Rep. Roman Kozak

Maddy summaryHB 177 creates "Keystone Opportunity Dairy Zones" in Pennsylvania to support the state's dairy industry. It provides tax benefits - including exemptions, deductions, and credits - for businesses processing at least 75% Pennsylvania milk into dairy products within designated zones. To qualify, businesses must be located in a zone, process Pennsylvania milk locally, and meet specific requirements under the act. The bill directly affects dairy farmers, processors, and local governments by offering financial incentives to boost economic development in the sector.

Maddy summaryHB 752 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen sex offender registration requirements for individuals classified as "sexually violent predators" under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.55(b)(3). It creates a new felony offense (second degree) for knowingly violating registration rules, and adds strict residency restrictions requiring these individuals to live at least 2,500 feet from schools or day-care centers. The bill mandates relocation within six months if they currently live too close to such facilities, or if new schools open nearby, with exceptions for lease expiration. This directly affects individuals subject to lifetime registration under Pennsylvania's sex offender laws.

Maddy summaryHB 739 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Professional Nursing Law to modernize terminology and clarify roles for advanced practice nurses. It replaces "certified registered nurse practitioner" with "APRN-CNP" throughout the law, defines "collaboration" requirements for new APRN-CNPs (requiring 3,600 practice hours before independent work), and updates definitions for "medical nutrition therapy" and "population focus areas." The bill explicitly removes the State Board of Nursing's authority to license APRN-CNPs, shifting that responsibility elsewhere. These changes directly affect registered nurses seeking advanced practice certification and the Board's regulatory role in nursing licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 691 amends Pennsylvania's Public Official Compensation Law to update how annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are calculated and published for state legislators and legislative leaders. The bill maintains that COLA will continue to be based on the Consumer Price Index for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland area, with adjustments calculated using the most recent 12-month data. It specifies that adjusted salaries for legislators must be published within 10 days of determination, while adjustments for legislative leaders (like the Speaker or Majority Leader) must be published 20 days before the change takes effect. This bill directly affects the compensation of all members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and their top leadership.

Maddy summaryHB 548 strengthens Pennsylvania's state preemption of local firearm regulations by declaring that all aspects of firearm regulation - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - must follow state law, invalidating any conflicting local ordinances. It directly affects counties, municipalities, and townships that previously enacted stricter gun rules, as well as residents, gun dealers, or organizations challenging such local laws. Key provisions include creating legal remedies for those harmed by illegal local regulations (allowing lawsuits for damages, attorney fees, and injunctions) and explicitly stating that state law supersedes all local efforts. The bill takes effect in 90 days for its core preemption rules, requiring local governments to align with state firearm laws immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 424 allows Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, counties, or municipal authorities) to publish redundant legal advertisements online alongside traditional newspaper notices. If a newspaper fails to publish an ad on time, the online version becomes valid. Local governments must keep proof of both newspaper payment (like a receipt) and the online posting. This bill amends Titles 45 (Legal Notices) and 65 (Public Officers) to formalize this online redundancy option for public notice requirements. It directly affects political subdivisions responsible for legal advertising and public meeting notices.

Maddy summaryHB 454 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement for a license to carry a firearm (openly or concealed) for most individuals, making it legal to carry without a license statewide, including in Philadelphia where previous restrictions on public streets and property are removed. The bill also repeals provisions about proof of license and related exceptions, while maintaining existing prohibitions for convicted felons and other restricted locations like schools. Additionally, it includes a new provision for a sportsman's firearm permit and specific regulations for antique firearms. The changes directly affect law-abiding Pennsylvanians who previously needed a license for general firearm carry.

Maddy summaryHB 327 creates a new continuous maintenance permit for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and municipalities (including counties, cities, and townships) to maintain waterways, dams, and related infrastructure without needing repeated state approvals. To qualify, applicants must have no history of significant violations and agree to maintain specified areas under the permit. Permits last at least 10 years, require annual reports of maintenance activities by January 15 each year, and can be renewed automatically after 10 years of compliance. This streamlines routine upkeep while ensuring accountability through reporting and adherence to engineering standards.

Maddy summaryHB 313 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to create new exemptions for farm vehicles based on weight. Type A vehicles (under 10,000 lbs) can travel between farms up to 50 miles apart or to businesses within 50 miles for buying/selling agricultural goods or repairs. Type B vehicles (10,000-17,000 lbs) have stricter limits, allowing travel between farms up to 25 miles apart or to businesses within 25 miles for agricultural transactions. All exempt vehicles must operate between sunrise and sunset. This directly affects Pennsylvania farmers using heavy equipment for farm operations, reducing registration requirements for specific on-farm and short-distance agricultural activities.

Maddy summaryHB 311 amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to expand exemptions for agricultural vehicles. It adds a new exemption (Section 1302(2.3)) allowing commercial farm equipment to operate without registration when transported within 50 miles of the owner's business to a nearby farm. This exemption automatically waives the requirement for an official vehicle inspection certificate under Section 4703(b)(2.2). The bill directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses transporting equipment for farm use within the specified distance. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.