Rep. Milou Mackenzie

Maddy summaryHB 2371 modifies Pennsylvania's tax code to temporarily exempt mobile telecommunications services from sales and gross receipts taxes for six months starting in 2026. The bill requires providers to report these services separately and mandates that the tax savings be passed directly to consumers through lower bills, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the legislation ensures that a specific transfer of funds from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act remains consistent with the previous fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's gross receipts tax rules for electric, waterpower, and hydro-electric utilities. It establishes a six-month tax holiday where these companies pay no gross receipts tax, starting in July 2026. The legislation requires utilities to pass the savings from this holiday directly to consumers as a reduction in their bills, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that money transferred from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act for the 2026-2027 fiscal year must match or exceed the amount transferred in the previous year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania to build their own baseload power generation and pay for all costs to connect that power to the grid, regardless of distance. It mandates that electric distribution companies cooperate with these data centers by planning for their energy needs and prohibiting cross-subsidization of their rates with other customers. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for long-term power contracts used by default service providers and gives the state commission authority to define what qualifies as a hyperscale data center.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to increase financial support for student teachers working in subject areas with staffing shortages. It establishes a new provision that adds a minimum grant of $5,000 to the existing Student Teacher Support Grant for eligible students who complete their teaching assignments in these specific shortage areas. The state agency responsible for the program will use departmental data to identify which subjects currently face shortages before distributing these additional funds. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's teacher certification laws to make it easier for educators from other states to get certified in the Commonwealth. It allows the Department of Education to issue a Pennsylvania teaching certificate to out-of-state applicants who already hold a valid license and have completed an approved educator preparation program. To qualify, these applicants must also pass subject matter competency tests and complete required field experience in Pennsylvania. The changes apply to public, private, and parochial schools and will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill directs the Department of Education to create a one-time fee waiver for teacher certification applicants who narrowly failed an assessment. To qualify, an individual must have missed the passing score by three points or fewer, have taken the test only once before, and plan to retake it within one year of seeing their initial results. The Department is required to publish this policy online and share it with teacher training programs and alternative certification providers. The law takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish property tax relief for first responders in Pennsylvania who become disabled due to injuries or illnesses sustained while performing their official duties. The amendment would require the General Assembly to create uniform general laws providing these tax exemptions and special provisions for affected individuals. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this change would permanently modify the state constitution to ensure ongoing property tax relief for disabled first responders. The bill currently requires passage by the General Assembly and subsequent voter approval to become effective.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new criminal offense for interfering with religious worship, which would apply to individuals who intentionally disrupt religious services or block access to places of worship. The law defines interference as knowingly entering or remaining in a religious building after being asked to leave and disrupting activities, or using force, threats, or physical obstruction to harm or impede people exercising their religion. Violations would be classified as third-degree misdemeanors for simple disruption and second-degree misdemeanors for actions involving force or threats. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and defines religious worship locations as buildings or grounds regularly used for religious activities.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates March 25, 2026, as Greek Independence Day within the state. The measure recognizes the historical ties between Greece and the United States, including the influence of ancient Greek democracy on American governance and the significant contributions of Greek Americans to Pennsylvania's economy and culture. It calls on residents to acknowledge the Greek struggle for freedom and the shared values of democracy and self-determination between the two nations. The resolution does not create legal obligations or change laws but serves as a symbolic recognition of the relationship between the states and the Greek community.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania's official migratory bird, recognizing the species' importance to the state's natural heritage and ecosystems. The legislation formally acknowledges that Pennsylvania supports 17% of the global Scarlet Tanager population during breeding season and provides critical habitat in mature oak forests across the Commonwealth. By establishing this official designation, the bill aims to promote awareness of the bird's habitat needs and underscore the state's commitment to conservation and forest management. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.