Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Maddy summaryHB 623 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to clarify the definition of "compensation" for personal income tax purposes. It adds a new subsection defining "domestic abuse" to include physical, psychological, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse, including control tactics and abuse targeting family members. This change specifically allows tax-free withdrawals from retirement benefits (under 26 U.S.C. § 72) for individuals who have self-certified as victims of domestic abuse within the past five years, without triggering standard penalties. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania taxpayers who qualify under this new definition and access retirement funds for domestic abuse-related hardship.

Maddy summaryHB 612 amends Pennsylvania's Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act to require scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect specific identification details from sellers during scrap material transactions exceeding $100 or involving catalytic converters. Key provisions include collecting driver's license copies, vehicle license plate numbers, seller signatures, and for catalytic converters, vehicle details (year/make/model/VIN), photographs of the converter, and the seller. The bill also mandates a 48-hour payment hold on catalytic converter transactions until law enforcement or a judge authorizes release, with facilities required to keep converters intact during this period. Violations carry fines starting at $5,000 for catalytic converter non-compliance and up to $2,500 for other failures, with repeat offenses classified as misdemeanors.

Maddy summaryHB 626 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry to create and distribute a clear, plain-language notice to sheriffs about local building and zoning requirements after real estate foreclosure sales. The notice must list municipal contacts, indicate whether each municipality enforces Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, and explain permit needs for property construction. Sheriffs must then provide this notice to all purchasers at sheriff's sales - both online and at the sale location - so new owners understand mandatory building rules before starting work. This applies specifically to properties sold under Pennsylvania's Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law and Real Estate Tax Sale Law. The notice must be updated annually by the Department and delivered to sheriffs by December 31 each year.

Maddy summaryHB 631 proposes adding a new "economic bill of rights" to Pennsylvania's state constitution, guaranteeing four specific rights: a living wage for supporting a family (Section 30a), affordable healthcare and health opportunities (30b), safe transportation infrastructure (30c), and safe working conditions (30d). This constitutional amendment would directly affect all Pennsylvania residents by establishing these economic rights as fundamental. The resolution outlines the process requiring two legislative passages by the General Assembly, followed by voter approval at the next eligible election. If approved by voters, it would become part of Pennsylvania's constitution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture and Department of Education to jointly conduct a statewide study of school cafeteria services across all school districts. The study would establish meal quality standards (including portion sizes and vegetarian/vegan options by grade level), compare current meals to those standards, analyze preparation and student meal costs, and recommend legislative actions to improve nutrition. It requires the departments to issue a public report with findings and recommendations within one year. The resolution directly affects all Pennsylvania public school districts by initiating a formal review of meal services and costs.

Maddy summaryHB 637 establishes Pennsylvania's Youth Summer Employment Grant Program, administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. The program provides grants to eligible employers (including businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities) who hire residents aged 15-18 for at least eight weeks during summer, pay at least $15/hour or the state minimum wage, and offer work or educational experiences. Grants amount to $5,000 for 10-20 youth, $10,000 for over 20 youth, with an additional $5,000 if 50% of hired youth live in historically disadvantaged communities (defined as areas with ≥20% poverty for 30+ years). Funding comes from a new nonlapsing Youth Summer Employment Fund in the State Treasury, with the department required to advertise the program to employers and schools.

Maddy summaryHB 669 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to establish standardized early voting procedures for all county elections. The bill requires counties to offer in-person early voting for 30 days before each election (ending the day before Election Day), with specific operating hours: weekday mornings to mid-afternoon, extended hours on the final weekend, and additional holiday hours. It mandates county boards to set up permanent early voting locations based on population size (e.g., at least one location in each of the three largest municipalities in counties over 250,000 people). This directly affects all registered Pennsylvania voters by expanding access to early voting through structured, location-based provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 676 establishes the First Responder Resilience Grant Program to help first responder organizations (like police, fire, and emergency medical services) cover costs for embedding mental health resilience coaches. The program provides competitive grants to defray salaries and overtime for these coaches, who deliver evidence-based support such as stress reduction, peer mentoring, and suicide prevention services. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will administer the program and manage the dedicated First Responder Resilience Grant Fund. This bill directly affects first responder organizations by enabling them to access funding for mental wellness support tailored to the unique stressors of their work.

Maddy summaryHB 98 creates a licensing system for electrical contractors, electricians, and apprentice electricians in Pennsylvania. It establishes the State Board of Electrical Licensure to set qualifications, require continuing education, mandate liability insurance, and enforce standards. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses performing electrical work in buildings, including installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems. Key provisions include setting licensing fees, imposing fines for violations, and creating enforcement mechanisms for the Board to suspend or revoke licenses. The bill also includes an appropriation for the Board's operations.

Maddy summaryHR 78 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study how effectively the state supports infants affected by prenatal substance exposure or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It requires forming an advisory committee - including health, human services, and substance use experts plus a parent with lived experience - to evaluate current "plans of safe care" implementation, including barriers like duplicate reporting requirements and gaps in tracking infant outcomes. The study will assess coordination between health, child welfare, and treatment systems, cost implications, and alignment of policies across agencies. The committee must issue findings within 18 months, focusing on improving support for infants and families without changing existing laws.