Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryHB 1065 creates a new felony offense for selling unmarked firearm components in Pennsylvania. It specifically targets the sale of firearm frames/receivers, silencer frames, split/modular frames, or partially complete frames without serial numbers registered to a federal firearms licensee. The bill defines "privately made firearm" as one assembled by non-licensed individuals without federal serial markings. This law directly affects sellers of homemade or unlicensed firearm parts, making such sales a third-degree felony. It does not change laws regarding firearm ownership or purchase, only penalizing the sale of unmarked components.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 creates a reimbursement program for land trusts that purchase agricultural conservation easements (permanent restrictions on land use to protect farmland). It allows the state to reimburse land trusts up to $2,500 per acre or 50% of the appraised value for easement purchases (capped at $5,000 per easement) and up to $10,000 for transaction costs like appraisals and legal fees. To qualify, land trusts must register with the state, provide matching funds equal to the reimbursement amount, and meet requirements like securing easements on at least 10 acres with 50% cropland/pasture. The program is funded through an existing Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund, with $200,000 annually reserved for reimbursements, and unused funds revert to the fund by year-end.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates March 2025 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania and recognizes it as "National Problem Gambling Awareness Month." It symbolically urges state agencies (including the Gaming Control Board, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Lottery) to collaborate on public awareness campaigns and treatment promotion. The resolution highlights that 6.5-10 million Americans experience problem gambling annually and emphasizes the need for accessible treatment resources. It has no binding effect but aims to increase public understanding of gambling-related issues.

Maddy summaryHB 1060 increases annual maintenance payments for municipalities that received highway transfers under Pennsylvania's State Highway Law. It raises the base payment from $4,000 to $12,500 per mile for these transferred highways. Starting February 1, 2028, payments will automatically adjust every two years based on the Consumer Price Index (inflation rate), with the department calculating and publishing these adjustments. The bill directly affects municipalities managing highways transferred under Chapter 92 of the State Highway Law.

Maddy summaryHR 44 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges the social work profession's contributions to public well-being. The resolution highlights social workers' roles in supporting vulnerable populations, crisis response, mental health care, and community development, citing their growing numbers and impact. It urges Pennsylvanians to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating the profession during this month. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy or financial effect on residents or social workers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 14, 2025, as "Parkland School Shooting Victims Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the 17 victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal observance for Pennsylvanians to reflect on the tragedy. The resolution expresses condolences to victims' families and references Pennsylvania's existing school safety programs, such as Safe2Say Something and the Office for Safe Schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1055 creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for threatening healthcare workers, specifically targeting threats intended to interfere with their duties. It defines the crime as knowingly making oral/written threats against healthcare practitioners, technicians, or hospital security officers, with penalties escalating from a minor violation for a first offense to a third-degree misdemeanor for repeat offenses. The law requires healthcare facilities to post clear notices about this offense at all public entrances, and a person cannot be convicted if the notice wasn’t displayed (unless they knew about the offense). This bill directly affects anyone making threats against covered healthcare workers in Pennsylvania, aiming to protect them from intimidation during work.

Maddy summaryHB 369 amends Pennsylvania's land bank law by updating two key definitions in the property code. It changes "land bank jurisdiction" to allow two or more small municipalities (each with fewer than 10,000 residents) to form a land bank together through an agreement. The bill also expands "municipality" to include home rule, optional plan, and optional charter municipalities. These changes clarify which local governments can establish land banks under current law. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 60 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to clarify rules for transferring prescriptions between pharmacies. It specifies that prescriptions can only be transferred if the drug is not excluded by federal law, specifically referencing 21 CFR 1306.08 (which governs electronic prescriptions). This change directly affects pharmacies that transfer prescriptions, ensuring state procedures align with federal electronic prescription requirements. The bill updates existing permit rules for pharmacies but does not alter who qualifies for a pharmacy permit.

Maddy summaryHB 1038 creates a new 25% tax credit for Pennsylvania property owners who install green roofs - roofs with vegetation, waterproof membranes, and drainage systems. It directly affects businesses and individuals who construct qualifying green roofs covering at least 50% of a building’s rooftop or 75% of certified eligible space, requiring structural engineering certification and local permits. Applicants must file detailed plans with the Department of Revenue, maintain the roof for five years, and claim credits against annual taxes (capped at $100,000 per applicant yearly), with $10 million in credits available statewide each fiscal year. The credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and requires repayment if maintenance requirements are not met.