Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 1195 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify how vacancies in borough council seats are filled. It requires borough councils to fill vacancies within 30 days; if they fail, a special vacancy board (composed of council members excluding the mayor plus one appointed resident) must fill the seat within 15 additional days. If the board fails, the chair must petition the court to appoint a qualified resident to serve until the next municipal election. The bill also allows residents to petition the court directly with 15 signatures if more than half the council seats are vacant. This affects all Pennsylvania boroughs and their residents by streamlining the process for filling council vacancies.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 167 recognizes May 9-18, 2025, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the economic and community benefits of public gardens, including supporting over 2,000 jobs, contributing more than $500 million to the state economy, and welcoming 4.2 million annual visitors. It emphasizes public gardens' roles in conservation, education, and promoting health through outdoor engagement. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or obligations but aims to raise awareness of these institutions' value.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 187) is a ceremonial recognition, not a policy change. It formally designates May 10, 2025, as "National Train Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the historical significance of rail travel. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania residents to learn about train history and the benefits of rail transportation, such as reducing road congestion and supporting environmental goals. It does not create new laws, impose requirements, or directly affect specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 9-15, 2025, as "Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes FBLA, a nonprofit organization that prepares students for business leadership through career-focused education and activities. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it simply honors FBLA’s mission and history in Pennsylvania, including its long-standing presence in schools since 1943. It directly affects Pennsylvania by encouraging public acknowledgment of FBLA’s role in student development.

Maddy summaryHB 1185 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to clarify protections for township officers and streamline township manager roles. It adds that township officers cannot face financial penalties ("surcharge") if they relied in good faith on a written solicitor opinion or a publicly recorded meeting opinion - unless duress or collusion occurred. The bill also revises rules for township managers, allowing boards to appoint individuals or entities (like corporations) for up to two years via binding agreements, while clarifying that managers and their staff are subject to public ethics rules. These changes directly affect township auditors, solicitors, and managers in second-class townships across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHR 97 is a resolution designating the week of May 4-10, 2025, as "Career and Technology Week" and May 7, 2025, as "National Skilled Trades Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the role of career and technical education programs and skilled trades professions in supporting Pennsylvania's economy and workforce development. The resolution highlights how these fields prepare students for high-demand careers in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and technology while addressing workforce shortages. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but aims to raise awareness and honor contributions to Pennsylvania's economic growth.

Maddy summaryHR 114 is a resolution that recognizes the week of March 10 through 14, 2025, as "Civic Learning Week" in Pennsylvania. It highlights the importance of civic education for an informed and engaged citizenry.

Maddy summaryHB 1400 modifies Pennsylvania's film production tax credit by requiring productions employing children to have adults in direct contact with children submit documentation proving compliance with child safety rules. The Department of Revenue will review credit applications, considering the anticipated number of employees under 18, and set application periods of up to 90 days. Taxpayers claiming the credit who fail to meet the expense requirements or this new child contact rule must repay the credit. This bill directly affects film producers in Pennsylvania seeking the tax credit for productions involving children.

Maddy summaryHB 1067 requires retailers in Pennsylvania to display a notice warning consumers about gift card scams and providing guidance on what to do if they suspect a scam, with the notice to be placed at all gift card sales locations. Retailers must also train staff to identify scam patterns, require purchasers to show photo ID at checkout, and report suspected scams to authorities. Non-compliant retailers face civil penalties: $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The law directly affects retailers selling gift cards (excluding those selling cards valid only at their own business) and aims to protect consumers from fraud.