Rep. Steve Samuelson

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's tax credit program to support semiconductor, biomedical, and clean energy industries while removing older credits for local resource manufacturing and milk processing. Companies seeking these credits must meet specific requirements, such as investing at least $20 million in new facilities, creating 100 permanent jobs, and paying prevailing wages. The legislation also introduces a new tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel and clarifies rules for clean hydrogen hubs. Additionally, the bill expands definitions for early-stage semiconductor businesses to include those with less than $10 million in revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Main Street Act to clarify the funding timeline for downtown commercial enhancement programs. It allows grants to cover administrative costs, such as hiring a manager, for an initial period of up to five years, with the possibility of extending this duration by another five years upon approval. The change directly affects local organizations and businesses participating in the state's commercial revitalization efforts by providing a clearer framework for long-term grant support.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to notify parents when a student is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It mandates that schools provide education about the condition and ensures parents are informed of any medical treatments or care plans involving their child. The legislation also clarifies that these requirements apply to both public and nonpublic schools, including those that operate health units. By making these changes, the law aims to improve communication between schools and families regarding diabetes management.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's consumer protection laws to strictly regulate automatic renewal clauses and negative option plans in consumer transactions. It requires sellers to clearly disclose renewal terms in bold, twelve-point text and mandates that consumers receive advance notice via their chosen communication method before any charges are applied. Additionally, the law prohibits charging a customer's financial account unless the seller obtains explicit, affirmative consent for the renewal, while also setting limits on the length of introductory trial periods. These changes directly affect businesses offering subscription services and consumers who sign up for recurring payments, aiming to increase transparency and prevent unauthorized charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create a new program offering tax credits for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of specific factory and mill buildings. To qualify, a building must be at least 75% vacant for two years, have been constructed before 1973, and undergo substantial repairs costing at least 20% of its market value. The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the certification process, working with municipalities to identify eligible structures and verifying that owners spend the funds strictly on approved improvements. Once a building is certified, businesses operating there can receive a business tax credit if they meet certain criteria, such as maintaining a workforce larger than the previous year. The legislation aims to revitalize older industrial sites by providing financial incentives for their repair and reuse.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates a 19th-century law to allow county recorders of deeds to officially file discharge papers for honorably discharged military personnel. The legislation defines "discharge" to include various forms of separation documents, such as DD Form 214, for individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces or reserve components. Under the new rules, recorders may charge a fifty-cent fee for recording these documents, but the records must remain confidential and only accessible to the veteran, their family, or specific government and judicial entities. Additionally, the bill repeals the original 1868 statute while ensuring that any ongoing administrative actions under the old law can continue under the new framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Older Adult Mentor Volunteer Program to connect older adults with students in public schools, cyber charter schools, and other educational entities. The program requires schools to provide orientation guidelines to volunteers before they begin and mandates that mentors be matched with students based on shared interests, skills, or specific needs. Additionally, the legislation requires schools to obtain parental consent before linking a student with a volunteer and outlines the roles of the Department of Education and the Department of Aging in administering the initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies and managed care plans in Pennsylvania to cover speech therapy for both childhood and neurological stuttering. It mandates that these plans provide unlimited coverage for both habilitative and rehabilitative treatments without restrictions on the number of visits, prior authorization, or specific disease types. The law also ensures that coverage includes both in-person sessions and telehealth services, while excluding school-based therapy solely based on an individualized education program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to update the list of protected characteristics, explicitly adding sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, handicap, disability, and the use of support animals to existing categories like race and age. The legislation directly affects employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and providers of housing and public accommodations by clarifying that discrimination based on these new and existing traits is unlawful. It reinforces the state's policy of ensuring equal opportunity and mandates that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforce these protections through established procedures and penalties. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect religious exercise while maintaining the commission's powers and duties to prevent prejudice and handle complaints.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania State Police to report to the Attorney General and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a background check reveals that a person attempting to buy a firearm is unlawfully present in the United States. Additionally, it mandates that judges inform the State Police about individuals who have been found incompetent, involuntarily committed, or treated for mental health issues, as well as those with drug use or addiction problems. These changes aim to improve the sharing of critical information between state authorities and federal immigration officials regarding firearm eligibility. The law will become effective 60 days after it is signed into legislation.