Rep. Jim Prokopiak

Maddy summaryHB 2041 amends Pennsylvania's Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to require health care practitioners to ensure children receive at least one blood lead test by 12 months of age and a second test by 24 months of age, with additional testing mandated between 24 and 72 months if not tested by age 2. The bill also requires blood lead testing for pregnant women who have at least one identified lead exposure risk factor. It clarifies that health insurance must cover these tests without cost-sharing, as defined in the bill. This law directly affects children under 72 months, pregnant women, and health care providers in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1512 requires manufacturers of digital electronic devices (like smartphones and computers) to provide owners and independent repair shops with necessary repair documentation, parts, and tools on fair and reasonable terms. The bill mandates that manufacturers make this information accessible to enable repairs outside of official channels. It also imposes penalties for manufacturers who fail to comply with these requirements. This directly affects device manufacturers and expands repair options for consumers and small repair businesses. The bill passed final passage in the legislature on October 27, 2025, and now awaits review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryHB 855 amends Pennsylvania's municipal tax laws to allow local governments to waive certain interest and penalties for late payments of property taxes or assessments. It directly affects property owners who fall behind on municipal tax payments by providing municipalities with clearer authority to reduce financial penalties. The bill's key provision establishes specific procedures for municipalities to approve these waivers without requiring additional state approval. This change aims to simplify debt resolution for taxpayers while giving local governments more flexibility in managing collections. The bill remains pending in the Finance Committee as of October 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to create new pathways for veterans to become career and technical teachers in public schools. It allows veterans who served at least 8,000 hours (four years full-time) in an occupation they will teach to qualify for a Career and Technical Intern Certificate or Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate, bypassing some standard certification requirements. The bill specifically defines "veteran" as someone discharged under honorable conditions from U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or reserves. This directly affects veterans seeking teaching roles in career and technical education programs across Pennsylvania's public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1942 prohibits businesses from charging higher prices to consumers based on their data collection or surveillance practices. It directly affects consumers who might face discriminatory pricing and businesses that use tracking data to set prices. The bill requires companies to stop using surveillance data (like location or browsing history) to determine price differences, imposing fines for violations. This creates a clear policy change to prevent price discrimination tied to consumer data tracking.

Maddy summaryHB 1734 amends Pennsylvania's turnpike toll collection laws to modernize electronic payment systems. It updates the legal framework for electronic toll collection (like E-ZPass) on state turnpikes, requiring compatible infrastructure and payment methods. This directly affects drivers using Pennsylvania turnpikes who rely on electronic toll systems for payment. The bill focuses on streamlining toll collection processes without changing toll rates or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 amends the definitions within Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code specifically for sales and use tax rules. It updates how certain terms are defined in the tax code, clarifying what goods or services may be subject to these taxes. This bill directly affects businesses and consumers who purchase or sell items covered under the sales and use tax provisions. The change is procedural, focusing solely on refining definitions without altering tax rates or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1416 would create a new criminal offense for interfering with the operation or movement of public transit vehicles, such as buses or trains. It directly affects individuals who physically block doors, assault drivers or passengers, or otherwise disrupt transit service. The bill establishes specific penalties for these actions under Pennsylvania's vehicle laws, treating interference as a criminal violation. This change aims to clarify legal consequences for behaviors that endanger transit operations and passenger safety. The bill is currently stalled, having been "laid on the table" in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1799 amends Pennsylvania's 1992 Tuition Account Programs law to create the Keystone Scholars Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to students attending eligible postsecondary institutions. It establishes a dedicated Keystone Scholars Grant Program Account to fund this new scholarship initiative, directly affecting students and families participating in tuition savings programs. The bill updates existing program definitions, governance structures, and federal tax provisions while adding this new grant option to support educational access. This change expands the state's existing tuition savings framework without altering current program requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 creates a Waterfront Redevelopment Fund to provide grants for revitalizing waterfront areas across the state. It requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to manage the fund and distribute grants to eligible local projects, such as public access improvements or environmental upgrades. This bill directly affects municipalities, community groups, and developers working on waterfront sites by providing dedicated funding for redevelopment initiatives. The program establishes clear administrative procedures for grant applications and disbursement under the department's oversight.