game Fund.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 2) designates March 25, 2025, as "National Medal of Honor Day" within the state. It symbolically recognizes the Medal of Honor - the military's highest award for valor - as first presented on March 25, 1863, and highlights Pennsylvania's 379 Medal of Honor recipients (second-highest in the U.S.). The resolution has no binding effect or new policy requirements; it solely serves to honor recipients and their service through a ceremonial designation. It does not directly affect any individuals or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHR 147 designates May 21, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services for Children Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program - a federal initiative focused on improving emergency care for infants, children, and teens - and honors the healthcare professionals, EMS providers, and families involved in pediatric emergency services. It does not create new laws or alter funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of efforts to enhance pediatric emergency care systems across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Pennsylvania public and private (nonpublic) schools to integrate Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations instruction into social studies and language arts courses starting with the 2027-2028 school year. The state education department must create curriculum guidelines within 12 months of the bill's effective date, covering specific topics like the Holocaust's history, global genocides (including Rwanda), and human rights violations such as systemic discrimination and torture. Schools must provide teacher training on these topics, and the state board will track compliance through a study, potentially requiring mandatory instruction if less than 90% of schools currently offer it. This applies to all public school districts, charter schools, cyber charters, intermediate units, and nonpublic schools upon request.