Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude certain pet adoption fees from sales and use tax. It directly affects nonprofit corporations that act as releasing agencies for dogs under the state's Dog Law. To qualify for this tax exemption, the adoption fees charged by these organizations must not exceed the actual expenses incurred for caring for the animal. The change is set to take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public schools to teach about the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The instruction must total at least seven hours annually and be included within existing social studies and language arts classes. Additionally, the State Board of Education will study how schools are implementing this curriculum and create regulations to ensure compliance if most schools are not currently meeting the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local taxing authorities in Pennsylvania to offer property tax exemptions to developers who redevelop old churches, hospitals, and schools. To oversee these efforts, it creates a new advisory committee within the State Planning Board and gives the Department of Community and Economic Development new powers and responsibilities. The law defines redevelopment as major repairs or construction that improve safety and utility, rather than simple maintenance, and requires developers to sign agreements outlining the terms of the tax breaks.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass federal legislation that would raise the asset limits for Supplemental Security Income eligibility. Currently, individuals can only hold $2,000 in resources and couples can hold $3,000 without losing benefits, a limit that has not been adjusted for inflation since 1989. The proposed federal bill seeks to increase these limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples to help recipients save money and maintain financial stability. The resolution specifically calls for Congress to enact this change, noting that the current strict limits often force people to spend down their assets or face benefit termination.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program to freeze property taxes for eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals in Pennsylvania. To qualify, applicants must own and live in their home for at least 10 years, have a household income of $45,000 or less, and meet specific age or disability criteria. If approved, the property tax amount is locked at the level paid in the base year, and the freeze continues as long as the person remains eligible and renews their application annually. The Department of Revenue will create a standardized application form and publish annual reports detailing how many people participate and the total tax savings generated by the program.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the state's tax code to provide tax relief for victims of Nazi persecution. It specifically exempts from state personal income tax any money received as compensation for the seizure, theft, or forced conversion of income or property that occurred after May 30, 1971. The legislation also clarifies that such compensation is not considered a taxable gain from selling property. These changes apply to tax years starting on or after December 31, 2024, and take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 establishes a new grant program called Solar for Schools to fund solar energy projects at educational institutions. The bill also creates a legal framework requiring owners of solar facilities on leased land to provide financial guarantees that cover the cost of removing the equipment when it stops producing electricity. These financial assurances must remain in place even if the facility is sold to a new owner, ensuring that the original landowner is protected. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Department of Community and Economic Development to manage these grants and outlines specific rules for solar agreements to prevent future cleanup costs from falling on property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Fair Contracting for Health Care Practitioners Act, prohibits employers from enforcing noncompete agreements that restrict health care practitioners from working in Pennsylvania. It declares such contracts void if signed on or after the law takes effect, and invalidates older agreements when a practitioner renews their license or certification. While the law bans restrictions on where doctors can work, it still allows employers to recover certain relocation and training costs over a five-year period. Additionally, the bill requires employers to notify patients within 90 days of a doctor's departure, explaining whether the practitioner will remain in the area or be replaced. The legislation also mandates a study by the Health Care Cost Containment Council to further examine these issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to strengthen policies against bullying and cyberbullying for all public, private, and parochial schools. It requires school districts to adopt or revise their anti-bullying rules by January 1, 2009, to include clear definitions of bullying and cyberbullying, specific disciplinary consequences, and procedures for notifying parents within five days of an incident. The law defines bullying as severe or persistent acts that disrupt a student's education or school environment, while cyberbullying specifically involves these acts committed through computers or mobile devices during school hours. Additionally, the bill mandates that schools designate a staff member to receive bullying reports and ensures parent notifications comply with federal privacy laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to update definitions of deceptive acts and explicitly ban pyramid schemes. It clarifies that businesses cannot mislead consumers about product origins, quality, or availability, nor can they use false claims to disparage competitors. The legislation specifically targets pyramid promotional schemes by defining them as plans where compensation comes primarily from recruiting others rather than selling actual goods or services. Additionally, the bill strengthens rules against deceptive telemarketing by requiring sellers to clearly state their identity and the purpose of the call before asking for any information. These changes directly affect businesses and consumers by establishing clearer boundaries for lawful marketing and sales practices.