Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 2018 requires Pennsylvania law enforcement and courts to disclose specific criminal history records and abuse-related information to the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and local review teams. It directly affects domestic violence fatality review boards, teams, and the individuals whose records are shared. The bill establishes a formal Domestic Violence Fatality Review Program to collect and analyze this information for improving responses to domestic violence cases. Key provisions mandate the disclosure of certain records to these review bodies, aiming to better understand factors in domestic violence fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 397) urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2540, the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act. The resolution supports increasing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) resource limits from $2,000 (individual) and $3,000 (couple) to $10,000 and $20,000, respectively - adjusting for inflation since 1989. It directly affects SSI recipients (primarily seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals) who currently lose benefits or face penalties for holding savings or assets above current limits. The resolution notes that current rules cause over 70,000 annual benefit reductions and 40,000 terminations, limiting financial security and housing options.

Maddy summaryHB 2129 repeals an existing provision about the expiration of unconventional gas well fees and establishes a new severance tax on natural gas extracted from unconventional gas wells. The tax applies to producers (companies or individuals extracting natural gas) starting July 1 of the year after the bill's effective date, calculated using base and additional tax rates. It creates a new tax administration framework in Chapter 43 of Pennsylvania's oil and gas statutes, including penalties for non-compliance. The bill explicitly states this new tax does not affect the existing collection and distribution of the unconventional gas well fee.

Maddy summaryHB 2130 renames the Fort Duquesne Bridge on U.S. Route 279 over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh as the Franco Harris Bridge. This commemorative bill honors Franco Harris, the late Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back and community advocate, by renaming a specific bridge in his hometown. The bill does not create new policies or affect any regulations - its sole purpose is to rename the bridge. The legislation is procedural and has no direct impact on residents, businesses, or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2, 2026, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints and organs that impacts over 1.3 million Americans and carries significant health risks like higher heart attack rates. The resolution is symbolic - meaning it does not create new laws or funding, but rather formally recognizes the day to highlight the disease's challenges and connect to broader health awareness efforts. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by encouraging community recognition of rheumatoid arthritis through official state acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHB 1628 extends Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover pregnancy-related care and postpartum support for up to 12 additional months after childbirth or pregnancy loss (such as miscarriage). It directly affects pregnant and postpartum women who are currently receiving medical assistance, have income below 215% of the federal poverty level, and are not otherwise eligible for ongoing assistance. The bill requires the state to seek federal approval for this extension via a waiver under the Social Security Act, and if federal approval is denied, it mandates a report to the legislature within 180 days detailing how to revise the application for future approval. This change aims to improve access to healthcare during a critical period following pregnancy.

Maddy summaryHB 2113 requires businesses that collect or process inedible kitchen grease (used cooking fats/oils from restaurants and food establishments) to register with Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. It mandates registration fees ($250 annually), detailed vehicle/driver information for transporters, and facility details for processors, with businesses required to display registration decals or certificates. The bill establishes a statewide registry to track these operations and imposes penalties for unregistered activity. This directly affects grease haulers and processors, creating a new regulatory framework for handling this waste stream.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 makes it a minor violation to use, place, or distribute adhesive pest control devices (like glue traps) without authorization. It directly affects the general public, as these devices are commonly used for pest control in homes or businesses. The bill includes two key exceptions: certified pesticide applicators under Pennsylvania's 1973 Pesticide Control Act, and research/governmental agencies using such devices under controlled conditions for scientific or public health purposes. Violations carry a maximum $25 fine, and the law defines "adhesive pest control devices" as any device using sticky or glue-based surfaces to capture or immobilize animals.

Maddy summaryHB 1615 amends Pennsylvania laws related to sentencing, driver licensing, and traffic offenses. It requires notice to drivers when their Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a traffic offense is accepted, and updates penalties for driving under the influence (DUI), including stricter grading for repeat offenses and enhanced penalties for homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. The bill also revises procedures for licensing when a driver's privilege is suspended or revoked. These changes directly affect drivers facing traffic-related charges, courts processing these cases, and prosecutors seeking appropriate penalties. The bill is currently under review in the Transportation committee.

Maddy summaryHB 505 proposes restructuring how electricity companies operate in Pennsylvania by amending the state's public utilities code. It requires electric utilities to implement new energy efficiency and conservation programs for customers, directly affecting both utility companies and residential/commercial electricity users. Key provisions include mandating specific energy-saving measures and updating how utility programs are funded and administered. The bill aims to modernize the electric industry framework while expanding access to efficiency resources for consumers.