Rep. Jim Prokopiak

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax code to update definitions for tax benefits and establish new rules for computer data centers and infrastructure projects. It prohibits the state from certifying any new computer data centers after the law takes effect, effectively ending the current incentive program for such facilities. Additionally, the legislation creates a new certification process for the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development program, which sets standards for clean firm energy, including requirements for nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, and hydrogen sources. These changes aim to clarify how tax benefits are administered and to guide future infrastructure investments toward specific energy standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new framework for Pennsylvania public utilities to earn a return on their equity investments, directly affecting investor-owned electric, gas, and water companies regulated by the state commission. It creates a competitive auction process where utilities can bid to set their own return rates based on market conditions, while also providing a default rate of the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield plus 2 percent if no auction occurs. To support this system, the legislation requires utilities to separate their services into distinct legal entities and mandates annual reporting to ensure transparency. Ultimately, the law aims to determine how much profit these utility companies can make on their investments while maintaining oversight through the state commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to create and implement virtual power plant programs by July 1, 2027, which allow customers with eligible energy technologies like solar panels or batteries to participate in grid services. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will review and approve these proposals within 180 days, requiring companies to set enrollment targets and include mechanisms for existing demand response programs. Participants can receive compensation for providing services such as peak load reduction, voltage support, and emergency grid services, with special provisions for low-income customers and disadvantaged communities to receive enhanced upfront payments. The program will establish operational rules for when and how often grid events can occur, including limits on event duration and advance notice requirements, while allowing customers to disenroll without penalties for nonperformance.

Maddy summaryHB 2226 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly prohibit pyramid schemes and similar deceptive promotional plans. The bill adds a new definition clarifying that schemes where participants pay to join and earn compensation primarily by recruiting others (rather than through product sales) are illegal, including "chain-letter plans," "pyramid clubs," and "pyramid promotional schemes." This change directly affects businesses operating such schemes and protects consumers from being misled by these fraudulent programs. The amendment specifically bans practices like requiring participants to pay for "opportunities" to recruit others, while excluding minimal initial payments of $25 or less.

Maddy summaryHB 1460, the Health System Protection Act, requires health care entities (like hospitals and clinics) and certain investors (such as private equity firms) to obtain pre-approval from Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Attorney General before completing major transactions. This applies to sales of assets worth $10 million or more, ownership changes, or large financial distributions that could affect competition, costs, or access to care. The law prohibits transactions deemed "against the public interest," such as those reducing competition, raising prices, or limiting services in rural or low-income areas. Health care entities must either file a notification with a waiting period or get written approval before proceeding.

Maddy summaryHB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for the sale of kratom products in Pennsylvania, requiring businesses to register with the Department of Health and prohibiting the sale of synthetic kratom varieties. It mandates that retailers verify customers are at least 21 years old using electronic ID scanners and strictly forbids sharing this data, while also enforcing specific labeling and child-resistant packaging requirements. Additionally, the legislation imposes a tax on natural kratom products and outlines penalties for violations, aiming to standardize oversight and protect public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act to update definitions and strengthen recycling requirements for manufacturers and retailers. It clarifies which electronics count as covered devices, such as computers, smartphones, and printers, while explicitly excluding items like landline phones and devices built into other appliances. The legislation also introduces a sales prohibition mechanism, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain a list of non-compliant brands that cannot be sold in the state. Additionally, the bill mandates stricter registration, reporting, and enforcement duties for companies involved in the sale of covered devices.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 amends the state's Workers' Compensation Act to change how benefits for injured workers are calculated. The bill specifically addresses the computation of benefits and liability, directly affecting workers who suffer job-related injuries and their employers. Key provisions would adjust the formulas or methods used to determine compensation amounts. The bill was referred to the Labor & Industry committee on November 18, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates October 24, 2026, as "Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day" throughout Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, change regulations, or alter funding, and it has no direct impact on healthcare providers or residents. The measure simply acknowledges the historical use of these medical practices and encourages the public to learn more about them.