Rep. Mark Gillen

Maddy summaryHB 456, the Restroom Access Act, requires Pennsylvania retail establishments with employee restrooms to allow customers with specific medical conditions to use them during business hours under defined conditions. It directly affects customers who use ostomy devices or have inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) and cannot access a public restroom nearby. To qualify, customers must provide written physician documentation or a nonprofit-issued ID card verifying their condition. Retail businesses violating the law face a civil penalty of up to $500, but the law does not require physical changes to restrooms. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 454 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement for a license to carry a firearm (openly or concealed) for most individuals, making it legal to carry without a license statewide, including in Philadelphia where previous restrictions on public streets and property are removed. The bill also repeals provisions about proof of license and related exceptions, while maintaining existing prohibitions for convicted felons and other restricted locations like schools. Additionally, it includes a new provision for a sportsman's firearm permit and specific regulations for antique firearms. The changes directly affect law-abiding Pennsylvanians who previously needed a license for general firearm carry.

Maddy summaryHB 445 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would explicitly add "land" to the list of protected items under Pennsylvania's right to security from unreasonable searches and seizures. The amendment updates Article I, Section 8 of the state constitution to state that "the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers, land and possessions" from such searches. This change directly affects all Pennsylvania residents by clarifying that land ownership (e.g., property, parcels) is explicitly protected under this constitutional right, mirroring existing protections for other property types. The bill also outlines the procedural steps required for constitutional amendments, including legislative passage and voter approval at the next applicable election. As a proposed amendment, it does not take effect until ratified by voters.

Maddy summaryHB 419 creates special vehicle license plates in Pennsylvania for residents who have received specific military commendation or achievement medals. It allows holders of medals like the Army Commendation Medal or Joint Service Achievement Medal to apply for a plate by paying a $26 fee (in addition to regular registration costs). The plates display the specific medal type and its name, and can only be used on passenger cars or light trucks under 14,000 pounds gross weight. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania veterans or military personnel who qualify for these specific medals. The policy change is purely procedural, adding new plate options without altering military benefits or eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 406 adds a new offense to Pennsylvania law for "kidnapping of animals" under Title 18. It specifically targets two actions: (1) intentionally taking dogs, cats, equines, swine, or cattle for resale, laboratory use, or animal fighting (a felony of the third degree), and (2) taking dogs, cats, or equines without permission for temporary use (a misdemeanor of the third degree). The bill directly affects individuals involved in animal trafficking, commercial handling, or unauthorized temporary possession of these animals. Penalties increase for repeat offenses under both categories.

Maddy summaryHB 379 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration and driver licensing laws to create new exemptions for agricultural purposes. It exempts certain farm equipment (implements of husbandry, trailers, or semitrailers) from registration when operated between a farmer's home and an annual school-hosted agricultural event, limited to trips under 25 miles. The bill also exempts individuals aged 14 or older from needing a driver's license to operate such equipment on public roads during daylight hours for these specific farm-to-school trips. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania farmers and young agricultural workers traveling to educational events. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 394 modifies Pennsylvania's existing tax credit program for municipal fire and emergency medical services volunteers. It allows the tax credit to offset current and future state tax liabilities, and requires municipalities to establish an alternative benefit (like a cash payment) for volunteers who owe no state tax. The credit remains in effect until the local government repeals it. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 395 allows Pennsylvania to grant provisional certification to emergency medical responders (EMRs) who already hold valid national certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). This applies to individuals certified as EMRs, first responders, EMTs, AEMTs, or paramedics. The provisional certification is valid for three years and automatically converts to standard Pennsylvania certification after completing the regular triennial registration process. This change eliminates redundant certification requirements for nationally certified EMTs working in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 397 (Pennsylvania) allows volunteer fire companies to directly bill insurers for emergency medical services provided by certified EMT firefighters during dispatched emergencies. It affects volunteer fire companies and insurers covering emergency medical services under health insurance policies. The bill enables fire companies to submit separate claims for services rendered at emergency scenes, prohibits insurers from requiring contracts for payment, and imposes fines for false claims ($100 for first offense, $1,000 for repeat). This amendment to the 1921 Insurance Company Law clarifies billing procedures for EMT firefighters without changing existing insurance coverage requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 396 creates an emergency certification pathway for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in Pennsylvania public schools. It allows two routes: (1) educators with valid out-of-state CTE certificates meeting Pennsylvania’s standards, or (2) individuals with at least four years of work experience in the teaching field plus industry certifications. Certificates issued under this bill are valid for eight years and convert to full certification after two years of classroom teaching with performance evidence. The bill directly affects CTE educators seeking quicker entry into Pennsylvania classrooms.