Rep. Mark Gillen

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically aligns Pennsylvania with the United Nations' 2005 designation of January 27 as a day to honor Holocaust victims, educate about genocide prevention, and condemn hate based on ethnicity or religion. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a formal statement of recognition. It directly affects Pennsylvania by designating this date for state-level commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 516 amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act by adding specific definitions for "recreational cabin" and "recreational campground" to clarify how the code applies to these structures. The bill defines a recreational cabin as a structure not used as a residence, for commercial purposes (except in campgrounds or state parks), limited to two stories, and meeting other usage criteria. It also defines a recreational campground as an establishment with five or more designated campsites offering amenities like hookups or pools, allowing seasonal stays but excluding RV/tent campsites in state parks. These definitions help local governments, property owners, and developers consistently apply the construction code to recreational properties.

Maddy summaryHB 509 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Financial Recovery Act to require that financially distressed municipalities under receivership must obtain approval from 75% of other municipalities with service agreements or whose residents previously used their water or sewer services before selling, leasing, or disposing of assets. This approval must be a public resolution passed by a majority vote of the other municipality's governing body and communicated to the distressed municipality and receiver within 48 hours. The bill directly affects the asset disposal process for financially distressed municipalities and the municipalities that rely on their water or sewer services.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 9, 2025, as "Charter Day" and Pennsylvania's 344th birthday, commemorating the 1681 charter granted to William Penn by King Charles II. It urges residents, schools, and historical organizations to participate in existing events hosted by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and other state heritage institutions. The resolution has no binding legal effect and does not create new policies or obligations; it solely recognizes a historically observed date through ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryHB 427 requires funeral directors, funeral entities, and certain cemetery companies to notify a county's veterans affairs office within 96 hours when handling the remains of a veteran who lived in that county at the time of death. It specifically applies to cemetery companies only if they are interring cremated remains without prior funeral services. The bill mandates that these providers also give the veteran's family contact details for the county veterans office. This law directly affects funeral and cemetery businesses handling veteran remains in Pennsylvania. It creates a clear notification process to help veterans' families access burial benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 483 strengthens confidentiality protections for personal information provided during Pennsylvania firearm purchases. It makes all buyer details - including name - confidential, barring disclosure except when the buyer faces criminal prosecution related to the purchase. The bill imposes civil penalties of $1,000 per violation or three times actual damages (whichever is greater) on dealers, agencies, or individuals who illegally disclose this information. This directly affects firearm buyers, licensed dealers, and state/local agencies handling firearm transaction data. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 459 designates a 2.5-mile segment of Pennsylvania Route 352 (Middletown Road) between Gradyville Road in Edgmont Township and North Pennell Road in Middletown Township, Delaware County, as the "Chief Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr. Memorial Highway." The bill commemorates Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr., a local firefighter, paramedic, community leader, and business owner who died in 2023. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs along the designated highway. This is a ceremonial naming bill with no policy or funding changes, solely honoring Montgomery's community service.

Maddy summaryHB 477 requires candidates for school district office in Pennsylvania to undergo background checks before appearing on ballots. Specifically, candidates must submit Pennsylvania criminal history reports (limited to certain offenses), Department of Human Services certification regarding child abuse investigations, and federal criminal history records with fingerprints. Candidates are deemed ineligible if they have recent convictions for violent crimes (like assault or kidnapping), sex offenses (including rape or child sexual abuse), felony drug offenses, or appear on sex offender registries. This bill directly affects individuals running for school board positions in Pennsylvania, applying to all such elections held 180 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 412 amends Pennsylvania law to expand group life insurance access for Pennsylvania National Guard members. It allows nonprofit associations to offer group life insurance to eligible Guard members who are on active duty for 30+ consecutive days under specific circumstances, including federal combat deployments, state emergency responses, or federally mobilized duty with state approval. The bill sets coverage limits at $400,000 per member and $100,000 per spouse or dependent, aligning with existing Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance standards. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 447 requires Pennsylvania public schools, private/parochial schools, and government entities to clearly include three specific pieces of information in all communications about immunization requirements: (1) the types of exemptions allowed, (2) that exemptions are accepted, and (3) how to obtain an exemption. This applies to all notices, postings, or publications related to immunization policies. The bill does not change existing immunization requirements or exemption rules but mandates transparent communication about them. It directly affects schools, districts, and government bodies managing student health records and enrollment. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.