Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryHB 2185 requires Pennsylvania municipalities with populations over 5,000 (or high-density areas) to allow duplex, triplex, and quadplex housing as a permitted use by right where single-family homes are allowed, without requiring additional approvals. It prohibits municipalities from applying stricter zoning, subdivision, or design rules to these multi-unit housing types than to single-family homes. Developers must demonstrate that existing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, and emergency services) can support new developments before permits are issued. The requirements apply differently based on municipality size: duplexes for 5,000+ residents, duplexes/triplexes for 10,000+, and all three housing types for 20,000+ residents.

Maddy summaryHR 244 is a resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to review how Philadelphia's Public Health Department enforces tobacco sales restrictions at retail outlets. It specifically examines whether investigations into compliance with tobacco sales rules are conducted consistently and fairly across the city. The audit will assess if the department meets its goals for reducing tobacco use, as outlined in its state-funded program. The committee must report findings within 18 months of the resolution's adoption.

Maddy summaryHB 2023 amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to update eviction procedures. It directly affects tenants facing eviction and landlords seeking to regain property by requiring courts to hold hearings before eviction judgments, setting specific deadlines for issuing writs of possession, and clarifying how tenants must pay rent during the legal process. The bill adds new procedural requirements for each step in eviction cases, including detailed rules for rent payments to prevent or resolve disputes. These changes aim to standardize and clarify the eviction process without altering core tenant or landlord rights. The bill is currently referred to the Housing & Community Development committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to allow individuals who have been subject to or witnessed civil rights violations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or cooperating federal/state/local law enforcement during immigration enforcement to file complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The Commission can then refer these complaints to the state Attorney General or the relevant county district attorney. It directly affects Pennsylvanians experiencing or witnessing such violations within the state. The change expands the Commission's authority to address immigration-related enforcement issues under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2183 requires Pennsylvania utility companies (including electricity and natural gas providers) to notify customers when their fixed-rate billing period is ending. Specifically, providers must send two notices: one at least 60 days before the fixed rate ends, and a second at least 30 days before. If a customer continues service after the fixed rate period ends, the company must confirm this change with at least one monthly notice for the first three months. This applies directly to all Pennsylvania utility customers with fixed-rate plans, ensuring clearer communication about rate changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2181 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to define "opioid antagonist" as drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency reversal of opioid overdoses, including naloxone hydrochloride and similar FDA-approved medications. The bill specifically adds these examples to the legal definition within the existing law. This change directly affects healthcare providers, emergency responders, and pharmacists who administer these medications during opioid overdose emergencies by clarifying the legal scope of approved treatments.

Maddy summaryHB 2180 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to notify counties when land containing a permanently closing state correctional facility is offered for sale. The bill mandates that 2% of the facility's total acreage (including road access) be reserved for transfer to the county at no cost, solely for developing affordable housing. Counties must accept this offer within 60 days by submitting a resolution and development plan, and must begin constructing affordable housing units within five years, with units available for lease within ten years of the land transfer. If counties fail to meet these deadlines, the land reverts to the Commonwealth. This bill directly affects counties where correctional facilities are closing, the Department of Corrections, and future affordable housing projects on former prison land.

Maddy summaryHB 2182 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to allow emergency medical services (EMS) providers to administer opioid overdose medications, specifically naloxone and nalmefene, as part of their standard practice. The bill requires the Department of Health to update EMS provider regulations to include these medications within their scope of practice. This change directly affects EMS personnel by enabling them to respond to opioid overdoses more effectively without needing additional authorization during emergencies. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1129 amends Pennsylvania's corporate tax code to establish a new program allowing businesses to transfer unused net operating losses to other corporations, directly affecting companies with tax losses they previously couldn't utilize. The bill repeals outdated penalty provisions and a repealer clause from the 1971 tax code while adding new penalties for non-compliance. Key provisions include creating a formal mechanism for loss transfers and updating tax enforcement rules. This bill is pending in the legislature (last reported as committed on 2025-09-10) and would change how corporations manage tax liabilities under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryHB 1526 requires natural gas utilities in Pennsylvania to develop and implement prevention plans for pipeline deterioration. These plans must address risks from aging infrastructure to prevent failures. The bill directly affects gas utility companies operating in the state, mandating specific preventative measures under the Public Utilities code. It does not specify penalties or funding mechanisms, focusing solely on the requirement for prevention planning. The bill was referred to a committee but was laid on the table without further action.