Rep. Milou Mackenzie

Maddy summaryHB 927 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania that would prohibit the state from issuing driver's licenses or similar vehicle operation permits to individuals without lawful presence in the United States. This would directly affect non-citizens residing in Pennsylvania without legal immigration status, preventing them from obtaining or renewing driver's licenses under this policy. The amendment requires approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and subsequent voter approval at the next applicable election, as outlined in Section 2 of the resolution. If adopted, it would change the state constitution to mandate legal immigration status as a prerequisite for license issuance.

Maddy summaryHB 575 creates new protections for military service members and veterans seeking professional licenses in Pennsylvania. It ensures that individuals holding licenses in fields like healthcare, education, or trades retain their licenses during military service without losing eligibility or facing continuing education requirements. After discharge, veterans can renew licenses within one year by paying only the current renewal fee, without making up for missed requirements. The bill also requires the Department of Education to establish a policy for awarding academic credit at Pennsylvania colleges for military training, helping veterans apply their service experience toward college credits.

Maddy summaryHB 931 would require applicants for most public benefits in Pennsylvania to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States, such as housing assistance, health programs, and non-excluded food aid. Applicants must submit identification and documentation confirming legal status when applying, but excludes specific programs like SNAP (food stamps) and refugee services as defined by federal law. The requirement does not apply to refugees, permanent residents, or nonimmigrants under certain visa categories. This bill affects individuals seeking state and local public benefits not covered by the exclusions.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's House Resolution 125 is a petition to Congress requesting an Article V constitutional convention to propose amendments focused on three specific areas: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and setting term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution specifies that any convention must be limited to these topics only, cannot consider changes to the Bill of Rights, and requires two-thirds of states to apply for the same purpose before Congress acts. It details Pennsylvania's delegate selection process (five members chosen by the legislature with voting rules) and includes conditions like Congress only setting the convention's time/place, states having equal voting power, and delegates disqualifying if accepting gifts. The resolution explicitly recommends ratification of any amendments through state legislatures rather than conventions.

Maddy summaryHB 896 requires Pennsylvania courts to impose the death penalty on defendants convicted of first-degree murder who are documented as undocumented migrants under U.S. immigration law (defined as violating 8 U.S.C. Ch. 12). The bill amends sentencing procedures to mandate this specific penalty after the court records the defendant's undocumented status, replacing standard sentencing considerations. It directly affects individuals facing first-degree murder charges who lack legal immigration status in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates English as the official language of Pennsylvania and requires state and local government official documents and actions to be in English. It prohibits government policies that favor non-English languages or diminish English's role, while explicitly exempting public safety, health, and justice situations where other languages are necessary. The legislation also restricts the use of state funds to promote or demonstrate preference for languages other than English, with exceptions for foreign language instruction, Native American language preservation, and international commerce. Private businesses and individuals retain the right to use any language they choose, and the law does not apply when federal law requires otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 897 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to prioritize purchasing "American-made" supplies, defined as goods assembled within the United States. The bill adds this definition to procurement rules and mandates agencies to incorporate prioritization into their buying policies. If an agency determines a supply isn’t American-made or unavailable in sufficient quantities, it must publish the decision in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, allowing 30 days for objections with evidence. Affirmed determinations exempt specific supplies from the prioritization requirement.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 115) designates April 2025 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group; instead, it symbolically recognizes the importance of religious liberty and faith in Pennsylvania's history and values. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to "celebrate their faiths freely and openly" through public displays, prayer, and thanksgiving during April 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or binding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill requires public school districts to mail financial information reports to resident taxpayers by first-class mail. The financial data, which is already available online, must be sent starting with the 2024-2025 fiscal year and all subsequent years. The law applies to all public school entities in the state and aims to increase transparency by directly notifying taxpayers about school funding details. The bill takes effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Pennsylvania's meat packing and food preparation industries to verify the work authorization status of their employees using the federal E-Verify system. It applies specifically to businesses with 100 or more employees at a single facility or those licensed under state food safety and meat hygiene laws. Employers must keep verification records for the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer, and the Department of Labor and Industry will be authorized to investigate complaints and inspect business records for compliance. The legislation prohibits knowingly hiring unauthorized employees and establishes a formal complaint process for individuals alleging violations. Penalties for non-compliance are imposed through existing state legal frameworks.