Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Maddy summaryHB 1017 amends Pennsylvania procurement law to give a 2% price preference to bids for American-made supplies, services, or construction. It directly affects all state government agencies and school entities (including public schools, charter schools, and school districts) when they award contracts. The bill requires agencies to subtract 2% from bids for items meeting the "American-made" definition (where at least 75% of material costs originate in the U.S.) and award contracts based on this adjusted price. Agencies must also verify this qualification with documentation before applying the preference. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing counties (of first and second class) to create special property tax exemptions for longtime owner-occupants in neighborhoods where home values have risen significantly due to renovations or new construction nearby. It would let local governments establish uniform tax rules for these homeowners without increasing overall property tax rates to fund the exemptions. The amendment requires approval by the General Assembly and then a vote by Pennsylvania voters before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1029 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Labor Relations Act to clarify worker protections and union election processes. It defines "employe" more broadly (excluding independent contractors) and bans agreements that prevent workers from joining class or collective lawsuits. Employers must post notices about labor rights and provide detailed voter lists for union elections within two business days of a board order. The bill also adds new unfair labor practices, including coercing workers to sign agreements that limit their right to pursue collective claims. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers, employers, and labor organizations involved in union representation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 972 requires Pennsylvania to catalog state and county-owned assets (like land and buildings) that could support high-speed internet service in areas without reliable access (defined as "unserved" or "underserved"). It establishes a dedicated fund, the Broadband Services Restricted Account, to be filled with lease payments from these assets and used to expand internet infrastructure in those areas. The bill also sets rules for leasing assets to qualified internet providers, directly affecting state agencies, local governments, and companies building broadband networks. This law focuses on making concrete policy changes to leverage public assets for broadband deployment without advocating for specific outcomes.

Maddy summaryHR 133 is a procedural resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study problem-solving courts in the Commonwealth. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but mandates a comprehensive analysis of existing courts (nearly 150 operate statewide). The study will examine court types, accreditation processes, case referrals, defendant demographics, funding comparisons to traditional courts, recidivism outcomes, and alignment with national best practices. The Commission must report findings on these key aspects by a specified deadline.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "Natural Gas Utility Worker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes natural gas utility workers for their role in maintaining infrastructure that provides energy to homes and businesses, including their work during the pandemic and in hazardous conditions. The resolution is purely ceremonial with no new laws or funding, serving only to honor these workers. It aligns with the existing national observance of "National Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day."

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the month to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer, emphasizing the importance of early screening and prevention based on current health data. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to prioritize screenings and adopt preventive health habits. It aligns with national awareness efforts and references recent medical recommendations for screenings starting at age 45.

Maddy summaryHB 964, the Victims of Violence Safe Employment Act, provides eligible Pennsylvania employees with up to 160 hours of protected leave when they or a defined family member experience a "qualifying act" of violence - including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking this leave, and employees can sue if they face adverse actions like termination or demotion for using it. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners, caregivers, and others with significant emotional ties, and "qualifying acts" cover both criminal and non-criminal violent conduct. It requires employers to allow the leave without penalty, with penalties for violations including fines and legal liability.

Maddy summaryHB 362 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to authorize the Energy Development Authority to administer federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for the Solar for All Program. It directs the Authority to distribute funds for residential solar installations, storage, and upgrades to qualifying households across all Pennsylvania counties, prioritizing rural, suburban, and urban communities. The bill specifically prohibits using funds for solar panels or parts made with forced labor (defined as work performed under threat of penalty without voluntary consent) and requires the Public Utility Commission to protect non-participating ratepayers from cross-subsidization. This creates a clear administrative framework for implementing the federal program while adding labor and ratepayer safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 422 creates a new tax deduction for Pennsylvania residents who donate human organs. It allows taxpayers to deduct up to $12,000 annually for unreimbursed expenses directly related to organ donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs. The deduction applies only to the year the transplantation occurred, may be claimed just once in a lifetime, and cannot reduce taxable income below zero. This provision affects organ donors who incur qualifying out-of-pocket costs while living. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.